How to Make Classic Melbourne-Style Espresso Drinks

If you’ve ever tried ordering a coffee in Melbourne and been overwhelmed by the drink names—flat white, long black, skinny cap—you’re not alone. These classic Melbourne espresso drinks aren’t just names; they follow very specific preparation rules. Whether you're pulling shots at home or training to work in a cafe, knowing how these drinks are built matters.

Melbourne-style espresso drinks include the flat white (espresso with microfoam in a ceramic cup), short black (single espresso), long black (espresso with hot water), and more. Each drink uses a precise coffee-to-milk ratio, specific cup size, and sometimes alternative milks like soy or skim. We break down every style with exact preparation details.

What Is a Flat White?

A flat white is made with a double shot of espresso served in a ceramic cup, topped with steamed milk that has a thin layer of microfoam—no chocolate or thick foam. Unlike a latte, it has less volume and a richer coffee-to-milk balance. The milk is textured but not frothy, creating a smooth, velvety drink similar to a cappuccino without the foam topping.

Short Black vs Long Black: What’s the Difference?

A short black is a standard single or double shot of espresso (about 30ml), served in a small demitasse cup. A long black, however, is made by pouring a shot or two of espresso over hot water, preserving the crema and giving a larger drink with a similar strength. Both start with espresso, but the long black includes added water and is usually served in a taller cup or glass.

Other Common Melbourne Espresso Drinks

Beyond the flat white and long black, Melbourne cafes serve several other espresso-based drinks:

• Cappuccino (Skinny Cap): A cappuccino made with skim or low-fat milk instead of whole milk.
• Latte: Espresso (around 30ml) with steamed milk and about 1cm of foam on top, typically served in a tall glass or cup.
• Skinny Decaf Latte: A low-fat, decaffeinated latte with skim milk and decaf espresso.
• Macchiato: A single or double espresso “stained” with a small spoonful of milk foam.
• Double Shot Soy Latte: A latte made with a double shot of espresso and soy milk instead of dairy.
• Babycino: A small cup of warm, frothed milk served to children; contains no coffee.

Key Milk and Serving Style Differences

The main differences between these drinks come down to:

• Cup type: Flat whites use ceramic; lattes may use glass or taller cups.
• Milk texture: Flat whites have fine microfoam; lattes have a thicker foam layer.
• Espresso base: Short blacks are pure espresso; long blacks add hot water.
• Milk type: Skinny drinks use skim or soy milk.
• Foam amount: Macchiatos have just a spot of foam; cappuccinos (including skinny caps) have more.

Espresso Basics for These Drinks

All of these Melbourne espresso drinks start with a quality espresso shot. For best results, pull a shot using freshly roasted, finely ground espresso beans. The typical espresso parameters are:

• Dose: 18–20g
• Yield: 36–40g (double shot)
• Time: 25–30 seconds
• Grind size: Fine, similar to table salt
• Water temp: 90–94°C

Using a blend designed for espresso, such as those offered by FrontStreet Coffee, helps achieve the rich crema and balanced flavour these drinks require.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a flat white and a latte?

A flat white is served in a ceramic cup with a double shot of espresso and a smaller amount of steamed milk with fine microfoam, resulting in a richer, denser drink. A latte contains the same espresso base but has more steamed milk and about 1cm of foam, served in a taller glass or cup, making it lighter and milkier.

Is a short black the same as an espresso?

Yes. A short black is simply another term for a standard single or double shot of espresso, typically around 30ml, served in a small cup without milk or water.

What’s in a long black?

A long black is made by pouring one or two shots of espresso over hot water, usually around 150ml. This method preserves the espresso crema and creates a larger, milder drink compared to a short black.

What milk is used in a skinny cap?

A skinny cap is a cappuccino made with skim or low-fat milk instead of whole milk. It still has the traditional cappuccino structure but with less fat content in the milk foam.

Do you need special equipment to make these drinks at home?

To make authentic Melbourne-style drinks at home, you’ll need an espresso machine with a steam wand, a grinder for fine espresso grinds, and the right cups or glasses. Temperature control and milk texturing are key to matching café quality.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Melbourne-Style Espresso

For classic Melbourne espresso drinks, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend is an excellent choice. Designed specifically for espresso and milk drinks, it produces rich crema and a smooth, rounded flavour with notes of dark chocolate and caramel. The Specialty Blend is another great option, offering a well-balanced profile with hints of nuts and red fruit that work beautifully in flat whites and lattes. Both blends are optimised for home and commercial espresso machines, ensuring consistent results. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.