Introduction:Since its launch, Starbucks' Flat White has been widely popular, beloved by milk coffee enthusiasts for its rich coffee aroma and delicate microfoam. But is Flat White the same as the commonly seen Australian-style flat white in the market? How many shots of espresso does it use? And what are the extraction characteristics of the Ristretto espresso used? This article delves into the origins of Flat White, the number of espresso shots, extraction principles, compares its similarities and differences with the Australian-style flat white, and also provides calorie information to help you better understand this classic milk coffee.
Since a well-known international coffee chain launched Flat White in 2012, this milk coffee quickly captured the hearts of countless coffee lovers. It combines the smooth texture of a latte with the strong coffee aroma of a cappuccino, becoming an ideal choice for many caffeine enthusiasts. However, how many shots of espresso are actually used in a standard Flat White? Is it the same drink as the often-heard "Australian flat white"? This article will provide a detailed analysis of the definition, cultural background, espresso ratio, and Ristretto extraction method of Flat White, and compare the Australian flat white practices and calorie content of a certain coffee shop, helping you master ordering tips and even replicate similar flavors at home.
The name Flat White, directly translated as "馥芮白", is the Chinese name given by Starbucks to this signature milk coffee, which has been registered as a trademark. In other coffee brands or independent cafés, this drink is more commonly referred to as "Australian flat white coffee". Although the names differ, their foundational concepts are largely similar—both are made with a smaller amount of higher-concentration coffee liquid paired with fine microfoam.
The history of Flat White can be traced back to the 1980s in New Zealand and Australia, where the local coffee culture was heavily influenced by European immigrants. After World War II, espresso technology was introduced. Over time, influenced by the third wave of coffee, the Australasian region gradually developed coffee items with local characteristics, including Flat White, Ristretto, and Piccolo. These drinks emphasize the expression of the coffee itself, focusing on the origin, processing method, and roast level of the beans, with a particular preference for light roasts to showcase fruity notes and layers.
Specialty coffee culture emphasizes the origin and processing methods of coffee beans, typically using light roasting to preserve the original acidity and flavor characteristics of the beans. Such coffees are mostly brewed manually, placing high demands on the barista’s skills—from grind size, water temperature control, to latte art techniques—every step affects the final flavor. Therefore, even with the same coffee beans, different baristas may produce vastly different results.
So, how exactly is Flat White made? How many shots of espresso does it use? According to Starbucks’ official recipe, a Flat White uses "2/3/4 shots of ristretto-style espresso," where "ristretto-style" refers to the more concentrated Ristretto espresso. Compared to the standard espresso typically used in lattes or Americanos, Ristretto is extracted for a shorter time with a slower flow rate, resulting in a more concentrated coffee liquid with a more intense flavor.
The term Ristretto means "restricted" and, in coffee terminology, refers to restricting the extraction volume by only using the first part of the espresso shot—essentially the first half of the extraction from the machine, usually extracting about 70% of the total yield. For example, a standard espresso is typically extracted using 20 grams of coffee grounds to yield 40 grams of coffee liquid, at a 1:2 brew ratio, taking around 30 seconds; whereas a Ristretto might only yield 28 grams of liquid, with a shorter time, and is often adjusted with a finer grind to further slow the flow rate, increasing the concentration and intensity of the espresso. Each café adjusts these parameters flexibly based on the coffee bean variety and desired flavor profile.
In the preparation of Flat White, a certain coffee shop typically uses 28 to 30 grams of Ristretto espresso liquid, paired with about 180 milliliters of steamed milk with fine microfoam whipped to approximately 0.5 centimeters thick, all evenly mixed. This ratio highlights the coffee aroma while maintaining a smooth and soft layer of microfoam, offering a silky mouthfeel with distinct layers.
As for calories, Flat White is primarily composed of milk and Ristretto espresso. Since coffee itself has very few calories, the calorie content of the entire drink mainly comes from the milk. If whole milk is used, with a fat content of about 3.0%, the calorie count is relatively higher; choosing semi-skimmed milk, with around 1.5% fat, results in slightly fewer calories; while skimmed milk, with just 0.5% fat, is the lightest option. For consumers who are mindful of calorie intake or are on a weight-loss journey, Flat White, being free from added sugar or flavorings, remains a relatively healthy coffee option compared to other sugary milk beverages.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
