Customers who frequent their local coffee shops may have some familiarity with the topic of today’s animated Google Doodle.
The doodle for Monday, March 11th celebrates the day in 2011 when the word ‘flat white’ was added to the Oxford English Dictionary.
A flat white is a coffee drink made up of an espresso shot topped with steamed milk and a thin layer of microfoam, according to the Google’s description of the doodle. The drink is traditionally served in a ceramic cup.
The true origin of the drink is unknown, however many speculate the drink was first served in Australia and New Zealand during the 1980s when the drink began showing up on menus in Sydney and Auckland around the same time, according to Google.
Being ‘flatter’ than a cappuccino or latte, flat whites are popular with coffee connoisseurs who are looking for less foam, according to Google’s description of the doodle.
While the drink was made with whole milk back in the day, today it is common to see Australians and New Zealanders ordering it with plant-based milk, with oat milk being a rising favorite according to Google.
What is a Google Doodle?
Google says the designs celebrate a range of local and international topics, ranging from holidays and anniversaries to trailblazing individuals who have impacted culture.
Google Doodles come in many formats, including static illustrations, animations, slideshows, videos, and interactive games.
Who designs Google Doodles?
According to Google, the team behind Doodles consists of artists known as “Doodlers”, engineers, designers, program managers, marketers, and cultural consultants.
We also partner with local guest artists and creators from around the globe to bring Doodles to life, as stated on the company’s website.
How is it made?
A flat white is created by blending micro-foamed milk with either a single or double shot of espresso. By aerating steamed milk, this micro-foam is created, which enhances the drink’s smooth texture and creamy taste.
To achieve the perfect consistency and texture, it is crucial to use meticulous steaming and pouring methods, which are essential in preparing this beverage.
Flat white vs Latte
While both a flat white coffee and a latte are espresso-based beverages, they have distinct differences. One notable contrast lies in their serving sizes.
The preferred cup size for a flat white is a 160-165ml tulip cup, considerably smaller than the glasses typically used for lattes and cappuccinos.
This variance affects the coffee-to-milk ratio, subsequently influencing the flavor profile. Due to its compact nature, a flat white features a higher coffee-to-milk ratio than a latte. Consequently, the espresso in a flat white tends to have a more powerful flavor despite the same amount used in a latte. On the other hand, lattes dilute the espresso more.
