Starbucks Flat White features a smooth blend of rich espresso and velvety steamed whole milk, topped with a delicate microfoam layer, delivering a creamy and bold coffee experience with a silky texture and subtle sweetness.
Equipments
- Espresso machine
- Portafilter
- Coffee grinder
- Tamper
- Milk steaming pitcher
- Thermometer (optional)
- Coffee cup
Ingredients
- 1 double shot (2 oz / 60 ml) espresso coffee beans
- 6 oz (180 ml) whole milk
- Espresso coffee beans
- Whole milk
- 8–18g freshly ground espresso coffee beans
- 6–8 oz whole milk
Use freshly ground espresso coffee beans weighing between 8 to 18 grams to achieve the rich and bold flavor characteristic of a Starbucks Flat White. Whole milk is essential for creating the velvety steamed texture and subtle sweetness that defines the drink, with a typical serving size ranging from 6 to 8 ounces. Double shots of espresso, approximately 2 ounces or 60 milliliters, provide the strong coffee base needed to balance the creamy milk. You should focus on achieving a delicate microfoam layer by steaming the milk properly, which enhances the silky mouthfeel. This combination makes the Starbucks Flat White copycat menu's recreation authentic and satisfying.
Instructions
- Preheat the espresso machine, portafilter, and cup.
- Weigh out 16–18g espresso coffee beans.
- Grind espresso beans to a fine consistency.
- Dose the ground coffee into the portafilter.
- Distribute and tamp the grounds evenly.
- Insert portafilter and extract a double shot (2 oz / 60 ml) espresso into the preheated cup.
- Pour 6 oz (180 ml) whole milk into the steaming pitcher.
- Steam the milk to 150–155°F (65–68°C), creating a velvety microfoam.
- Swirl the milk to achieve a creamy, smooth texture.
- Pour steamed milk over the espresso, starting in the center and allowing microfoam to rest as a thin layer on top.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Your homemade Starbucks Flat White can be crafted by pulling a double shot of freshly ground espresso and steaming whole milk to around 140-150degF for the perfect silky microfoam. If you don't have whole milk, 2% milk serves as a good substitute, though it may create a lighter texture and less sweetness. In the absence of an espresso machine, use a strong coffee concentrate made with a Moka pot or Aeropress to mimic espresso's rich flavor. When steaming milk without a steam wand, warm it gently on the stove and whisk vigorously to create foam, though it may lack the precise microfoam consistency. Adjust the coffee-to-milk ratio and brewing time according to your taste preferences and equipment limitations for the best results.
Tips
Ensure your grinder produces a consistent fine grind to optimize espresso extraction and avoid bitterness. Use a firm, even tamp to achieve uniform coffee bed compaction for balanced flavor. Maintain milk temperature between 150-155degF (65-68degC) to create smooth, velvety microfoam without scalding. Pour your steamed milk slowly and steadily to preserve the microfoam's delicate texture atop the espresso.
Nutritions
A Starbucks Flat White contains approximately 150-190 calories, primarily from the whole milk and espresso. It provides about 8 grams of protein and 7-9 grams of fat, with around 12 grams of carbohydrates mostly from lactose in the milk. The drink also delivers a moderate caffeine boost of about 130-160 mg from the double shot espresso, enhancing alertness. Your Flat White serves as a balanced combination of energy and nutrients, ideal for a creamy yet bold coffee experience.
Storage
To maintain the quality of your Starbucks Flat White, consume it immediately to enjoy the optimal texture and flavor of the velvety steamed whole milk and rich espresso. If you must store it, keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for no more than 24 hours to preserve freshness, though the microfoam texture will diminish. Reheat gently using a steam wand or microwave at low power, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching the milk.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment by substituting whole milk with oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free flat white while maintaining a creamy texture. Adjust the milk steaming temperature slightly, between 140degF to 160degF, to customize the foam density and sweetness. Using a slightly coarser grind of espresso beans may produce a smoother, less intense espresso base. For those preferring a stronger coffee flavor, increasing the espresso dose to 18g can enhance the richness.
Allergies
Your Starbucks Flat White contains whole milk, which may trigger allergic reactions in individuals with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. The espresso is made from coffee beans, which are generally not allergenic but could cause sensitivity in rare cases. If you have milk or dairy allergies, consider opting for a plant-based milk alternative to avoid adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
Starbucks' Flat White menu is popular for its rich, velvety texture and perfectly steamed microfoam, delivering a balanced espresso flavor without bitterness. The drink's creamy consistency and smooth blend of ristretto shots make it ideal for espresso lovers seeking a refined coffee experience. Making a copycat Flat White at home allows you to customize strength and milk texture, providing the same satisfying taste while saving money. Your ability to replicate this barista favorite brings cafe-quality coffee directly to your kitchen.