If you’ve ever sipped a creamy, velvety flat white at your favorite café and thought, “I wish I could make this at home,”—you’re in the right place. In this 2025 guide, I’ll walk you through how to make a café-quality flat white in your own kitchen with simple tools, fresh ingredients, and just a little technique. Flat White is also one of the Best Starbucks Coffee drinks you must try.
What Is a Flat White?
A flat white is a coffee drink made with a double shot of espresso and steamed milk with microfoam. Think of it as a creamier, smoother cousin of the cappuccino—less froth, more milk, and stronger coffee flavor.
It originated in Australia or New Zealand (depending on who you ask), and has become a staple in coffee shops worldwide for its bold yet balanced profile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make a flat white at home:
Fresh espresso beans – medium or dark roast
Whole milk (or oat milk for dairy-free) – avoid skim or ultra-filtered varieties
Filtered water – for the cleanest flavor
Optional: coffee scale, milk thermometer, ceramic cup (150–160ml)
Tools That Help (But Aren’t Always Required)
While you can make a flat white with basic gear, these tools elevate your results:
| Tool | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Espresso machine | Essential for authentic espresso shots |
| Milk frother or steam wand | For silky microfoam |
| Burr grinder | Freshly ground beans = better flavor |
| Digital thermometer | Perfect milk temp every time |
| Coffee scale | Consistency in espresso shots |
How to Make a Flat White at Home (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Pull a Double Espresso Shot (36–40ml)
Start by grinding your coffee fresh. Aim for 18–20 grams of coffee for a double shot. Brew using your espresso machine (or a strong alternative like an AeroPress if needed).
Tip: If your shot takes between 25–30 seconds, you’re in the sweet spot.
Step 2: Steam the Milk (Focus on Microfoam)
Use 150ml of cold whole milk (or oat milk). Steam it with a wand or frother until the texture is silky and glossy, not foamy. You’re aiming for microfoam—milk that looks like wet paint.
Temperature guide: 55°C–65°C (130°F–150°F).
Overheating kills the flavor and texture.
Don’t over-froth. A flat white has only 0.5–1 cm of microfoam, unlike the 2–3 cm in cappuccinos.
Step 3: Pour Like a Pro
Pour the milk over your double espresso gently and precisely. Keep the stream steady and close to the cup so the milk blends into the espresso, finishing with a thin layer of foam on top. Want to practice latte art? A flat white is the best drink to learn with.
Tips for a Better Flat White
Use whole milk for the creamiest texture.
Preheat your cup to retain temperature.
Rinse your portafilter before each shot for cleaner flavor.
Experiment with specialty beans for different notes (nutty, fruity, chocolatey).
Try using oat milk if you’re dairy-free—it foams well and complements espresso beautifully.
Flat White vs Latte vs Cappuccino (Quick Breakdown)
| Drink | Espresso | Milk | Foam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat White | Double | Less | Thin microfoam |
| Latte | Single or double | More | More microfoam |
| Cappuccino | Single or double | Less | Thick foam |
The flat white sits right between the latte and cappuccino, with a stronger coffee flavor and smoother milk texture.
Recommended Beans for Flat White (2025 Favorites)
Here are a few top-rated beans ideal for flat whites:
Stumptown Hair Bender – Rich and balanced, a classic.
Counter Culture Big Trouble – Smooth and nutty.
Blue Bottle Beta Blend – Chocolatey with mild fruit notes.
Verve Streetlevel – Bright, clean, and perfect for milk drinks.
You can order top-tier beans from Trade Coffee — they match roasts to your taste.
Final Thoughts: Why Make Flat White at Home?
Learning to make a flat white at home isn’t just about saving $6 at your local café (though that helps!). It’s about understanding the craft of coffee and creating something genuinely satisfying. Once you get the hang of espresso and microfoam, you’ll never settle for average coffee again.
Whether you’re a morning minimalist or a home-barista-in-training, the flat white is a drink worth mastering.
FAQs
Q: Can I make a flat white without an espresso machine?
A: Yes. Use a Moka pot, AeroPress, or strong French press for the coffee, and a handheld milk frother or French press (pumped rapidly) to make microfoam.
Q: Is flat white stronger than a latte?
A: Yes. A flat white uses less milk and more espresso, so it has a bolder taste.
Q: Can I make it with almond or oat milk?
A: Absolutely. Oat milk is the best dairy-free option for steaming; almond milk works but doesn’t foam as well.
Enjoy your perfect flat white—bold, balanced, and beautifully made. If you try it, tag me or leave a comment. I’d love to hear how it turned out!
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
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