Flat white 2024: Google Doodle Celebrates Flat White Coffee

April 27, 2024 by robert

History of Flat white

On March 11, 2011, flat white was included in the Oxford English Dictionary. This popular coffee beverage consists of steamed milk on top of a shot of espresso, and it is thought to have originated in Australia and New Zealand, appearing on the menus of Sydney and Auckland in the 1980s.

How is Flat white made?

A flat white consists of an espresso shot topped with steamed milk and micro-foam, served in a ceramic cup. It’s favored by coffee connoisseurs who prefer less foam than a cappuccino or latte. Originally made with whole milk, it’s now commonly ordered with plant-based milks like oat milk. The flat white, popularized in Australia and New Zealand, is now enjoyed worldwide as a beloved morning or afternoon pick-me-up.

Google Doodle celebrates the flat white on March 11, an espresso-based drink originating from Australia and New Zealand. This animated Doodle is visible in various countries, including India. The reason? March 11 marks the day flat white was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2011. Learn how to make the perfect flat white with our guide.

Flat White Ingredients

• Espresso: Quality espresso is the foundation of a great flat white. Discuss the importance of using freshly ground beans and the proper extraction techniques.
• Milk: Opt for high-quality, full-fat milk for a creamy texture. Discuss the importance of steaming milk to achieve the ideal temperature and consistency.
• Optional: Some variations of flat whites incorporate alternative kinds of milk such as oat, almond, or soy to cater to different dietary preferences.

Equipment To Make The Perfect Flat White

• Espresso Machine: A high-quality espresso machine with a capable steam wand is essential for brewing espresso and steaming milk.
• Grinder: Invest in a burr grinder to ensure consistent coffee particle size for optimal extraction.
• Milk Frothing Pitcher: Choose a stainless steel pitcher with a narrow spout for precise pouring.
• Thermometer: Use a thermometer to monitor milk temperature during steaming.

How To Make Flat White 2024: Step-by-Step Preparation

• Start by grinding fresh coffee beans to the desired espresso fineness.
• Pull a double shot of espresso into a preheated cup.
• Steam milk to the ideal temperature (around 60-65°C or 140-150°F) while creating microfoam for a velvety texture.
• Pour the steamed milk over the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon to achieve a thin layer of creamy froth on top.
• Use a gentle, circular motion to pour the milk into the espresso, creating a beautiful pattern known as latte art.

Flat white 2024 Images

How To Make Flat White: Tips for Perfection

• Practice makes perfect: Experiment with different espresso-to-milk ratios and milk-steaming techniques to find your preferred balance.
• Keep it consistent: Maintain consistent grind size, espresso extraction time, and milk steaming temperature for reproducible results.
• Pay attention to details: From the beans’ freshness to the cleanliness of your equipment, every detail matters in crafting the perfect flat white.

Here’s a quick comparison of flat white with similar coffee drinks:

Feature	Flat White	Latte	Cappuccino
Coffee Base	Espresso	Espresso	Espresso
Milk Type	Steamed Milk	Steamed Milk	Steamed Milk
Milk Foam	Microfoam	More Foam	Thick Foam Layer
Milk Proportion	Less Milk	More Milk	More Milk
Coffee Taste Intensity	Stronger	Moderate	Moderate

What Is a Flat White Coffee?

A flat white is an Australian coffee made with espresso and steamed milk. Unlike Italian drinks like cappuccino, it has less frothy milk. Instead, it features espresso topped with velvety microfoam, perfect for showcasing latte art. Popular in American specialty coffee shops for its smooth texture, the flat white likely originated in the 1960s.

Flat White vs. Latte: What’s the Difference?

There are a few differences between these similar-looking coffee drinks.

• Amount of milk: Much like a cortado, a flat white is made with less milk than a caffè latte. Its proportions of warm milk and espresso are typically similar to a cappuccino, although the amount of coffee and milk can vary between coffee shops.
• How it’s served: A flat white is typically served in a small ceramic cup. New Zealanders serve their flat whites in tulip cups, which are also smaller than those used for lattes.
• Type of froth: At first glance, a flat white may look like a small latte, but the distinctive feature of the flat white is its flat, thin layer of microfoam. Because the foam bubbles are small, the milk foam can blend easily with the crema of the espresso, making for a rich, velvety mouthfeel.

Flat white vs Latte

In the realm of espresso-based beverages, both flat white coffee and lattes have notable differences, particularly in their serving sizes. Flat whites are typically served in 160-165ml tulip cups, smaller than the glasses commonly used for lattes and cappuccinos. This distinction impacts the ratio of coffee to milk, thereby influencing the overall flavor profile. As a result of its smaller size, a flat white boasts a higher coffee-to-milk ratio compared to a latte. Consequently, the espresso flavor in a flat white is more pronounced despite using the same amount as in a latte. In contrast, lattes tend to dilute the espresso flavor.