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Classic Coffee Drinks

 

# Classic Flat White

 

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/)

 

Category: [Classic Coffee Drinks](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/)Tags: Flat White Hot Coffee Dairy Microfoam

 

Active time: approximately 5 minutesYield: 1 serving

 

## Quick answer

The method aims for smooth milk with little thick froth. Fine **bubbles** make the milk glossy and help it blend with espresso; large bubbles create a dry cap that changes the drink. Keep the pitcher moving while steaming and swirl it gently before **pouring**.

## Key takeaways

- The method aims for smooth milk with little thick froth.

- This recipe uses less milk than the latte version, so the espresso should remain easy to taste.

- If the milk pours as liquid with no body, introduce a little more air at the start.

 

![A blue cup of coffee with latte art.](https://www.coffeejay.com/assets/editorial/latte-art-in-blue-cup.avif)

A blue cup of coffee with latte art.

## Ingredients

 

- 60 ml espresso
 
- 100 ml cold **whole milk**.

 

## Method

- Prepare the espresso.

- Steam the milk to a smooth **microfoam** with very little thick froth.

- Pour into a **180–200 ml cup** containing **the espresso**.

 

## Keep the espresso present

 

This **recipe** uses less milk than **the latte** version, so the espresso should remain easy to taste. A smaller cup helps preserve that balance. The name “**flat white**” is used differently between cafés, so this recipe is one home preparation, not a universal standard.

 

### Adjusting the texture

 

If the milk pours as liquid with no **body**, introduce a little more **air** at the start. If it forms a thick **foam** layer, add less air and keep the milk rolling in the pitcher. Milk temperature and steam-wand power vary, so use the appliance’s guidance rather than timing the step by guess.

 

**Compare** **the recipe** with a [caffè latte](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/classic-caff-latte/), which uses more milk, or a [**cappuccino**](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/classic-cappuccino/), which has a more prominent foam layer.

## Pouring smooth milk

 

After steaming, swirl the pitcher gently so the milk and **fine foam** are not separated. Start pouring from a little height to combine the milk with the espresso, then bring the pitcher closer near the end. **Latte** art is optional; the important part is a smooth texture that blends with the coffee.

 

### When the drink tastes unbalanced

 

If the milk covers the espresso, use slightly less milk next time or **review** the espresso before changing the recipe. If the coffee dominates too sharply, check the shot’s flavor and **extraction**. Change one part at a time so you can tell whether the issue came from the coffee or the milk.

Use a small cup that fits **the recipe** so the espresso-to-milk **balance** stays close to the intended style. If you serve the drink in a much larger mug, it may seem milkier even though the ingredient amounts have not changed.

## A tip for serving

Aim for fine, glossy **milk foam** that pours smoothly. A thick cap changes **the texture** of this small, coffee-focused drink.

## Further reading

For background on [**espresso**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espresso) and [milk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milk), see Wikipedia.

[Back to Classic Coffee Drinks](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/) 

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/). [Read our editorial approach](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/editorial-policy/).

This recipe is an editorial starting formulation, not a documented CoffeeJay kitchen test. Adjust flavour and quantities to your ingredients and equipment.

## Related recipes

- [Classic Caffè Latte](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/classic-caff-latte/)

- [Classic Cappuccino](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/classic-cappuccino/)

- [Classic Cortado](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/classic-cortado/)