Small, Regular or Large? How Australians Make Their Flat Whites

Order a flat white in Australia and you might be asked a question you weren’t expecting: small, regular or large?

For a drink traditionally served in a small ceramic cup, the idea of a large flat white might seem a little unusual. But walk into cafés across Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane and you’ll discover that flat whites aren’t always served in one size.

From a quick morning takeaway to a larger coffee for the commute, Australian cafés have adapted the flat white to suit different routines.

But here’s the interesting part: making a flat white bigger isn’t simply about adding more milk. The amount of espresso, the size of the cup and the texture of the milk all influence how your coffee tastes.

So, what’s the difference between a small, regular and large Australian flat white? And how can you make each one at home?

Let’s find out.

The Australian Flat White: A Café Favourite

Few drinks are more closely associated with Australian coffee culture than the flat white.

While both Australia and New Zealand have claims to its origins, the flat white became a defining part of the café experience Down Under.

Unlike a cappuccino, which has a thicker layer of foam, a flat white combines espresso with finely textured steamed milk and a thin, silky layer of microfoam.

The result is a smooth, creamy coffee that allows the flavour of the espresso to shine through.

Traditionally, flat whites were served in relatively small ceramic cups, often around 150–180ml.

But as Australia’s takeaway coffee culture developed, cafés began offering different cup sizes to accommodate customers who wanted something a little larger.

Today, you might find two sizes on the menu, or three or more depending on the café.

Why Do Australian Cafés Offer Different Flat White Sizes?

Australia’s coffee culture has always been about more than the drink itself.

It’s the morning coffee before work, the takeaway on the way to the beach and the weekend catch-up at your local café.

Different sizes give customers more choice.

A smaller flat white might suit someone who enjoys a concentrated espresso flavour, while a larger version provides a longer, milkier drink.

However, there’s no single nationwide standard for Australian coffee sizes.

One café’s regular might be another café’s small. Some increase the number of espresso shots as the cup gets bigger, while others keep the same amount of coffee.

That’s why two flat whites from different Australian cafés can taste surprisingly different, even when ordered in the same size.

Small vs Regular vs Large Flat White: What’s the Difference?

Although sizes vary, the following cup volumes are commonly encountered in Australian takeaway coffee.

Size	Approximate cup capacity	Typical approach
Small	6–8oz (180–240ml)	One or two espresso shots
Regular	8–12oz (240–355ml)	One or two espresso shots
Large	12–16oz (355–475ml)	Often two or more espresso shots

These are illustrative ranges rather than fixed Australian standards. Many cafés offer just regular and large, and the number of shots depends on the venue.

The important difference isn’t necessarily the size of the cup. It’s the balance between espresso and milk.

Small Flat White: For Coffee Lovers

A small flat white is closest to the traditional espresso-forward style.

With less milk in the cup, the coffee’s natural flavour is generally more noticeable.

It’s a great option if you enjoy a rich espresso flavour without drinking black coffee.

A small flat white is particularly well suited to medium and dark roast beans with chocolate, caramel or nutty tasting notes.

Regular Flat White: The Everyday Favourite

A regular flat white offers a little more milk while maintaining the smooth texture that makes the drink so popular.

Depending on the café’s recipe, it can taste slightly milder than a smaller version.

It’s a practical choice for anyone who wants a balanced morning coffee that lasts a little longer.

Large Flat White: A Longer Coffee Experience

A large flat white is designed for customers who prefer a bigger drink.

However, there’s a catch.

If you increase the milk without increasing the espresso, the coffee flavour becomes less concentrated.

That’s why some Australian cafés add an extra espresso shot when preparing larger coffees.

The additional coffee helps maintain a stronger flavour despite the increased volume of milk.

How to Make Small, Regular and Large Flat Whites at Home

You don’t need to be a professional barista to recreate these Australian café favourites.

The key is using a consistent espresso recipe and adjusting the amount of milk and coffee to suit your preferred cup size.

Here are three suggested home recipes. They’re designed to produce a balanced progression from a smaller, stronger-tasting flat white to a larger drink, rather than reproduce one universal Australian café standard.

Small Flat White Recipe – 180ml

Best for: A concentrated, espresso-forward coffee.

You’ll need:

• A 180ml coffee cup
• One double espresso, approximately 36g
• Around 120–140ml of cold milk to steam
• Your favourite G’Day Coffee beans

Method:

1. Grind approximately 18g of coffee beans using a fine espresso grind.
2. Extract a double espresso, aiming for around 36g of brewed coffee as a starting point.
3. Steam your milk until it develops a smooth, glossy texture.
4. Pour the steamed milk gently into the espresso, incorporating a thin layer of microfoam.
5. Stop when your cup is full.

The result should be a smooth flat white with a noticeable coffee flavour.

Our coffee pick: Melbourne Morning, with its rich dark cocoa, malt and cinder toffee notes.

Regular Flat White Recipe – 240ml

Best for: A smooth, balanced everyday coffee.

You’ll need:

• A 240ml coffee cup
• One double espresso, approximately 36g
• Around 180–200ml of cold milk to steam
• Your favourite G’Day Coffee beans

Method:

1. Prepare a double espresso using approximately 18g of ground coffee.
2. Steam your milk, creating fine microfoam without introducing too much air.
3. Swirl the milk jug to maintain a smooth, glossy consistency.
4. Pour the milk into your espresso until the cup is full.
5. Finish with a thin layer of microfoam.

With more milk than the smaller version, this recipe produces a creamier, slightly milder drink.

Our coffee pick: Gold Coast Kick, with its smooth cocoa, roasted nut and caramel tasting notes.

Large Flat White Recipe – 355ml

Best for: A longer, creamy coffee without losing too much espresso character.

You’ll need:

• A 355ml coffee cup
• A triple espresso, approximately 54g, or a double espresso if you prefer a milder drink
• Around 280–300ml of cold milk to steam
• Your favourite G’Day Coffee beans

Method:

1. Prepare approximately 54g of espresso using a triple-shot basket, or a double shot plus a separate single shot.
2. Steam your milk until smooth and silky.
3. Pour the milk steadily into your espresso, keeping the foam layer thin.
4. Fill the cup, allowing the espresso and milk to combine.
5. Enjoy your larger Australian-style flat white.

Using three shots helps maintain the coffee flavour in a larger cup. If you prefer something milder, a double shot works too.

Our coffee pick: Melbourne Morning for a richer flavour, or Gold Coast Kick for something smoother.

Milk quantities are preparation estimates, not exact amounts poured into the cup. Some milk remains in the jug, and steaming increases its volume.

Does a Large Flat White Have More Caffeine?

Not necessarily.

A larger cup doesn’t automatically mean more caffeine.

The caffeine content depends primarily on the coffee used and the number of espresso shots.

For example, a large flat white made with a double espresso could contain approximately the same amount of caffeine as a small flat white made with the same double espresso.

The larger drink would simply contain more milk.

However, if the café adds an additional shot, the large flat white will generally contain more caffeine.

If you’re ordering in Australia and want to know exactly what you’re getting, ask your barista how many shots are included.

Does a Bigger Flat White Taste Weaker?

It can, but it depends on how it’s prepared.

Imagine making two flat whites using the same double espresso.

One is served in a small 180ml cup, while the other is served in a larger 355ml cup.

The larger drink contains considerably more milk, which dilutes the concentration of coffee.

As a result, the smaller flat white will generally taste more intense.

But if you add more espresso to the larger drink, you can maintain a stronger coffee flavour.

That’s why getting the espresso-to-milk balance right matters more than the size printed on the takeaway cup.

How to Get That Australian Café Milk Texture

Whether you’re making a small, regular or large flat white, the milk texture should remain consistent.

A flat white should have smooth, silky microfoam rather than the thick, airy foam associated with a cappuccino.

To achieve this at home:

1. Start with cold milk in a clean stainless-steel jug.
2. Position the steam wand near the surface to introduce a small amount of air.
3. Lower the wand slightly and create a gentle whirlpool.
4. Heat the milk to approximately 55–65°C.
5. Tap the jug gently to remove any large bubbles.
6. Swirl the milk before pouring.

The finished milk should look glossy and flow smoothly.

For larger flat whites, use a suitably sized milk jug and avoid overfilling it.

The goal is to maintain the same silky texture, regardless of how much milk you’re preparing.

Which G’Day Coffee Blend Is Best for a Flat White?

A great flat white starts with coffee beans that complement the natural sweetness of steamed milk.

At G’Day Coffee, our Australian-inspired blends offer three different flavour profiles worth exploring.

Gold Coast Kick – Smooth and Balanced

Roast: Medium
Tasting notes: Cocoa, Roasted Nuts, Caramel

Inspired by Australia’s Gold Coast, Gold Coast Kick is a great everyday choice for flat whites.

Its balanced flavour works particularly well with milk, making it ideal for regular flat whites and anyone who enjoys a smooth, approachable coffee.

Melbourne Morning – Rich and Bold

Roast: Dark
Tasting notes: Dark Cocoa, Malt, Cinder Toffee

Inspired by Melbourne’s café culture, Melbourne Morning is our recommendation for anyone who enjoys a more pronounced espresso flavour.

Its rich, roasted character works well in smaller flat whites and larger versions where you want the coffee flavour to stand out.

Bondi Blend – Easy-Going and Full of Character

Roast: Medium
Tasting notes: Caramel, Spice, Roasted Almond

Inspired by Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, Bondi Blend offers a smooth, distinctive alternative.

Its caramel and roasted almond notes make it a versatile option for flat whites of different sizes.

Explore Our Australian-Inspired Coffee Blends

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Standard Size of a Flat White in Australia?

There isn’t one universal standard. Traditional flat whites are often served in cups around 150–180ml, while takeaway cafés commonly use larger 8oz and 12oz cups.

How Many Shots Are in an Australian Flat White?

It depends on the café. Some use a single shot for smaller coffees and a double shot for larger sizes. Others use double shots as their standard recipe.

Is a Large Flat White Just a Latte?

Not exactly. Flat whites and lattes both contain espresso and steamed milk, but flat whites are generally associated with thinner, more integrated microfoam. In practice, the distinction can become less obvious as cup sizes increase.

What’s the Best Flat White Size?

If you enjoy a stronger coffee flavour, a smaller cup with a double espresso is a great choice. If you prefer a longer, creamier drink, try a regular or large flat white.

Can You Make a Flat White Without an Espresso Machine?

Yes, although the result won’t be identical to a café flat white. You can use concentrated coffee from a moka pot and combine it with warm, finely frothed milk for a similar experience.

Bring the Australian Flat White Experience Home

Whether you prefer a small, regular or large flat white, the best version is the one that suits your taste.

A smaller cup offers a more concentrated coffee experience, while a larger flat white provides a longer, creamier drink.

The trick is finding the right balance between espresso and milk.

From Melbourne’s bustling laneway cafés to Sydney’s coastal coffee spots, Australia’s flat white culture is all about enjoying great coffee as part of everyday life.

And with the right beans and a little practice, you can recreate that experience in your own kitchen.

At G’Day Coffee, we’re bringing a taste of Australian coffee culture to the UK, one cup at a time.

Start Every Day with G’Day.

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