Cappuccino vs. Flat White: What’s the Difference and How to Make Them
At Coffee NQ, we live and breathe great coffee. Whether you’re running a bustling café or perfecting your barista skills at home, understanding the nuances of different espresso-based drinks is essential. Two of the most popular – yet often confused – drinks on any coffee menu are the cappuccino and the flat white. Though they may look similar at first glance, they offer distinct textures, flavours, and experiences.
Let’s explore the difference between these two favourites, and how to make them perfectly using a traditional espresso machine.
Cappuccino: The Classic Balance
A cappuccino is a traditional Italian coffee drink known for its equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. The result is a rich, bold espresso flavour balanced by creamy milk and a cloud-like foam cap.
How to Prepare a Cappuccino
- Pull a double espresso shot into a pre-warmed cup (usually 150-180 ml).
- Steam your milk to about 65°C, incorporating plenty of air early in the process to create a thick, velvety foam.
- Once the milk has a smooth, glossy texture and a dense microfoam, gently pour it into the espresso.
- Aim to create a layered drink: espresso at the base, steamed milk in the middle, and a thick cap of foam on top.
The cappuccino’s texture is what sets it apart – the foam acts as an insulator, keeping the drink warm and creating a satisfying mouthfeel.
Flat White: Smooth and Strong
Originating from Australia and New Zealand, the flat white is all about a stronger espresso flavour and silky texture. It’s made with a double shot of espresso and steamed milk, but with minimal microfoam, giving it a flatter, smoother surface.
How to Prepare a Flat White
- Pull a double espresso shot (also known as a ristretto in some flat white variations) into a smaller cup, ideally 150-160 ml.
- Steam milk to around 60-65°C, but with less aeration than a cappuccino. You want a thin, velvety layer of microfoam. Think more liquid, less froth.
- Pour the milk slowly into the espresso, ideally creating latte art. The milk should mix seamlessly with the espresso, producing a rich and creamy finish without the thick foam top.
Flat whites are loved for their bold coffee flavour and silky texture, ideal for drinkers who enjoy the richness of espresso without the foam-heavy top.
Choosing the Right One for Your Customers
When deciding which to offer or recommend, consider your customer’s preferences:
- Prefer froth and a lighter texture? Go with a cappuccino.
- Prefer a stronger, creamier coffee? A flat white is the way to go.
At Coffee NQ, we supply top-quality, in-house roasted coffee beans and professional-grade espresso machines tailored for the hospitality industry. Whether you’re preparing cappuccinos or flat whites, the right equipment and beans make all the difference.
Looking to upgrade your coffee setup or train your team? Get in touch, we’re here to help you brew better coffee, every day.
