White coffee

To understand the landscape, we have to look at the two very different ways the world defines this drink.

1. The traditional milky coffee

In most European and Australian coffee cultures, white coffee simply refers to a black coffee (espresso or long coffee) that has been lightened with milk or cream. It is the yin to the black coffee’s yang, designed for those who enjoy a smoother, creamier mouthfeel.

2. The specialty white roast

In the United States and parts of Southeast Asia, what is white coffee refers to a specific roasting process. The beans are roasted at a lower temperature for a shorter time. The result is a bean that is hard, pale beige in color, and possesses a distinct nutty, earthy flavor with a significantly higher caffeine content than dark roasts.

3. The standard coffee

In the UK, white coffee is most commonly used as a functional descriptor. It is simply a standard coffee (whether made from an espresso base or high-quality instant) with cold or slightly warmed milk added.

Flat White vs. White Coffee

One of the most common points of confusion for coffee enthusiasts is the flat white vs white coffee distinction. While both involve espresso and milk, the difference lies in the micro-foam.

• White coffee is usually referring to a standard coffee with a splash of cold or steamed milk. The texture is consistent and simple.

• Flat white is a more technical preparation. It uses a double ristretto or a strong espresso base topped with a very thin, velvety layer of micro-foam. The milk is integrated throughout the drink, creating a seamless, silky texture that is richer than a standard milky coffee.

How to make a white coffee at home

Crafting a premium experience in your own kitchen is simple when you focus on the quality of the extraction. Here is how to make a white coffee that rivals your favorite café:

• The base is to brew an espresso using your favorite L'OR capsule. For a traditional white coffee, we recommend an intensity of 9 or above to ensure the coffee’s bite remains present.

• The temperature to heat your milk to roughly 65°C. For a simpler version, a splash of cold, high-quality milk or cream into a hot long coffee creates a classic profile.

• The pour is slowly and add the milk to the center of your cup. This allows the milk to settle and blend naturally with the coffee's oils.

Why choose White Coffee?

Whether you are exploring the high-caffeine, nutty profile of a specialty white roast or enjoying the velvety comfort of a milk-infused espresso, white coffee is about personalization. It softens the intensity of the bean, reveals hidden sweetness, and provides a longer, more relaxed drinking experience.

Experimenting with different milk-to-coffee ratios and various L'OR intensities is the best way to discover your perfect match. Take a moment to compare a bold, black espresso with its white counterpart, and see how the addition of creaminess transforms the aromatic profile of the gold standard.