A Creamy, Bold Coffee That’s Easy to Master at Home

The flat white is a favorite among coffee lovers for its velvety texture, strong espresso base, and elegant simplicity. Often confused with lattes or cappuccinos, the flat white is in a class of its own. It’s smooth but bold, creamy but not overly milky, and sized just right to give you the full flavor of espresso without being overwhelming.

Whether you’re a passionate home barista or just getting started in your coffee journey, learning how to make a flat white at home is a rewarding experience. This drink is all about precision, texture, and balance—and once you’ve mastered it, you’ll have a café-quality beverage at your fingertips anytime.

What Exactly Is a Flat White?

A flat white is an espresso-based coffee drink made with a double shot of espresso and a thin layer of steamed milk. The milk is textured into microfoam, a smooth and creamy milk consistency with tiny bubbles that integrate seamlessly with the espresso.

Unlike cappuccinos, which have a thick layer of foamed milk, or lattes, which use a higher volume of milk and are usually served in larger cups, the flat white is smaller, stronger, and silkier. It is traditionally served in a 5 to 6 oz (150–180 ml) ceramic cup.

The History and Origin of the Flat White

The flat white is believed to have originated in either Australia or New Zealand in the 1980s. Both countries claim ownership, and the debate continues. Regardless of where it came from, it quickly became a staple in local cafés and eventually made its way into coffee shops around the world—including major chains like Starbucks.

Its appeal lies in its simplicity. It delivers a full espresso flavor softened just enough by perfectly steamed milk, making it the drink of choice for people who want the taste of coffee to shine without being masked by sugar or froth.

What Makes the Flat White Unique?

✔ Made with a double shot of espresso, giving it more strength than a latte
✔ Uses microfoam, not stiff froth, which results in a velvety texture
✔ Smaller in volume than a latte, preserving the espresso’s flavor
✔ Served without sugar or syrups by default
✔ A perfect drink for those who want balance, richness, and smoothness in every sip

Choosing the Right Ingredients for a Flat White

The Coffee

Use freshly roasted espresso beans, preferably medium to dark roast. Grinding your beans just before brewing will ensure maximum freshness and aroma. The flavor of the espresso should be bold but smooth, ideally with notes of chocolate, caramel, or nuts that pair well with milk.

The Milk

Whole milk is ideal because it creates the best microfoam. Its fat content gives the milk a silky finish and helps it blend with the espresso. If you’re lactose intolerant or vegan, try oat milk or barista-style almond milk, which also steam well and provide creamy textures.

Equipment You’ll Need

✔ Espresso machine with steam wand – Essential for making true espresso and steaming milk properly
✔ Milk frothing pitcher – A stainless-steel pitcher helps with steaming control
✔ Coffee grinder – Burr grinders work best for consistent espresso grind
✔ Thermometer (optional) – To monitor milk temperature during steaming
✔ Scale (optional) – For precise espresso-to-milk ratio

If you don’t have an espresso machine, alternatives like a Moka pot or AeroPress can work for a strong coffee base, though they won’t produce true espresso crema.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a Flat White at Home

Step 1: Brew a Double Shot of Espresso

Grind 18 to 20 grams of coffee beans to a fine espresso grind
Tamp evenly and pull a double shot (about 2 oz or 60 ml)
Use freshly filtered water and ensure your machine is preheated
Aim for a brew time of 25 to 30 seconds for rich extraction

If using a Moka pot or AeroPress, aim for a strong, concentrated brew that mimics espresso as closely as possible.

Step 2: Steam the Milk into Microfoam

Pour about 4 to 5 oz (120 to 150 ml) of cold whole milk into your steaming pitcher
Purge the steam wand before starting
Position the wand just under the surface of the milk to create gentle aeration
As the milk warms, lower the pitcher slightly to keep a vortex motion going
Stop steaming when the milk reaches 140–150°F (60–65°C)
Tap the pitcher and swirl to remove any bubbles and polish the surface

The result should be glossy, smooth milk with no large bubbles—this is what gives the flat white its signature creamy mouthfeel.

Step 3: Pour the Milk Over the Espresso

Begin pouring low and slow, aiming into the center of the espresso
Keep the milk stream steady and control the pour to maintain a thin, even layer of microfoam
You should end up with about ¼ inch (6 mm) of foam on top—just enough to coat the surface without overtaking the coffee

Optional: If you’re feeling confident, use the final moments of the pour to create simple latte art. While not necessary for a flat white, it’s a fun way to finish the drink.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

A flat white is best served immediately in a pre-warmed cup. No sugar, no syrups—just pure, balanced flavor. Enjoy it slowly to appreciate the way the microfoam integrates with the espresso with every sip.

Flat White vs. Latte vs. Cappuccino

Understanding the differences between these three popular espresso drinks is key to mastering the flat white.

Flat White
✔ 2 oz espresso
✔ 4 oz steamed milk with microfoam
✔ 5–6 oz total volume
✔ Creamy texture, stronger flavor

Latte
✔ 2 oz espresso
✔ 6–8 oz steamed milk
✔ 1 cm of foam or more
✔ Milder, milkier taste

Cappuccino
✔ 2 oz espresso
✔ 2 oz steamed milk
✔ 2 oz of dense foam
✔ Bold flavor with frothy texture

Flat White Variations to Try

Iced Flat White

Pour chilled espresso over ice
Top with cold milk (no foam), or lightly froth the milk cold
Serve with a metal straw for a refreshing summer version

Oat Milk Flat White

Substitute oat milk for whole milk
Steam oat milk slightly cooler to avoid splitting
Adds a natural sweetness and is completely dairy-free

Mocha Flat White

Add 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup to your espresso
Proceed with steamed milk as normal
Perfect for chocolate lovers who still want strong coffee flavor

Honey Flat White

Mix ½ teaspoon of honey into the espresso
Creates a subtly sweet, smooth version of the classic

Cinnamon Flat White

Sprinkle cinnamon into the milk before steaming or on top as garnish
Adds warmth and a festive touch—great for autumn and winter

Tips for Getting the Perfect Flat White Every Time

✔ Always use fresh beans and grind right before brewing
✔ Don’t overheat the milk—anything above 160°F can scald it
✔ Keep the milk texture tight and glossy for best results
✔ Use a small cup—this preserves the ideal espresso-to-milk ratio
✔ Practice pouring technique to perfect your microfoam finish

When to Enjoy a Flat White

Flat whites are perfect for any time you want a short, smooth coffee with a punch of espresso. Many people enjoy them in the morning as a wake-up drink, but they’re equally good in the afternoon with a pastry or after lunch for a satisfying coffee break.

Flat White Around the World

In Australia and New Zealand, the flat white is a café classic. In the UK, it’s a staple in third-wave coffee shops. In the U.S., it gained traction after being introduced by Starbucks, but many specialty cafés offer more authentic, traditional versions. Its growing popularity has made it one of the most recognizable and respected espresso drinks globally.

Final Thoughts

The flat white is a drink that combines simplicity and sophistication. It celebrates espresso without overwhelming it, and the careful attention to milk texture turns it into something truly special. Whether you’re learning to make coffee at home or just want to expand your café favorites, the flat white deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

By following the steps in this guide and practicing your steaming and pouring skills, you’ll be able to create a delicious, café-style flat white anytime you want—no barista required.