The flat white is an espresso-based drink that originated from Australia and New Zealand. It’s distinguished by its smooth and velvety texture, which results from the microfoam (steamed milk with fine, small bubbles) poured over a shot of espresso. It’s similar to a latte, but with a higher proportion of coffee to milk, and a velvety consistency rather than the frothy finish of a traditional latte or cappuccino.
How to make flat white at home without machine?
Believe it or not, you don’t need a fancy espresso machine to craft a delicious flat white at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieve that café-quality taste from the comfort of your kitchen.
Ground coffee by Amazon Ground Coffee Caffè Intenso, 1kg (4 x 250g) – Rainforest Alliance Certified (Previously Happy Belly brand)
Ingredients:
- Ground coffee (preferably freshly roasted)
- Fresh full-fat milk
- Hot water
Steps:
- Heat your water until it’s just off the boil (around 90°C or 200°F).
- Add 2 tablespoons of your ground coffee to a French press.
- Pour the hot water into the French press, filling it up to the halfway mark, and let it steep for about 4 minutes.
- While your coffee is brewing, heat your milk. You can do this by placing it in a saucepan on the stove on low heat. Stir continuously to prevent a skin from forming.
- Once your milk is hot but not boiling, whisk it vigorously until it becomes frothy. This will give you the microfoam texture desired for a flat white.
- Press down on the French press plunger and pour your brewed coffee into a mug, filling it up to a third.
- Top off the mug with your frothy milk. Pour slowly to ensure the microfoam mixes well with the coffee.
- Enjoy your homemade flat white!
How to make flat white Starbucks?
When it comes to coffee, Starbucks has its own signature style. The following is how you can recreate their flat white, which emphasizes a strong espresso flavor with a velvety milk texture.
STARBUCKS Espresso Roast, Dark Roast, Whole Bean Coffee 200g (Pack of 6)
Ingredients:
- Starbucks Espresso Roast (or your choice of strong dark roast)
- Fresh full-fat milk
Steps:
- Start by brewing your espresso. Ideally, use an espresso machine, but if you don’t have one, a stovetop moka pot or an Aeropress will work too. Aim for about 60ml or 2 fluid ounces of brewed espresso.
- Steam your milk. If you don’t have a steam wand, you can heat your milk in a saucepan as described above. To achieve the velvety microfoam, use a frother or whisk vigorously.
- First, pour your brewed espresso into a cup.
- Then, pour your steamed milk into the cup, holding back the froth with a spoon to only allow the liquid and microfoam to blend with the espresso. The top should have a thin layer of microfoam.
- If desired, sprinkle with a touch of cocoa or cinnamon for that signature Starbucks finishing touch.
Conclusion
“A well-made flat white is more than just coffee; it’s an experience.”
The allure of the flat white lies in its simplicity, strong espresso balanced with velvety milk. Whether you’re aiming to replicate the Starbucks version or craft one without a machine, the key is in the quality of your ingredients and the technique. Once mastered, you can have a piece of café culture in your own home anytime you wish.
