The Australian Flat White: What Is It and How Do You Make One?

Smooth, creamy and full of flavour, the Australian flat white has become one of the world's most popular espresso-based coffees.

But what exactly makes a flat white different from a latte or cappuccino? Where did it come from? And how can you make a proper Australian-style flat white at home?

Well this blog post will tell you.

What Is an Australian Flat White?

An Australian flat white is an espresso based coffee made with espresso, steamed milk and a thin layer of silky microfoam.

Unlike a latte, which contains more milk, a flat white is designed to keep the flavour of the espresso at the forefront of the drink. The milk adds sweetness and a creamy texture without overpowering the coffee.

The key is balance.

You want a rich espresso combined with finely textured milk, creating a smooth and velvety drink without a thick layer of foam.

Where Did the Flat White Come From?

The origins of the flat white are a subject of friendly debate.

Both Australia and New Zealand claim to have created the drink, with stories dating back to the 1980s. There isn't a universally accepted answer to who made the first flat white.

What we do know is that the drink became closely associated with the café cultures of Australia and New Zealand before spreading internationally.

Today, you'll find flat whites on coffee menus around the world, from independent cafés to major coffee chains.

What Makes an Australian Flat White Different?

The biggest difference is the relationship between the espresso and milk.

A traditional-style flat white focuses on three things:

Strong espresso
The coffee should have enough body and flavour to remain noticeable through the milk.

Silky microfoam
Instead of large, airy bubbles, the milk should have a smooth, velvety texture.

A balanced ratio
Less milk than a typical latte allows the espresso to play a bigger role.

The result is a coffee that feels creamy without being overly milky.

Flat White vs Latte vs Cappuccino

If you're unsure which coffee to order, here's a simple comparison:

Coffee	Milk	Foam	Coffee flavour
Flat White	Moderate	Fine microfoam	Strong
Latte	More	Light microfoam	Mild
Cappuccino	Moderate	Thick foam	Strong

The exact recipes can vary between cafés, but the texture and proportions are what generally set these drinks apart.

If you want something creamy but still want to taste the espresso, a flat white is a great choice.

How to Make an Australian Flat White at Home

Making a flat white at home is relatively simple if you have an espresso machine and a steam wand.

What You'll Need

• Fresh coffee beans

• Espresso machine

• Coffee grinder

• Fresh milk

• A small coffee cup

1. Grind Your Coffee

Start with freshly roasted coffee beans and grind them for espresso.

Your grind needs to be fine enough to produce a balanced extraction. If the coffee runs too quickly, your grind may be too coarse. If it barely comes through, it may be too fine.

2. Pull Your Espresso

Prepare a double espresso directly into your cup.

A good espresso should have a rich aroma, plenty of body and a layer of golden crema.

The espresso forms the foundation of the flat white, so using fresh, good-quality beans makes a noticeable difference.

3. Steam Your Milk

Steam your milk until it becomes smooth, glossy and silky.

The goal is microfoam, not a large mountain of bubbles. You want very small bubbles incorporated throughout the milk.

Avoid overheating the milk, as excessive heat can affect its sweetness and texture.

4. Pour the Milk

Give the milk a gentle swirl before pouring to keep the texture consistent.

Pour it slowly into the espresso, allowing the milk and coffee to combine.

Finish with a thin layer of microfoam on top.

Your flat white is ready.

Which G'Day Coffee Beans Work Best in a Flat White?

A flat white is all about finding the right balance between espresso and milk, which makes the choice of coffee beans particularly important.

You want beans with enough body and flavour to stand up to steamed milk, while still bringing sweetness and character to the cup.

That's where the G'Day Coffee range works particularly well.

Bondi Blend

Our Bondi Blend is a natural choice for a classic flat white.

It's a medium roast with tasting notes of caramel, spice and roast almond, giving the espresso a smooth, balanced sweetness that works beautifully with steamed milk.

The caramel brings sweetness, while the roasted almond adds body and a gentle nutty character. The result is a creamy, balanced flat white that still lets the espresso shine.

If you're looking for an everyday coffee for your morning flat white, Bondi Blend is a great place to start.

Gold Coast Kick

Prefer something smooth and naturally sweet?

Gold Coast Kick is a medium roast with tasting notes of cocoa, nutty flavours and smooth caramel.

Those flavours pair naturally with milk, making it particularly well suited to a creamy flat white.

The cocoa and caramel bring a rich sweetness to the espresso, while the nutty character adds depth without making the coffee feel heavy.

It's a great option for a relaxed morning flat white.

Melbourne Morning

For those who prefer their flat white with a little more punch, Melbourne Morning brings a darker, richer profile.

It's a dark roast with tasting notes of dark cocoa, malts and cinder toffee.

The deeper roast profile gives the espresso plenty of intensity, allowing it to cut through the milk while still creating a rich and comforting drink.

It's the one to reach for when you want a bold flat white with plenty of character.

What Coffee Beans Are Best for a Flat White?

There isn't one perfect coffee bean for every flat white. It ultimately comes down to how you like your coffee to taste.

However, coffees with good body, sweetness and depth tend to work particularly well with steamed milk.

Look for tasting notes such as:

• Chocolate

• Caramel

• Cocoa

• Nuts

• Toffee

• Spice

Medium roasts can give you a smooth and balanced flat white, while darker roasts can create a richer and more intense cup.

The important thing is choosing coffee with enough flavour to remain present once the milk is added.

The Perfect Flat White: Quick Guide

Want to make your own?

Remember these five things:

Fresh beans → Use recently roasted coffee for the best flavour.

Fine espresso grind → Aim for a balanced extraction.

Good espresso → Look for body, sweetness and a rich crema.

Fine microfoam → Keep the milk smooth and silky.

Less foam → A flat white should be velvety, not frothy.

Get those right and you're well on your way to making a great Australian-style flat white at home.

Final Sip

The Australian flat white is proof that coffee doesn't need to be complicated.

Great espresso, silky steamed milk and the right balance are all you need.

Whether you're making one at home or ordering one at your favourite café, the flat white delivers a smooth, rich coffee experience without letting the milk take over.

So, grab your favourite beans, fire up the espresso machine and start your day with a proper flat white.