Google Doodle celebrated the flat white coffee on March 11th, 2011, to commemorate a specific event: the addition of “flat white” to the Oxford English Dictionary [Oxford English Dictionary].https://cdn.jwplayer.com/previews/qRptzuJv
While the exact origin of the flat white is debated, it rose to prominence in Australia and New Zealand during the 1980s. By 2011, it had become a widely recognized and beloved coffee drink, and its official inclusion in the dictionary reflected its growing popularity.
The Google Doodle itself served as a playful tribute to this popular beverage, showcasing the process of making a flat white and highlighting its key characteristics. It wasn’t necessarily a celebration of the flat white itself, but rather a commemoration of its growing cultural significance.
Which is stronger flat white or latte?
The flat white is definitely stronger than a latte. Here’s why:
- Milk Ratio: Flat whites use a much smaller proportion of milk compared to lattes. A typical flat white has around 4-5 ounces of steamed milk for a double shot of espresso, whereas a latte might have 6-8 ounces of milk for the same amount of espresso. This means there’s less milk to dilute the espresso’s strength in a flat white.
- Microfoam vs. Foam: Flat whites use microfoam, a thin layer of tiny bubbles that adds texture without significant volume. Lattes, on the other hand, often have a thicker layer of regular foam, further increasing the milk to espresso ratio and weakening the coffee taste.
So, if you’re looking for a bolder coffee experience, the flat white is the way to go!
What is a flat white vs Americano?
The key difference between a flat white and an Americano boils down to two things: milk and strength. Here’s a breakdown:
Ingredients:
- Flat White: This creamy beverage combines espresso with steamed milk and a thin layer of microfoam (super fine bubbles).
- Americano: This is a purely espresso-based drink. Hot water is added to dilute a shot (or two) of espresso.
Strength and Taste:
- Flat White: The espresso and milk create a balanced taste. The milk tames the espresso’s bitterness while still allowing the coffee flavor to shine. It has a richer and creamier mouthfeel.
- Americano: Since there’s no milk to soften the espresso, Americanos tend to be stronger and more bitter. The taste is closer to a straight espresso shot, but less concentrated due to the added water.
Additional factors:
- Size: Flat whites are generally smaller than Americanos. A flat white is typically around 5-6 ounces, while Americanos can range from 6-12 ounces.
- Calories: Due to the steamed milk, flat whites have more calories than Americanos.
Choosing Between Flat White and Americano:
- If you enjoy a strong, bold coffee flavor, but find straight espresso too intense, an Americano might be your pick.
- If you prefer a more balanced coffee with a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness, the flat white is a better choice.
Ultimately, the best option depends on your personal preference. If you’re unsure, ask your barista for a recommendation based on your taste for coffee strength and milkiness.
Why does flat white come in one size?
There are a few reasons why flat whites are typically offered in one size at coffee shops:
- Preserving the Balance: A flat white is all about achieving a harmonious blend of espresso, steamed milk, and microfoam. The specific proportions of each element contribute to the drink’s signature taste and texture. Making a larger version would require scaling up the milk and microfoam as well, which can easily tip the balance towards a latte-like experience with a weaker coffee punch and more milk.
- Espresso Shot Limitation: Flat whites traditionally use a double shot of espresso (around 2 ounces) as the base. While some cafes might offer a “triple” flat white with an extra shot for a stronger coffee taste, adding even more espresso might overpower the milk and microfoam, again disrupting the balance.
- Focus on Quality over Quantity: Baristas often take pride in crafting the perfect flat white, ensuring the espresso extraction, milk steaming, and microfoam creation are all on point. Offering multiple sizes can make it more challenging to maintain this level of consistency across different volumes.
- Customer Preference: Many flat white enthusiasts appreciate the drink’s size as it allows them to savor the balanced coffee flavor without feeling overwhelmed.
However, there are some exceptions. Some cafes might offer a larger size for those who want a bit more coffee, but it’s not as common as with lattes or other milk-based espresso drinks.
Here’s an additional point to consider:
- Double vs. Single Flat White: If you prefer a larger amount of coffee but still want the flat white experience, some cafes might offer the option of ordering two single flat whites instead of one large one. This allows you to enjoy the same balanced flavor profile in a bigger serving.