Flat White Espresso with Velvet Microfoam

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

A smooth espresso-based coffee featuring a rich, velvety microfoam layer inspired by Australian coffee bar culture. This australian-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 10 minutes brings together freshly ground espresso coffee, whole milk 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 18 g of freshly ground espresso coffee using an espresso machine, extracting 1.5 oz of espresso into a warmed cup within 25-30 seconds.
  2. Step 2: Steam 6 oz cold whole milk using the steam wand until it reaches 140°F, creating a silky microfoam with fine, velvety bubbles.
  3. Step 3: Pour the steamed milk over the espresso steadily, holding back foam with a spoon, then gently top with the microfoam to create a thin, smooth layer characteristic of a flat white.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Flat White Espresso with Velvet 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 Espresso with Velvet Microfoam?

Refrigerate any leftover flat white espresso with velvet 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 Espresso with Velvet 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 Espresso with Velvet 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 Espresso with Velvet 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.

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