Sydney-Style Flat White Coffee with Velvety Microfoam

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

A smooth and balanced flat white espresso drink featuring rich Australian coffee culture, topped with a delicate layer of velvety microfoam. This australian-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 10 minutes brings together freshly ground espresso coffee beans, (180 ml) 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 130 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 130 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Grind 18 g of espresso beans to a fine consistency suitable for espresso extraction. Tamp evenly and insert into a preheated espresso machine portafilter.
  2. Step 2: Brew a double shot of espresso (about 2 oz) directly into a 6 oz cup, extracting for 25-30 seconds until rich and aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, steam 6 oz (180 ml) whole milk using the espresso machine’s steam wand, positioning the wand just below the surface to create microfoam; heat milk to 140°F (60°C) with a glossy, velvety texture.
  4. Step 4: Pour the steamed milk gently over the espresso, starting high to mix and finishing low to create a smooth, uniform layer of microfoam about 1/4 inch thick on top.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately, enjoying the signature creamy yet strong flat white experience.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sydney-Style Flat White Coffee with Velvety 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 Sydney-Style Flat White Coffee with Velvety Microfoam?

Refrigerate any leftover sydney-style flat white coffee with velvety 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 Sydney-Style Flat White Coffee with Velvety 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 Sydney-Style Flat White Coffee with Velvety 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 Sydney-Style Flat White Coffee with Velvety 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.