Flat White Coffee with Silky Microfoam

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smooth and velvety flat white coffee showcasing Australia’s iconic espresso culture with perfectly steamed milk microfoam. This australian-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 10 minutes brings together shots (60 ml) espresso, whole milk, (optional) instant sugar for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 5 min Serves 1 Australian cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Brew 2 shots (60 ml) of espresso using an espresso machine and pour into a pre-warmed 6 oz ceramic cup.
  2. Step 2: Heat 150 ml whole milk in a steaming pitcher and steam with the espresso machine wand until the milk reaches 140°F (60°C) and forms a silky microfoam with tiny, even bubbles.
  3. Step 3: Gently swirl the steamed milk to integrate the foam and pour over the espresso, starting from a higher pour to mix then lowering the pitcher to create a smooth, velvety top layer.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 tsp instant sugar if desired and stir gently to sweeten without breaking the foam.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Flat White Coffee with Silky Microfoam take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (5 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Flat White Coffee with Silky Microfoam?

Refrigerate any leftover flat white coffee with silky microfoam in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Flat White Coffee with Silky Microfoam?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Flat White Coffee with Silky Microfoam for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Flat White Coffee with Silky Microfoam?

Australian cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.