For coffee aficionados, the flat white is a staple of Australian and New Zealand coffee culture. However, when traversing the globe, one may find themselves perplexed by the absence of this beloved beverage on American coffee shop menus. The question remains: what is a flat white called in America?
A Brief History of the Flat White
To comprehend the flat white’s American counterpart, it’s essential to delve into its origins. The flat white is believed to have originated in the 1980s in Sydney, Australia, and Wellington, New Zealand. This coffee drink is characterized by a double shot of espresso topped with a thin layer of microfoam, which is steamed milk that has been frothed to a consistency similar to whipped cream. The microfoam is then folded into the espresso, creating a smooth and velvety texture.
The Rise of the Flat White in the United States
In recent years, the flat white has gained popularity in the United States, particularly in urban areas with a high concentration of coffee shops. However, its adoption has been gradual, and the drink is not as ubiquitous as it is in Australia and New Zealand. American coffee shops have been experimenting with the flat white, often incorporating it into their menus under different names.
The American Equivalent: What’s in a Name?
So, what is a flat white called in America? The answer lies in the various names that American coffee shops have adopted to describe this beloved beverage. Some of the most common names include:
- Cortado: A cortado is a Spanish drink that consists of equal parts espresso and milk. While it’s not an exact replica of the flat white, it shares similarities in texture and composition.
- Latte: A latte is a more milky version of the flat white, with a higher milk-to-espresso ratio. However, some American coffee shops use the term “latte” to describe a drink that’s closer to a flat white.
The Cortado: A Closer Look
The cortado is perhaps the most similar drink to the flat white in American coffee shops. It consists of equal parts espresso and milk, with a smooth and velvety texture. However, the cortado often lacks the microfoam that’s characteristic of the flat white.
A Comparison of the Cortado and Flat White
| | Cortado | Flat White |
| — | — | — |
| Espresso-to-milk ratio | 1:1 | 2:3 to 1:3 |
| Texture | Smooth and velvety | Smooth and velvety with microfoam |
| Origin | Spain | Australia and New Zealand |
Other Names for the Flat White in America
While the cortado is a common equivalent of the flat white in America, other names have emerged in various regions. Some of these names include:
- Australia-style latte: This name is often used in coffee shops that want to emphasize the drink’s Australian origins.
- Flat white latte: This name is used in some coffee shops to describe a drink that’s closer to a flat white than a traditional latte.
Regional Variations
The names used to describe the flat white in America can vary depending on the region. For example:
West Coast
On the West Coast, particularly in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, the cortado is a popular drink that’s often used to describe a flat white-style beverage.
East Coast
On the East Coast, particularly in cities like New York and Boston, the latte is a more common drink that’s often used to describe a flat white-style beverage.
Conclusion
The flat white may not be as ubiquitous in America as it is in Australia and New Zealand, but its influence can be seen in various coffee shops across the country. While the cortado is a common equivalent of the flat white in America, other names have emerged in different regions. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just a casual fan, understanding the nuances of the flat white and its American counterparts can enhance your coffee-drinking experience.
A Final Note
As the coffee culture in America continues to evolve, it’s likely that the flat white will become more mainstream. Until then, coffee shops will continue to experiment with different names and variations of this beloved beverage. Whether you call it a cortado, latte, or flat white, one thing is certain – this drink is here to stay.
What is a flat white and how does it differ from other coffee drinks?
A flat white is a type of coffee drink that originated in Australia and New Zealand. It is made with espresso and steamed milk, but unlike a latte, it has a higher ratio of espresso to milk. This gives the flat white a stronger, more intense flavor. The milk is also microfoamed, which means it is heated and frothed to a consistency that is thicker and more velvety than regular steamed milk.
The flat white’s unique texture and flavor profile set it apart from other coffee drinks. While a latte has a layer of frothed milk on top, a flat white has a smooth, even texture. The flavor is also more balanced, with the espresso and milk working together in harmony. This makes the flat white a popular choice among coffee connoisseurs who are looking for a drink that is both rich and refined.
What is the American counterpart to the flat white?
The American counterpart to the flat white is often debated, but many coffee experts agree that it is the cortado. Like the flat white, the cortado is made with espresso and steamed milk, but it has a slightly different ratio of espresso to milk. While the flat white typically has a 1:3 to 1:5 ratio of espresso to milk, the cortado has a 1:1 ratio.
Despite this difference, the cortado shares many similarities with the flat white. It has a rich, intense flavor and a smooth, velvety texture. The cortado is also often served in a smaller cup than a latte, which makes it a popular choice among those who want a strong coffee drink without the excess milk. Overall, while the cortado may not be an exact duplicate of the flat white, it is a close approximation that is widely available in American coffee shops.
Why is the flat white so hard to find in American coffee shops?
The flat white is not as widely available in American coffee shops as it is in Australia and New Zealand, where it originated. This is because the flat white requires a specific type of espresso machine and a high level of skill to prepare. Many American coffee shops do not have the necessary equipment or training to make a traditional flat white.
Additionally, the flat white is a relatively unknown drink in the United States, which can make it harder for coffee shops to market and sell. Many coffee shops may not see the value in offering a drink that is not well-known or in high demand. However, as the popularity of specialty coffee continues to grow, more and more coffee shops are starting to offer the flat white as a way to differentiate themselves from the competition.
How can I order a flat white in an American coffee shop?
If you want to order a flat white in an American coffee shop, you may need to specify exactly what you are looking for. You can start by asking the barista if they offer a flat white, and if not, you can ask if they can make a drink with a similar ratio of espresso to milk. You can also ask for a cortado, which is a similar drink that is more widely available.
It’s also a good idea to be specific about the type of milk you want and the texture you are looking for. You can ask for microfoamed milk, which is the type of milk that is traditionally used in a flat white. You can also ask for a specific ratio of espresso to milk, such as 1:3 or 1:5. By being specific and clear about what you want, you can increase your chances of getting a drink that is similar to a traditional flat white.
Can I make a flat white at home?
Yes, you can make a flat white at home, but it requires some specialized equipment and a bit of practice. You will need an espresso machine that is capable of producing a high-quality shot of espresso, as well as a steam wand that can froth milk to the right consistency. You will also need a thermometer to heat the milk to the right temperature.
To make a flat white at home, start by pulling a shot of espresso into a cup. Then, froth the milk to the right consistency using the steam wand on your espresso machine. The milk should be heated to around 140°F to 150°F and frothed to a consistency that is thick and creamy. Pour the milk over the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon. You can then top the drink with a layer of microfoam, if desired.
What is the difference between a flat white and a latte?
The main difference between a flat white and a latte is the ratio of espresso to milk. A latte typically has a 1:5 to 1:7 ratio of espresso to milk, while a flat white has a 1:3 to 1:5 ratio. This means that a flat white has a stronger, more intense flavor than a latte.
Another difference between the two drinks is the texture of the milk. A latte typically has a layer of frothed milk on top, while a flat white has a smooth, even texture. The milk in a flat white is also microfoamed, which means it is heated and frothed to a consistency that is thicker and more velvety than regular steamed milk. Overall, the flat white is a more concentrated and intense drink than a latte.
Is the flat white a fad, or is it here to stay?
The flat white is not a fad, but rather a drink that is gaining popularity in the United States. As the specialty coffee market continues to grow, more and more coffee shops are starting to offer the flat white as a way to differentiate themselves from the competition. The flat white’s unique flavor profile and texture are also winning over fans who are looking for a more intense and refined coffee drink.
While it’s impossible to predict the future with certainty, it’s likely that the flat white will continue to gain popularity in the United States. As more coffee shops start to offer the drink, it will become more widely available and more people will be able to try it. The flat white’s popularity is also driven by the growing demand for specialty coffee and the increasing sophistication of coffee drinkers.