Starbucks Adding the 'Flat White' to Its U.S. Menu

Think you know coffee well? Have you ever heard of a Flat White? If you haven't, that's OK, because it's actually an Australian coffee drink. But thanks to Starbucks, Americans will soon become much more familiar with the milky coffee beverage.

Starbucks has just announced it will add a Flat White to its menu on January 6th. Somewhere between a cappuccino and an espresso, the Flat White is a strong drink made with two ristretto espresso shots and topped with whole milk. Ristretto shots of espresso are smaller, but due to their concentration, they're pretty strong. The milky layer on top of the drink is very specific. Known as "microfoam," the dense, rich layer sits on top of the steamed milk, giving the drink a distinctive texture.

The drink has been popular in the UK, Australia and even New Zealand for several years, and will now be sold year-round at Starbucks. According to the coffee chain, the Flat White has been around since the '70s or '80s.

According to its website, Starbucks will make its version of the Flat White with its signature Espresso roast and steamed milk with microfoam. The drink will be served in a flat white cup, "for a genuine Flat White experience. Will the Flat White will be the new Pumpkin Spice Latte?

Watch the video above to learn more about the Flat White.

Image Credit: The Washington Post via Getty