Introduction:Flat White, Cortado, and Latte are all popular milk-based coffees, but do you know the differences between them? This article takes an in-depth look at the recipe ratios, milk foam texture, and flavor profiles of these three coffee drinks, explaining why Flat White is more demanding on coffee bean quality. It also shares the extraction parameters and milk frothing techniques used by professional shops to help you master this richly flavored coffee beverage.

In the world of specialty coffee, Flat White, Cortado, and Latte are often confused, but there are clear differences among them. Among these, Flat White is the original name of this drink. In Chinese, it is commonly translated as “澳白” or “馥芮白”, but actually, “馥芮白” is a transliteration, while “澳白” is a regional term. This coffee, originating from Australia, is characterized by a high ratio of espresso, a smaller amount of milk, and specially crafted thin and velvety microfoam, resulting in a smooth texture with a pronounced coffee flavor.

From a formulation perspective, Flat White uses a relatively small amount of milk and is based on either a single or double shot of espresso, allowing the aroma and sweet-sour notes of the coffee to stand out more prominently. In contrast, Latte uses more milk and has a thicker layer of foam, making the overall taste smoother and the individual character of the coffee itself relatively subdued. This is why many coffee enthusiasts believe that Flat White can more directly showcase the regional characteristics and processing style of the coffee beans.

So why is Flat White said to be more demanding on the quality of coffee beans? Because it emphasizes the layered flavors of the coffee itself—if the base coffee beans are of poor quality, acidic or off-flavors will be more noticeable. On the other hand, if you choose high-quality and freshly roasted coffee beans, they can release brighter, more nuanced aromas and tastes when complemented by hot milk. Therefore, whether you’re a barista or a coffee lover, selecting high-quality coffee beans is absolutely key when making or enjoying a Flat White.

Generally speaking, a standard Flat White uses one shot of espresso, paired with about 80 ml of hot milk, along with extremely fine and thin microfoam resembling a cicada’s wing, bringing the total volume to around 100 ml. This proportion is designed so that each sip offers a balance between coffee and milk without losing the strong personality of the espresso.

In terms of coffee bean selection, common blends used in Australia often combine flavor characteristics from different regions to achieve a rich and layered taste. For example, a common combination is Honduran coffee beans with Sherry-like flavors and Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Red Cherry natural processed beans. Such a blend can deliver fermented wine notes, vanilla cream, roasted nuts, and caramel sweetness—perfect for crafting a Flat White that highlights delicate flavors.

Taking the extraction parameters commonly used by professional shops as an example, a single shot of espresso typically uses 12.5 grams of finely ground coffee beans, extracted under 10 bar of pressure to yield 18 to 20 grams of coffee liquid, with the entire extraction process taking about 25 to 28 seconds. These parameters ensure a rich crema while extracting sufficient flavor compounds, laying a solid foundation for the subsequent blending with milk.

When making a Flat White, it is recommended to use a cup with a capacity of about 100 ml. First, pour in the prepared single shot of espresso, then slowly add hot milk that has been frothed into thin microfoam. This method not only maintains the fineness of the foam but also allows the coffee and milk to blend evenly. The resulting flavor typically features a rich fermented wine aroma, where the slight acidity of berries is transformed into a soft sweetness under the warmth of the milk, with a lingering note of caramel and chocolate.

In summary, although Flat White, Cortado, and Latte are all milk-based coffees, they differ in terms of milk foam thickness, milk ratio, and flavor expression. If you prefer a drink where the essence of the coffee stands out more and you want to experience the details and layers of the coffee beans, then Flat White is an essential choice. Mastering the correct extraction and milk frothing techniques will allow you to enjoy a professional-grade Flat White experience either at home or in a café.

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