Picture a strong and luscious latte, but without the upper milk mustache that so often accompanies one.
Two shots of finely ground espresso create the base of this bad boy, and then it’s topped with steamed milk with a teeny, little bit of foam for some lovely texture and a dot on top.
And again, no milk mustache!
It’s also a delicious cup of goodness, because it’s a more coffee-forward beverage than a latte or cappuccino. Give me all of that coffee flavor with just a soupçon of dairy!
I was thrilled when Starbucks started serving up flat whites. My budget, however, was not. So I put together a simple recipe that has all the taste and is a little more budget-friendly!
Whether you have a fabulous countertop espresso maker, or a stovetop moka pot, you’re on your way to the perfect afternoon pick me up!
Flat white ingredients, substitutions, and tips
The ingredients in a flat white are simple:
- Two 2oz shots of espresso
- One cup of whole milk.
Can you substitute for whole milk? Of course. But I love whole milk in this because it helps to create the perfect texture for micro-bubbles in the flat white. Of course, if you want a richer texture, you can use half and half, but I highly suggest reaching into the fridge for just good old reliable whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut milk is probably pretty close to the right thickness and mouthfeel.
To get that signature look of the plain dot on top of the espresso/frothed milk, hold the drink at an angle, and pour in the milk. Once it’s almost full, set the cup upright. (It’s not entirely unlike pouring a Guinness, but with less fuss and muss.) And when you set the cup upright, the last of the foam should create that lovely dot when you pour it in!
More Starbucks copycat recipes
I love Starbucks, and I don’t love spending a fortune. Check out these other copycat recipes for wholesome, homemade versions of some of your favorites!
PrintStarbucks Flat White Coffee (Copycat Recipe)
Two shots of finely ground espresso create the base of this drink, and then it’s topped with steamed milk with a teeny, little bit of foam for some lovely texture and a dot on top.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Ingredients
2 shots (2 oz.) espresso
1 cup whole milk
Instructions
Moka Pot Instructions:
Fill the bottom of the moka pot with water to the overflow line.
Pack the coffee into the metal filter of the moka pot using a spoon.
Screw the moka pot together.
Place on the stove, and bring to a boil over medium high heat.
Once the upper chamber of the moka pot is full, pour out 2 ounces of the espresso into a mug.
Steam milk using a frothing wand for 1 minute.
Pour the milk into the mug at a 90 degree angle, when the milk is nearly incorporated, place the mug upright and finish pouring the frothed milk into it ending with a dot on top of the foam.
Espresso Machine Instructions:
Prepare the 2 shots of espresso.
Pour into a mug.
Froth the milk on the espresso machine, and pour into the mug using the directions above.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 148
- Sugar: 12.8g
- Sodium: 106mg
- Fat: 7.9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.6g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7.9g
- Cholesterol: 24mg
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