How To Make A Latte & Flat White

Here’s how each drink works and how to make them properly.

What’s the difference?

Both drinks usually start with a double shot of espresso (although some might say a Flat White needs to be a ristretto). The main difference between a Latte and a Flat White is how much milk is added to the espresso.

• Latte: larger drink, more milk

• Flat White: smaller drink, less milk

The way you steam and texture your milk is the same for both, it’s the amount of milk that changes. You’ll often see baristas using a smaller milk jug to steam the milk for their Flat Whites.

The Flat White, therefore, has a higher concentration of coffee in the final drink, making it ‘stronger’ in flavour. It’s a little bit like having a single or a double Gin &  Tonic – more gin and less tonic makes for a ‘stronger’ tasting final drink.

A flat white is best thought of as a short, strong latte.

How to Make a Latte in a Cafe

1. Prepare the espresso
   Clean the portafilter, rinse the group head, grind, level, and tamp firmly with straight wrists. Brew a double shot.

2. Steam the milk
   Use a 600ml jug and fill milk just below the spout.
   Purge the steam wand, add a small amount of air, then submerge the tip to create a whirlpool and evenly heat the milk.

3. Polish the milk
   Tap the jug to remove large bubbles and swirl to create a smooth, glossy texture.

4. Pour
   Mix the espresso crema, pour low and central, then finish closer to the surface if adding simple latte art.

Tip: Great flavour matters more than perfect latte art. Taste always comes first.

How to Make a Flat White

1. Use the same espresso
   Brew a double shot, just as you would for a latte.

2. Use less milk
   Fill the jug around 1½–2 fingers below the spout. Some would opt for the 350 ml steaming jug here – this is a matter of preference

3. Steam the same way
   Purge, add minimal air, then whirlpool until the milk is hot but not scalding.

4. Pour
   Pour smoothly into a smaller cup for a shorter, more concentrated drink.

What to recommend

If you have a customer, that doesn’t know the difference, you should say that a flat white is a shorter, stronger latte.

If someone wants a creamier, gentler, longer lasting coffee – go latte. If they want something shorter and stronger – flat white every time.