Introduction:There are many types of espresso-based coffee drinks. Beyond the common latte and cappuccino, Flat White (also known as Aussie Flat White), Flat White (Fuinwei in some translations), and piccolo also gradually gaining attention. However, many people still have only a vague understanding of the differences among these drinks, especially the distinctions between Flat White, cappuccino, and piccolo. This article will delve into the recipes, milk foam, espresso base, and flavor characteristics of Flat White (Aussie Flat White), Flat White (Fuinwei), piccolo, latte, and cappuccino to help you make the best choice based on your taste preferences, while also providing practical brewing references.
When you walk into a café and order an espresso-based coffee, classic choices such as latte, cappuccino, or Americano are certainly popular, but recently, more nuanced drinks like Flat White (also known as Aussie Flat White or Flat White) and piccolo have also become increasingly favored. Although these coffees all belong to the espresso family, they differ significantly in terms of espresso ratio, milk volume, and foam thickness, which in turn affects the overall mouthfeel and flavor presentation.
Let’s start with Flat White. This coffee, originating from Australia (though some say New Zealand), is known for its delicate foam and rich coffee aroma. The standard recipe for Flat White typically uses a double shot of espresso (or double ristretto), paired with about 180 to 200 milliliters of milk, along with an extremely fine and minimal layer of milk foam. This makes the coffee flavor more prominent, with the milk aroma complementing it just right without overpowering it.The foam layer is usually only about 3 to 5 millimetersthick, which is thinner than that of a latte.
Many people confuse Starbucks’ “Flat White (Fuinwei)” with plain white coffee, but in fact, Fuinwei is one of the Chinese translations for Flat White. In addition to Starbucks calling it Fuinwei, other brands refer to it differently—Costa calls it “Flat White,” McDonald’s calls it “Aussie White,” and Luckin names it “Aussie White.” Though the names vary, most of them refer to the same type of coffee that uses a double shot of espresso (or ristretto) as the base and features a delicate milk foam. Among these, McDonald’s Aussie White has adjusted its roasting and extraction parameters, resulting in a relatively milder bitterness that is suitable for consumers who prefer less bitterness.
As for piccolo (Piccolo Latte), it is a smaller-sized espresso-based coffee with a higher espresso ratio. A standard piccolo uses a single shot of espresso (or ristretto), paired with about 100 milliliters of milk, and is usually served in a small latte cup (with a capacity of about 100 to 120 milliliters). The characteristic of piccolo lies in its closer ratio of coffee to milk, and the foam is also on the finer side, making the overall flavor more intense. It’s suitable for those who enjoy the taste of espresso but still want a bit of milk.
When comparing Flat White, cappuccino, and latte, the main differences can be observed from two aspects: the “ratio of coffee to milk” and the “thickness of the milk foam.” Flat White highlights the coffee aroma the most, with a delicate and minimal layer of foam; cappuccino is characterized by a thick and fluffy foam, with the foam layer typically reaching 1 to 1.5 centimeters, and a more balanced ratio of coffee to milk; whereas latte is dominated by a large amount of milk, with a softer coffee flavor and a looser foam structure. If ranking by sensory experience,the intensity of coffee flavor is roughly: Flat White > cappuccino > latte; while the foam thickness is: cappuccino > latte > Flat White.
The use of ristretto is also one of the key differences between Flat White and other coffee drinks. Ristretto is a type of espresso extracted over a shorter time with a slower flow rate, using the same amount of coffee grounds as a standard espresso (typically around 18 to 20 grams), but only extracting about 18 to 25 grams of coffee liquid within approximately 20 to 25 seconds. Due to the smaller extraction volume, ristretto has a more concentrated flavor, with sweeter and more focused acidity, and is often used in Flat White or piccolo where a higher level of coffee expression is desired. Some Australian baristas prefer to use a double ristretto as the base for Flat White to enhance the richness of the coffee.
To make a high-quality Flat White, choosing the right espresso beans is crucial. It is recommended to select medium-dark to dark roasted espresso blends to ensure that the extracted espresso has sufficient body and depth of flavor. For example, blends using beans from Central and South America and Africa can showcase bright fruit acidity and rich chocolate and nutty notes, which pair well with the delicate milk foam. Additionally, the milk temperature is recommended to be controlled between 55 to 60°C, and care should be taken when steaming to maintain a fine and even foam, avoiding excessive bubbles that could affect the mouthfeel.
When actually making a Flat White, you can follow these steps: first, extract a double shot of espresso or ristretto (it is recommended to use about 20 grams of coffee grounds and extract about 36 to 40 grams of coffee liquid within 20 to 25 seconds); next, steam the milk to a fine and minimal-foam state, with the ideal foam thickness not exceeding 3 millimeters; finally, slowly pour the milk into the espresso, integrating it until the cup is about eight-tenths full, and you can choose a simple latte art pattern such as a heart or dot—or skip the latte art altogether. The key is to enjoy the harmonious interplay of the delicate coffee and milk.
In summary, Flat White, Fuinwei, piccolo, latte, and cappuccino are all espresso-based coffees, yet each has its own unique characteristics. Whether you prefer the bold flavor of coffee itself, a dense milk foam, or the smooth texture of a milk-forward drink, you can find a suitable option among them. Understanding the recipes and differences of these coffees not only helps you order more confidently at cafés but also provides practical guidance for making espresso drinks at home, enhancing your overall coffee tasting experience.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
