Inside the Lab
What is a Flat White?
The Flat White has earned its place on café menus around the world – but what exactly is it? Is it just another version of a latte, or does it have a character of its own? In this guide, we’ll explore the history, taste, and technique behind the beloved Flat White so you’ll know exactly what to expect the next time you order one.
Flat White vs Latte or Cappuccino – what's the difference?
At a glance, the Flat White might look like a small latte. But there are some key differences, especially in the coffee-to-milk ratio and the texture of the milk.
Size: A Flat White is typically served in a 150–180 ml cup – smaller than a latte, which usually ranges from 240–300 ml.
Texture: The milk in a Flat White is microfoamed – silky, smooth, and glossy without the thick, frothy top you get on a cappuccino.
Taste: With less milk, the espresso flavor comes through stronger than in a latte, while remaining velvety and balanced.
In short: A Flat White is for those who want the strength of espresso wrapped in smooth, delicate milk.
Size: A Flat White is typically served in a 150–180 ml cup – smaller than a latte, which usually ranges from 240–300 ml.
Texture: The milk in a Flat White is microfoamed – silky, smooth, and glossy without the thick, frothy top you get on a cappuccino.
Taste: With less milk, the espresso flavor comes through stronger than in a latte, while remaining velvety and balanced.
In short: A Flat White is for those who want the strength of espresso wrapped in smooth, delicate milk.
How to make a Flat White at home
Yes, you can make a Flat White at home – it just takes balance and technique.
What you’ll need:
– A double espresso (18–20g of freshly ground espresso beans)
– 100–120 ml organic milk
– A milk steamer
– A 150–180 ml cup
Step-by-step:
Brew your espresso – Choose a bean with chocolate, nutty, or caramel notes for a smooth taste.
Steam your milk – Aim for silky microfoam that looks like glossy paint, without large bubbles.
Pour carefully – Tilt the cup and pour slowly to preserve the crema and form a thin foam layer.
Pro tip: Once you’ve mastered the basics, add latte art – a heart or rosetta makes it café-worthy.
What you’ll need:
– A double espresso (18–20g of freshly ground espresso beans)
– 100–120 ml organic milk
– A milk steamer
– A 150–180 ml cup
Step-by-step:
Brew your espresso – Choose a bean with chocolate, nutty, or caramel notes for a smooth taste.
Steam your milk – Aim for silky microfoam that looks like glossy paint, without large bubbles.
Pour carefully – Tilt the cup and pour slowly to preserve the crema and form a thin foam layer.
Pro tip: Once you’ve mastered the basics, add latte art – a heart or rosetta makes it café-worthy.
Why choose a Flat White?
The Flat White is beloved by coffee lovers around the world – and for good reason.
– More coffee, less milk – bold but not bitter.
– Perfect balance – espresso-forward with a creamy finish.
– Barista-style at home – explore our brewing gear and master the craft.
At Copenhagen Coffee Lab, we see the Flat White as a modern classic:
Simple, elegant, and full of flavour – everything great coffee should be.
– More coffee, less milk – bold but not bitter.
– Perfect balance – espresso-forward with a creamy finish.
– Barista-style at home – explore our brewing gear and master the craft.
At Copenhagen Coffee Lab, we see the Flat White as a modern classic:
Simple, elegant, and full of flavour – everything great coffee should be.
Ready for your next Flat White?
Whether you sip it outside one of our cafés or brew it at home,
a Flat White proves that good coffee doesn’t have to be complicated.
All you need is quality beans, good technique, and a little care.
Try it yourself with one of our espresso beans – available in our webshop or in our cafés across Europe.
a Flat White proves that good coffee doesn’t have to be complicated.
All you need is quality beans, good technique, and a little care.
Try it yourself with one of our espresso beans – available in our webshop or in our cafés across Europe.
Published
9 July 2025
Updated
29 September 2025
Jonas
Coffee man
Copenhagen Coffee Lab