How to Brew the Perfect Flat White at Home
If you’re a fan of the rich, velvety smoothness of a flat white, why not try making it at home? This popular coffee drink is loved for its perfect balance of strong espresso and creamy, textured milk. In this guide, we’ll show you how to brew the perfect flat white right in your own kitchen.
What You’ll Need:
Espresso machine (or a strong coffee maker like an AeroPress)
Freshly roasted coffee beans
Milk (whole milk works best, but you can use alternatives like oat milk)
A milk frother (or the steam wand on your espresso machine)
Digital scale (optional, but recommended for precision)
Step 1: Pull Your Espresso Shot
Start by pulling a shot of espresso. The key to a great flat white is a strong, flavourful espresso base. Use around 18-20 grams of coffee beans and grind them to a fine consistency, similar to table salt. Brew a double shot of espresso, aiming for around 30ml of liquid in 25-30 seconds.
Tip: If your espresso tastes too bitter or too sour, adjust the grind size or extraction time. A flat white is all about balance, so getting the espresso just right is crucial.
Step 2: Steam Your Milk
Flat whites are known for their silky smooth milk texture, so steaming your milk correctly is essential. Use whole milk for the best results, as it creates a rich, creamy microfoam. If you’re using a steam wand, position it just below the surface of the milk and create a whirlpool effect by angling the jug slightly.
Heat the milk to around 60-65°C (140-150°F), which is warm enough to enhance the milk’s sweetness without scalding it. The goal is to create microfoam—tiny bubbles that give the milk a smooth, velvety texture without large, frothy bubbles.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Pour the steamed milk over your espresso shot. Start pouring slowly, and as the cup fills, bring the jug closer to the surface to allow the microfoam to settle on top. This method helps you achieve that classic flat white texture, where the milk and coffee are perfectly integrated.
Tip: For a bit of fun, try your hand at simple latte art! The flat white’s smooth texture makes it a great canvas for creating hearts or rosettas.
Enjoy Your Homemade Flat White
And there you have it—a flat white made at home that rivals your favourite café. Brewing this drink yourself not only saves money but also lets you experiment with different beans and milk types until you find your perfect cup.
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