A Cappuccino is a coffee beverage made with espresso, steamed milk, and a layer of foam on top. It typically has equal parts of each ingredient, and the foam is usually around 1/8 inch thick. A Flat White, conversely, is a coffee beverage made with espresso and steamed milk. It has less foam than a cappuccino, and the milk is usually microfoamed to give it a silky texture. In a Flat White, the ratio of espresso to milk is typically 1:2, and the foam is less than that of a Cappuccino.
Cappuccino:
- Cappuccino is a traditional Italian coffee drink with equal parts espresso, steamed, and frothed milk. The frothed milk is typically spooned on the espresso and steamed milk, giving the drink a layered look.
- Served in a smaller cup and has a thick layer of froth on top, with the espresso and steamed milk underneath. The froth is often dusted with cocoa powder or cinnamon for added flavor.
- The taste of cappuccino is balanced between the espresso’s bitterness and the milk’s sweetness, with the frothed milk adding a light, airy texture.
Flat White:
- Originated in Australia and New Zealand. It is made with a double shot of espresso and steamed milk. Unlike a cappuccino, no frothed milk is used in a flat white.
- The steamed milk in a flat white is smooth and velvety, with a glossy texture that creates a flat layer on top of the espresso.
- Flat whites are usually served in a larger cup than cappuccinos but still smaller than latte. They have a more intense espresso flavor than milk.
- The taste of flat white is more focused on the espresso, with the steamed milk providing a creamy texture and slight sweetness that complements the bold flavor of the espresso.