Google is marking the global popularity of flat white coffee with a fun doodle today. This coffee is made by pouring steamed milk over an espresso shot and is believed to have started in Australia or New Zealand. March 11 is chosen for celebration because this is when the word “flat white” was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2011.
A flat white consists of an espresso shot topped with steamed milk and a thin layer of microfoam, usually served in a ceramic cup. The milk is steamed, not frothed, which creates a smooth and velvety crema on top.
Similar to a Latte, the Flat White is also an espresso-based creamy drink but has a double shot of espresso and less milk than a Latte.
Flat White Google Doodle
Google’s latest Doodle celebrates the ‘flat white,’ a beloved coffee concoction believed to have originated in Australia and New Zealand. It marks March 11, 2011, when ‘flat white’ was officially recognized in the Oxford English Dictionary.
While the exact beginnings of flat white coffee are debated, both Australia and New Zealand lay claim to its creation in the 1980s. Evidence suggests the drink evolved independently in each nation.
Google Doodles, temporary alterations to the logo, pay tribute to various global and local subjects, including holidays and influential figures. These Doodles come in diverse formats like pictures, animations, videos, and games, offering engaging experiences for users.
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Flat White Coffee
During the 1980s, a delightful coffee concoction known as the flat white gained prominence on the menus of cafes in Sydney and Auckland. This beloved beverage is crafted by delicately pouring steamed milk atop a shot of espresso, resulting in a harmonious blend of rich coffee flavor and creamy texture.
According to insights from a food historian highlighted in a report by The Washington Post, the term “flat white” likely owes its origin to the unique naming conventions adopted in Australia for various coffee drinks.
Within this context, a standard espresso is affectionately referred to as a “short black,” while a larger variant accompanied by hot water is known as a “long black.” When milk is introduced into the equation, transforming the espresso into a velvety delight, it earns the title of a “flat white.” This cultural phenomenon underscores the nuanced appreciation for coffee culture and its evolution across different regions.
How to Make Flat White Coffee?
- Start by brewing your espresso shot. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a Moka Pot or AeroPress.
- Steam your milk until it’s silky smooth, creating tiny bubbles known as microfoam. Whole milk works best for creating foam, but skimmed or semi-skimmed milk will do.
- Achieving the right consistency with your milk takes practice, so don’t worry if it’s tricky at first.
- Remove any excess bubbles from the milk by gently tapping the milk jug on your countertop.
- Carefully pour the steamed milk over the espresso using a spoon to hold back the foam. This helps preserve the espresso’s crema, giving you a perfect Flat White every time.
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Flat White Google Doodle FAQs
Q.1. What is a flat white coffee?
Ans. A flat white is a creamy espresso-based drink made by pouring steamed milk over a shot of espresso, resulting in a velvety texture and rich coffee flavor.
Q.2. When was the term “flat white” added to the Oxford English Dictionary?
Ans. The term “flat white” was officially recognized in the Oxford English Dictionary on March 11, 2011.
Q.3. How is a flat white different from a latte?
Ans. A flat white contains a double shot of espresso with less milk compared to a latte, resulting in a stronger coffee flavor and a thicker texture.
Q.4. Where did the flat white coffee originate?
Ans. The exact origins of the flat white coffee are debated, but it is believed to have originated in the 1980s in either Australia or New Zealand.
Q.5. Can I make a flat white without an espresso machine?
Ans. Yes, you can make a flat white using alternative methods such as a Moka Pot or AeroPress to brew the espresso shot.