Starbucks, the world's favorite source of caffeine, introduced the Flat White to their menu this week, causing a frenzy of people, mostly Australians and Europeans, lauding the coffee drink.
So, what, exactly, is a Flat White? Is it a new flavor to compete with the Pumpkin Spice Latte and its cult following?
Ummm... No. The Flat White contains no added flavorings, no sprinkles, no pixie dust.
To put it in layman-speak, the Flat White is a high-test latte that, according to legend (or a Starbucks press release), originated in Australia in the 1980's and because a UK sensation. Starbucks has been serving the Flat White in its Aussie stores since 2009 and in the UK since 2010.
The Starbucks website describes the Flat White a, "expertly steamed milk poured over ristretto shots of espresso and finished with a Starbucks signature dot."
See also: Study Finds Road Warriors Go to Starbucks and Subway... a Lot