There's something special about a perfectly crafted flat white. The velvety microfoam, the rich espresso base, and that ideal balance between coffee and milk. We sat down with Gab Tan, Veneziano Brand Ambassador and the Victorian Barista Champion to get his insider tips on how to nail this café favourite at home.
Whether you're pulling shots on a home espresso machine or perfecting your craft behind the bar, these four essential tips will elevate your flat white game.
Tip 1: Select the Right Blend
The foundation of any great flat white starts with quality beans. Gab recommends choosing from Veneziano's range of espresso-roasted blends, each crafted to deliver exceptional results in milk-based drinks:
- Crave – Bold and rich
- Elevate – Balanced chocolate & caramel notes (Gab's personal favourite)
- Soar – Bright and lively
- Aspire – Smooth and approachable
Gab's go-to blend for flat whites? Elevate which is loved for its consistency and perfectly balanced chocolate and caramel flavour profile.
"Elevate gives me the consistency I need, shot after shot, with those beautiful chocolate and caramel notes that shine through milk," says Gab.
Tip 2: Give Your Beans Time to Rest
Patience is key when it comes to coffee. Gab's golden rule? Use beans that are 1-2 weeks post-roast for optimal flavour development.
Why does this matter?
- More consistent espresso shots – Freshly roasted beans release CO2, which can cause channeling and uneven extraction
- Balanced flavours – Rested beans allow the full flavour profile to develop
- Even extraction – Stable degassing means more predictable results
Tip 3: Dial In Your Recipe
Consistency is everything. Gab swears by a reliable recipe and sticks to it. Here's his preferred ratio when using Elevate:
Espresso Recipe
- Dose: 22 grams in
- Yield: 36 grams out
- Time: 27-30 seconds
Milk Technique
- Steam your milk to 65°C
- Swirl to create silky microfoam
- Pour slowly and deliberately
"Once you find your recipe, stick with it. Small, intentional adjustments are fine, but consistency builds confidence and better coffee," Gab explains.
Tip 4: Download the Espresso Compass
Even the best baristas need a reference point. That's where the Espresso Compass comes in. This is a handy tool developed by World Barista Champion Pete Licata.
This simple yet powerful guide helps you troubleshoot your shots by identifying whether they're:
- Too sour or too bitter
- Under-extracted or over-extracted
- In need of grind, dose, or timing adjustments
It's perfect for both professional and home baristas looking to achieve that perfect balance.
Ready to Create Your Perfect Flat White?
With the right blend, well-rested beans, a dialed-in recipe, and a handy troubleshooting tool, you're well on your way to flat white perfection. Remember, practice makes progress, so keep pulling those shots and refining your technique.
Have questions about espresso brewing or want to share your flat white creations? Tag us on Instagram @venezianocoffee. We'd love to see what you're making.