Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with millions of cups consumed every day.
From a morning pick-me-up to a mid-afternoon break, coffee plays a significant role in our daily routines.
With the increasing popularity of coffee, different types of coffee have emerged, each with its unique taste, aroma, and texture.
Two of the most popular coffee types are the flat white and the cappuccino.
In this blog post, we will explore the history and characteristics of these two beverages, compare their differences and similarities, and help you decide which one to choose based on your preferences.
So, let’s dive in and discover the fascinating world of flat white vs cappuccino!
Flat White
The flat white is a popular coffee beverage that originated in Australia or New Zealand, depending on who you ask. It is made by pouring microfoamed milk over a double shot of espresso.
The microfoam is created by steaming the milk until it has a velvety, smooth texture with no visible bubbles.
To prepare a flat white, the barista pulls a double shot of espresso and then carefully pours the microfoamed milk into the cup, aiming for a 1:3 or 1:2 ratio of espresso to milk.
The goal is to create a smooth, creamy coffee with a slightly sweet taste.
The flat white has a distinct taste and texture that sets it apart from other espresso-based drinks.
It has a strong coffee flavor, but the microfoamed milk balances out the bitterness and adds a creamy, silky texture.
The drink is usually served in a small, 5-6 oz. ceramic cup.
While the traditional flat white is made with espresso and milk, several variations are gaining popularity, such as the almond flat white or the coconut flat white.
Some popular accompaniments for a flat white include pastries or small snacks like granola bars or fruit cups.
Cappuccino
The cappuccino is another classic coffee drink that has been enjoyed for decades.
Its origins can be traced back to Italy, where it was first served in the early 1900s.
The drink is made with a single shot of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
To prepare a cappuccino, the barista pulls a single shot of espresso and then steams the milk to create a thick, velvety foam.
The milk and foam are then poured over the espresso, creating three distinct layers: the espresso on the bottom, the steamed milk in the middle, and the foam on top.
The cappuccino has a strong coffee flavor, but the steamed milk and foam add a creamy, slightly sweet taste.
The foam gives the drink a light, airy texture that balances out the richness of the espresso.
The drink is usually served in a 6 oz. ceramic cup.
Like the flat white, there are several variations of the cappuccino, such as the dry cappuccino or the flavored cappuccino.
Some popular accompaniments for a cappuccino include biscotti or other Italian pastries.
Flat White vs Cappuccino: Key Differences
In this section, we will discuss the differences between Flat White and Cappuccino in terms of milk texture and foam, Foam Thickness, Espresso Shot Size, Origin and Culture, and Caffeine Content.
Milk Texture and Ratio
The key difference between a flat white and a cappuccino lies in the texture of the milk used and the ratio of milk to espresso.
In a flat white, the milk is steamed to a velvety, silky texture and the ratio of milk to espresso is higher, resulting in a stronger coffee flavor.
In a cappuccino, the milk is steamed to a thicker, frothier consistency and the ratio of milk to espresso is typically equal, resulting in a lighter coffee flavor.
Foam Thickness
Another key difference between the two drinks is the thickness of the milk foam.
In a flat white, the foam is very thin and only covers the top of the drink, while in a cappuccino, the foam is thick and covers the entire top of the drink, often with a decorative pattern created by the barista.
Origin and Culture
The flat white originated in Australia or New Zealand and is a popular drink in these countries as well as in the UK.
In contrast, the cappuccino is an Italian drink that has become popular worldwide.
As a result, the cultural significance and preparation methods of the two drinks can differ depending on the region or country in which they are consumed.
Espresso Shot Size
The size of the espresso shot used in a flat white and a cappuccino can also differ.
A flat white is traditionally made with a double shot of espresso, whereas a cappuccino can be made with a single or double shot (typically single), depending on the preference of the drinker.
The larger size of the espresso shot used in a flat white can contribute to its stronger coffee flavor compared to a cappuccino.
Flat White vs Cappuccino: Key Similarities
A flat white and cappuccino are both popular espresso-based drinks that are enjoyed by coffee lovers all over the world.
Despite having some differences, they also share some key similarities.
Espresso
Both drinks are made with espresso as their base ingredient.
The espresso is extracted from finely ground coffee beans using a machine that forces hot water through the coffee at high pressure.
This creates a concentrated shot of coffee that forms the foundation of both the flat white and cappuccino.
Steamed Milk
Both drinks are traditionally made with steamed milk.
The milk is heated and frothed using a steam wand attached to the espresso machine, which creates a velvety texture and adds a creamy sweetness to the coffee.
In a flat white, the milk is steamed and frothed to create a microfoam, which is then poured over the espresso shot.
In a cappuccino, the milk is usually frothed more, creating a thicker layer of foam on top of the espresso shot.
Serving Size
Both drinks are often served in smaller portions than other coffee drinks like lattes or mochas.
This allows the flavors of the espresso and steamed milk to shine through, giving the drink a bold and intense taste.
How to Make a Flat White and Cappuccino at Home
Making a flat white or cappuccino at home may seem daunting, but with the right equipment and technique, it’s actually quite simple.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making both drinks:
Ingredients:
- Espresso beans
- Milk (whole or skim)
- Water
Tools:
- Espresso machine
- Milk frother
- Tamper
- Coffee grinder
- Thermometer
- Coffee cup
Steps to Make a Cappuccino:
- Grind your espresso beans and tamp the grounds into the portafilter of your espresso machine.
- Heat your milk in a pitcher using a milk frother until it reaches around 150°F (65°C).
- Brew your espresso shot directly into your coffee cup.
- Pour the heated milk over the espresso shot, holding back the froth with a spoon.
- Spoon the frothed milk on top of the steamed milk and espresso, creating a layered effect.
- Serve and enjoy!
Steps to Make a Flat White:
- Grind your espresso beans and tamp the grounds into the portafilter of your espresso machine.
- Heat your milk in a pitcher using a milk frother until it reaches around 150°F (65°C).
- Brew a double shot of espresso directly into your coffee cup.
- Pour the heated milk over the espresso shot, holding back the froth with a spoon.
- Using the milk frother, create a thin layer of microfoam on top of the steamed milk and espresso.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality espresso beans for the best flavor.
- Experiment with different milk types and temperatures to find the perfect balance for your taste preferences.
- Practice your milk frothing technique to create the perfect texture for your drinks.
- Preheat your coffee cup by running hot water through it before brewing your espresso shot.
Flat White vs Cappuccino: Which Should You Pick?
A cappuccino and a flat white are both popular coffee drinks, but they differ in terms of their ingredients and preparation method.
Understanding their differences can help you determine which drink is best suited to your taste preferences.
A cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk.
The frothed milk is then spooned on top of the espresso and steamed milk mixture. Cappuccinos typically have a strong, bold flavor.
A flat white, on the other hand, is made with a double shot of espresso and steamed milk, but it has less foam than a cappuccino.
The milk used in a flat white is also more velvety and creamy than the frothy milk used in a cappuccino.
Flat whites have a smoother, less bitter flavor due to the increased milk.
So, who are these drinks best suited for?
If you enjoy a bold coffee flavor and the texture of frothy milk, then a cappuccino is a great choice for you.
If you prefer a smoother, creamier coffee flavor and a larger serving size, then a flat white is the way to go.
Ultimately, the choice between a cappuccino and a flat white comes down to personal preference.
Both drinks are delicious and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
FAQ’s
Q: Is a flat white stronger than a cappuccino?
A: The strength of a coffee drink depends on the amount of espresso used in the preparation.
A cappuccino typically has the same amount of espresso as a flat white, but the difference lies in the milk-to-espresso ratio.
A flat white has a higher proportion of espresso to milk, resulting in a stronger coffee flavor.
However, a cappuccino’s frothy texture can make it seem stronger even though it has a milder coffee taste.
Q: Is a flat white the strongest coffee?
A: No, a flat white is not necessarily the strongest coffee.
The strength of a coffee depends on the amount of coffee grounds used in the preparation.
A flat white may have a stronger coffee flavor than other drinks due to its milk-to-espresso ratio, but the strength ultimately depends on the number of espresso shots used.
Q: Which is stronger flat white or latte?
A: A flat white typically has a stronger coffee flavor than a latte due to its higher proportion of espresso to milk.
However, a latte has a larger volume of milk and can have a smoother, creamier texture.
Q: Why is a flat white more expensive than a cappuccino?
A: The price of a coffee drink depends on various factors, including the cost of the ingredients and the labor involved in making it.
A flat white may be more expensive than a cappuccino because it requires a higher skill level to create the perfect microfoam for the milk.
Additionally, some coffee shops may use higher-quality ingredients for a flat white, such as single-origin espresso beans or organic milk, which can increase the cost.
Q: Why flat white is the best coffee?
A: The preference for a coffee drink is subjective and varies from person to person.
Some people prefer a flat white because of its stronger coffee flavor and velvety texture.
However, others may prefer a cappuccino or latte because of their frothy texture and milder coffee taste.
Q: Which coffee has the most caffeine?
A: Coffee drinks with a higher proportion of espresso to milk, such as an espresso shot or a double espresso, have the most caffeine per volume.
Q: Why is it called flat white?
A: The term “flat white” originated in Australia and New Zealand in the 1980s, and it refers to the coffee’s texture.
Unlike a cappuccino or a latte, a flat white has a smooth, velvety texture without any visible bubbles or foam, making it appear “flat.”
Q: How many shots in a flat white?
A: A flat white typically contains a double shot of espresso, but some coffee shops may use a single shot.
Q: What coffee is stronger than cappuccino?
A: Coffee drinks with a higher proportion of espresso to milk, such as a flat white or a macchiato, can have a stronger coffee flavor than a cappuccino.
Q: Is cappuccino the strongest coffee?
A cappuccino is not stronger than regular coffee. While both beverages are made with espresso, a cappuccino includes steamed milk, which dilutes the coffee’s strength.
In contrast, regular coffee is brewed solely with water, resulting in a stronger overall flavor as no milk is added.
Q: Which has less caffeine cappuccino or flat white?
A Flat White is prepared using two shots of espresso, whereas a Cappuccino can be made with one or two shots.
Each espresso shot contains approximately 64 milligrams of caffeine.
Consequently, a Flat White typically contains 128 milligrams of caffeine, while a Cappuccino can range between 64-128 milligrams depending on the number of espresso shots used.
