Final answer:
A Venti Flat White at Starbucks usually contains three shots of espresso, adhering to the standard recipe which is based on the beverage's size and desired flavor balance.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Venti Flat White from Starbucks typically contains three shots of espresso. This is based on the standard recipe used by Starbucks for their Venti-sized beverages, which holds 20 ounces.
The number of espresso shots may change if a customer requests a customization. In a traditional flat white, the focus is on the balance between the espresso and the steamed milk, which is why the Venti size has an additional shot compared to smaller sizes, to maintain the expected flavor profile.
A flat white is a coffee drink consisting of espresso with microfoam (steamed milk with small, fine bubbles and a glossy or velvety consistency). It generally has a higher proportion of espresso to milk than a caffè latte, and a thinner layer of microfoam than a cappuccino.
Although the term "flat white" was used in the United Kingdom to describe a type of espresso-based drink in the 1960s, the modern flat white was developed in Australia and New Zealand.