How To Make Flat Red Coffee (4 Easy Steps)

Last updated on January 6th, 2025 at 03:41 pm

I’ve always been a fan of red fruit tea. I like it’s refreshing and vibrant and has this naturally sweet and tangy. And, as you probably guessed, coffee is my go-to for everything.

So, you can imagine my excitement when I stumbled across a blog talking about a drink that blends both! Apparently, this unique recipe started gaining popularity in Ukraine, and the idea of mixing freshly brewed espresso with red fruit tea sounded too interesting to ignore. I had to give it a try and let me tell you; it didn’t disappoint.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything about Flat Red Coffee. You’ll learn what makes it special, how to make it at home, and even a few fun variations to keep things interesting. So let’s start brewing!

What Is Flat Red Coffee?

Flat Red Coffee is a hybrid of espresso and red fruit tea. Yes, you read that right: coffee and tea together in one cup!

The result is a bold and flavorful drink that strikes a unique balance between espresso’s rich, robust taste and the tangy, slightly sweet notes of red fruit tea.

If you’re someone who loves exploring new coffee experiences, this drink feels like stepping into uncharted territory in the best way.

Note: You can serve this coffee hot or iced for those hot summer days. Also, you can adjust the espresso-to-tea ratio, add sweetener, or even a splash of milk to mellow the flavors.

Origins of Flat Red Coffee

One notable story about its creation comes from Ukraine, where Vadym, a passionate barista and café owner, is said to have developed the recipe.

His inspiration came from blending espresso with freshly brewed fruit juices, like pomegranate and orange, which were steamed to create a texture similar to milk. Over time, this concept evolved into the Flat Red, featuring red fruit tea instead of juice, offering a more balanced and accessible flavor profile.

Flat Red Coffee has since gained a loyal following among adventurous coffee drinkers. Whether it’s a café invention or something you brew at home.

Tips for Making the Best Flat Red Coffee

If you’re going to try making Flat Red Coffee at home, there are a few tricks I’ve picked up that make all the difference. For instance:

1 – Favorite Tea Brands

I’ve found that Twinings Four Red Fruits Tea works great. You get a mix of bold and perfectly tangy strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and redcurrants.

Another excellent option is The Republic of Tea’s Good Hope Vanilla Red Tea. It’s technically a rooibos tea with a slight vanilla sweetness that adds depth without overpowering the espresso. Both are easy to find at your local grocery store or online.

2 – Balance the Ratio

I usually go for equal parts red tea and espresso as a starting point. But if you’re more into the coffee kick, bump up the espresso slightly.

On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for something lighter and fruitier, let the tea shine with a 2:1 tea-to-espresso ratio. I recommend playing around until you find what works.

3 – Coffee Roasts & Brands

When it comes to espresso, I find that a medium-dark roast pairs best with the fruity tea flavors. This roast is strong enough to stand up to the tea without overwhelming it.

For store-bought options, Lavazza Espresso Italiano is a reliable choice with rich notes that blend beautifully.

Another favorite is Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend, which has a nice balance of boldness and smoothness. You can easily find both.

Other Options of Flat Red Coffee

If you’re in the mood to try something different, here are some fun combos:

Iced Flat Red Coffee

When the weather’s blazing hot, nothing beats a refreshing iced coffee. For an Iced Flat Red, brew your red fruit tea and espresso as usual, then let them cool slightly.

Pour the blend over a glass of ice, and get a vibrant and fruity coffee. If you want to level it up, add a splash of sparkling water for a subtle fizz!

Creamy Flat Red Coffee

Love a bit of creaminess in your drinks? You can add some steamed milk or frothy foam to your Flat Red for a rich, latte-like experience. The silky texture pairs beautifully with the fruity tea and bold espresso.

Spiced Flat Red Coffee

You can infuse your red fruit tea with warming spices like cinnamon or cloves during the steeping process. It gives the drink a subtle spiced kick, perfect for fall or winter mornings. You can even sprinkle a touch of nutmeg on top for extra flair.

Caffeinated Tea Base

You can swap your regular red fruit tea for a caffeinated red tea like rooibos or a hibiscus blend with a little extra zing. The combination of caffeine from tea and espresso gives you a double dose of energy without compromising the unique flavor profile.

Last Thoughts

Have you tried making Flat Red Coffee at home? If you have any tips, favorite variations, or lingering questions, drop them in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you and with that voilà!