I love starting my day with a delicious cup of coffee. There’s something about the aroma and the taste that just makes me feel energized and ready to take on the day. Recently, I’ve been obsessed with making flat whites using my coffee machine. It’s a process that I’ve perfected over time, and today I’m going to share my step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect flat white. So grab your favorite mug and let’s get started!
Gathering your ingredients and equipment
Before we start making our flat white, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
Coffee beans
First and foremost, you’ll need some high-quality coffee beans. Look for ones that are specifically labeled as espresso or dark roast. The beans should be freshly ground to ensure the best flavor.
Coffee machine
You’ll also need a coffee machine that has a built-in milk steamer or frother. This is crucial for creating the creamy texture of the flat white.
Milk
Choose a milk that is rich and creamy, such as whole milk or a non-dairy alternative like oat milk. The milk should be cold, as this will make it easier to froth later on.
Measuring cup
Having a measuring cup on hand will help ensure that you use the right amount of coffee and milk for your flat white.
Espresso shot glass
An espresso shot glass is essential for measuring the perfect amount of espresso for your flat white. It usually holds about 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of liquid.
Step 1: Preparing the espresso
Now that we have all our ingredients and equipment ready, it’s time to start making our flat white. The first step is to prepare the espresso shot. Here’s how:
1. Start by grinding your coffee beans to a fine consistency. The grind size should be similar to that of table salt.
2. Measure out the appropriate amount of coffee grounds based on the instructions provided by your coffee machine. Usually, it’s around 18-20 grams of coffee for a double shot.
3. Insert the coffee grounds into the portafilter of your coffee machine and distribute them evenly. Use a tamper to apply slight pressure to the grounds.
4. Place the portafilter back into the machine and start the brewing process. The espresso should start flowing into the espresso shot glass.
5. Monitor the extraction time. Ideally, the espresso should take around 25-30 seconds to extract. If it’s too fast, the coffee will taste weak, and if it’s too slow, the coffee will taste bitter.
6. Once you’ve achieved the perfect extraction time, remove the espresso shot glass from the machine and set it aside.
Step 2: Steaming and frothing the milk
Now that we have our espresso ready, it’s time to move on to the next crucial step – steaming and frothing the milk. Follow these steps:
1. Pour the cold milk into a metal milk pitcher. Fill it up to about one-third of the pitcher to leave enough space for steaming and frothing.
2. Submerge the steam wand of your coffee machine into the milk, ensuring that the tip is just below the surface.
3. Turn on the steam wand and gradually lower the pitcher, so the wand is positioned near the bottom of the pitcher.
4. Position the steam wand in such a way that it creates a whirlpool effect in the milk, incorporating air into the liquid.
5. Continue steaming the milk until it reaches a temperature of around 140°F (60°C). It’s essential to use a milk thermometer to ensure you don’t overheat the milk.
6. Once the milk has reached the desired temperature, turn off the steam wand and remove it from the milk pitcher.
7. Give the pitcher a few taps on the counter to remove any large bubbles and swirl it gently to mix the froth with the steamed milk.
Step 3: Pouring and assembling the flat white
With the espresso shot and frothed milk ready, it’s time to pour and assemble our flat white. Here’s how to do it:
1. Take your favorite coffee mug and place it under the portafilter of the coffee machine.
2. Begin pouring the espresso shot directly into the mug, aiming to create a single, concentrated spot in the center.
3. Hold the milk pitcher at a slight angle and gently pour the milk over the espresso. Start by pouring the milk into the center of the cup in a slow and steady stream.
4. As the cup fills, gradually raise the height at which you pour the milk to create some latte art. Pouring from a greater height will help create a beautiful contrast between the milk and espresso.
5. As the cup fills to about three-fourths, slow down the pour and focus on creating intricate designs if you wish.
6. Once the cup is almost full, give it one final swirl to incorporate any remaining froth with the milk.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully made yourself a delicious flat white using a coffee machine. Take a moment to admire your latte art before you take that first sip.
Remember, practice makes perfect, and each coffee machine may require slight adjustments to achieve the best results. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different coffee beans, milk types, and pouring techniques to find your own signature flat white. Enjoy your creation and start your day on a caffeinated note!