Flat White (8oz) – Drink Preparation SOP

Flat White (8oz) – Standard Operating Procedure

Company: Little Coffee Bean Co
Document Type: Drink Preparation SOP
Version: 1.0 | September 2022

Overview

Flat whites are a very important coffee for a cafe. Often when trying new coffee places, people will order a flat white as it shows how well the barista knows what they are doing.

It demonstrates that the barista is aware of how to steam milk properly, has control of pattern design, and allows the taste of the coffee bean itself to come through with the stronger shots used.

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Milk

  • Pour cold milk into the steaming jug
  • Use just enough milk for the cup – overfilling will prevent you from being able to steam the milk properly

Step 2: Steam the Milk

  • Place the steam arm a centimetre from the side of the jug
  • Hold the jug at an angle
  • Turn the steam arm on – the milk should start to whirlpool
  • The sound should be a spitting sound, which means you are putting air into the milk
  • Hold it here until the desired temperature is met
  • The milk should look like wet paint – this means the consistency is right

Step 3: Pull the Espresso

  • Pull a short double shot
  • While doing this, keep the milk moving by lightly whirling the milk in the jug so it doesn’t separate

Step 4: Pour and Create the Pattern

  • When pouring the milk into the shots, aim for the centre of the cup at first and move the jug in a circle
  • Pull the milk out of the coffee and place the jug close to the surface of the coffee
  • Pour the milk slowly and use your wrist to create a small back and forth movement – this is what will create the pattern
  • When reaching the top of the cup, push the stream of milk away from you to create a line down the centre of the pattern
  • This will create what is called a floret pattern

Step 5: Serve

  • Serve with a smile

Quality Standards

  • Milk Texture: Should look like wet paint with microfoam consistency
  • Coffee Strength: Short double shot for bold flavor
  • Presentation: Floret pattern or similar latte art
  • Temperature: Served hot, milk steamed to proper temperature

Tips for Success

  • Don’t overfill the steaming jug – use just enough milk for one cup
  • Listen for the “spitting” sound when steaming – this indicates proper aeration
  • Keep the steamed milk moving while pulling the espresso shot
  • Practice the wrist movement for creating latte art patterns

This SOP is part of the Little Coffee Bean Co training and operations manual. For questions or clarifications, please contact your store manager or area manager.