How to Make a Flat White

Smaller than a latte, bigger than a macchiato, less foamy than a cappuccino: it’s a flat white. If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s definitely time! This Australian-born drink is perfect for those who love a strong espresso milk drink, but don’t want the foaminess of a cappuccino. Here’s how you can make a café-quality flat white at home.

What You'll Need

• 1 Tbsp (14 grams) finely ground espresso beans
• 3 oz of milk
• Espresso machine
• Milk steaming wand or other milk frothing device
• Milk steaming pitcher
• Coffee grinder (optional)
• Kitchen scale (optional)
• Ember Mug²

Directions

1. Pull 2 espresso shots (2 oz) directly into your Ember Mug².
2. Steam and froth milk.

• Pour milk of choice into steaming pitcher.
• Submerge steaming wand just under the surface of the milk. Keep wand submerged and angled to the side of the pitcher in order to create a vortex. This will help evenly texture the milk and prevent large bubbles.
• Steam milk to about 140°F (usually when pitcher begins to feel slightly too hot to the touch comfortably, but not burning).

1. Tap pitcher on counter to break up any bubbles and swirl milk in pitcher. Ideally, you’ll have a smooth, velvety microfoam with no visible bubbles. If you do have large bubbles or any stiff, airy foam on top, use a spoon to skim it off.
2. Pour milk over espresso in your Ember Mug².
3. Serve at 135°F

Want to take your coffee knowledge a bit deeper?

Typically, flat whites are a roughly 5 oz espresso-based drink with steamed milk and little-to-no airy foam. It first became popular in Australia and New Zealand, where customers often ordered their cappuccinos “flat,” i.e. without the traditional layer of thick foam.

Flat whites are usually a few ounces smaller than lattes, but contain the same amount of espresso, giving them a stronger coffee flavor. Flat whites are unique in that they feature a very lightly textured milk. Whereas cappuccinos are usually topped with a layer of aireir foam, the milk in a flat white has a uniform consistency of velvety microfoam.

We recommend enjoying your flat white at 135°F in your temperature-controlled Ember Mug!