Preston claimed he had imported the idea to Sydney from his native Queensland, where cafés in the 1960s and 1970s had frequently offered 'White Coffee – flat'. Another Sydney newspaper article in April 1984 satirised a vogue for caffè latte, stating that: 'cafe latte translates as flat white.' Īt Moors Espresso Bar in Sydney, Alan Preston added the beverage to his permanent menu in 1985.

A review of the Sydney café Miller's Treat in May 1983 refers to their 'flat white coffee'. There are references to the beverage in Australia in the 1980s. Another character asks, 'And held hands over two flat whites?'

In Peter Shaffer's play The Private Ear (1962) a character says that he took a woman to an espresso bar in South Kensington (London). 'Flat white' coffee has been recorded since at least the 1960s. The flat white may have originated in Sydney. ( June 2023) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message) Statements consisting only of original research should be removed. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations. This section possibly contains original research. Īccording to a survey of industry commentators a flat white has several defining characteristics, chief among which is a thin layer of velvety microfoam (hence the 'flat' in flat white), as opposed to the significantly thicker layer of foam in a traditional cappuccino.

Allowing the beverage to stand before drinking enhances the experience as the meniscus thickens and adds texture to each sip, resulting in distinct sip rings/tide marks as the beverage is consumed.

Key to the beverage is the crema being coaxed into the meniscus resulting in a uniform dark brown colour across the top of the beverage. Differences in the size of the foam layer differ between regions, with some preferring as little as 1 mm (0.04 in). Milk is frothed and foamy as it would be for a latte but held back to around 20 mm (0.8 in) of microfoam, creating a meniscus. It is comparable to a latte, but smaller in volume and with less microfoam, therefore having a higher proportion of coffee to milk, and milk that is more velvety in consistency – allowing the espresso to dominate the flavour, while being supported by the milk.Ī flat white is generally served in a ceramic cup with saucer. Drink of espresso coffee with steamed milkĪ flat white is a coffee drink consisting of espresso with microfoam (steamed milk with small, fine bubbles and a glossy or velvety consistency).

Flat white clothing