Introduction:Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a Flat White and a Caffè Latte? These two drinks are often mistaken for different beverages, but in reality, they both fall under the same category of espresso-based milk coffee. This article delves into the preparation methods, espresso choices, milk foam control, and flavor profiles of both, while also explaining the difference between regular espresso and ristretto, helping you better understand how to choose and appreciate this classic coffee.

In the minds of many coffee enthusiasts, Flat White and Caffè Latte are often seen as different drinks, but in fact, these three names—Flat White, 奶油白 (Fùruìbái), and 澳瑞白 (Àoruìbái)—usually all refer to the same type of espresso coffee based on espresso and milk. However, the preparation of this drink varies slightly but significantly by region, especially in Australia and New Zealand, resulting in different final flavors.

These differences are mainly reflected in the type of espresso used, the coffee-to-milk ratio, and the thickness of the milk foam. Understanding these details not only allows you to more accurately choose your preferred flavor, but also helps you order more confidently at cafes or when making it at home.

First, let’s clarify the common naming confusion. At Starbucks, this coffee is called “Flat White” (as “馥芮白”), while in some other cafes it might be called “澳瑞白”, but these names mostly refer to the same concept: Flat White. However, coffee professionals in Australia and New Zealand have long debated its place of origin, and because of this, there are slight variations in how it is prepared in different places.

For example, Starbucks’ Flat White often uses ristretto (精粹濃縮) paired with about 0.5 cm of fine, velvety microfoam, which is closer to the New Zealand version. In contrast, the Australian version of Flat White tends to use standard espresso (Espresso), with a slightly higher coffee ratio, a bit less milk, and similarly maintains a thin 0.5 cm layer of foam to highlight the intense flavor of the coffee itself.

Next, let’s understand the difference between regular espresso and ristretto. Both are espresso coffee extracted under high pressure, but the biggest difference lies in the extraction ratio and the resulting flavor profile. Regular espresso (Espresso) is typically made with about 20 grams of coffee grounds to extract 40 grams of coffee liquid, with a coffee-to-water ratio of around 1:2, and an extraction time of about 25 to 30 seconds, yielding a balanced and layered flavor.

Ristretto (精粹濃縮), on the other hand, is extracted with the same grind size and amount of coffee grounds, but with a smaller volume of coffee liquid, usually around a 1:1.6 ratio, and possibly a shorter extraction time, resulting in a more concentrated coffee liquid with a more intense flavor. But be aware, a higher concentration does not necessarily mean better flavor—if the parameters are off, it can easily lead to overly sour or burnt-bitter notes, so careful adjustment is needed.

So, how do you actually make a Flat White? Since each coffee machine and grinder performs differently—including variations in pressure and grind size—all of which affect the extraction result—there is no one-size-fits-all set of standard values. But as a reference, a common starting point is to use 20 grams of coffee grounds, extract 40 grams of coffee liquid at a 1:2 ratio under 9 bar pressure, with the extraction time controlled between 25 to 30 seconds, then fine-tune based on the actual flavor of the output.

After completing the espresso, the next step is to handle the milk. It is recommended to heat the milk to an appropriate temperature and froth it to about 0.5 cm of fine, velvety microfoam. This thickness ensures a smooth mouthfeel without overly masking the coffee’s original flavor. Finally, blend the milk and espresso evenly to complete a Flat White with balanced flavor and delicate texture.

In summary, the difference between Flat White and Caffè Latte mainly lies in the type of espresso used, the extraction ratio, and the choice of milk foam thickness. No matter which method you prefer, you can adjust the ratio of coffee to milk according to your taste preferences to find the cup that suits you best. With an understanding of these basic principles, whether ordering at a cafe or attempting to make espresso at home, you can more confidently enjoy this classic espresso milk coffee.

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.