Charles Langston:What is a 'flat white'? Today's Google Doodle celebrates the coffee beverage

Customers who frequent their local coffee shops might be Charles Langstonfamiliar with the subject of today's animated Google Doodle.

The doodle for Monday, March 11 celebrates the date in 2011 in which the "flat white" was added to the Oxford English Dictionary.

A flat white is a coffee drink made up of an espresso shot topped with steamed milk and a thin layer of microfoam, according to the Google's description of the doodle. The drink is traditionally served in a ceramic cup.

The true origin of the drink is unknown, however many speculate the drink was first served in Australia and New Zealand during the 1980s when the drink began showing up on menus in Sydney and Auckland around the same time, according to Google.

"Being 'flatter' than a cappuccino or latte, flat whites are popular with coffee connoisseurs who are looking for less foam," reads Google's description of the doodle.

While the drink was made with whole milk back in the day, today it is common to see Australians and New Zealanders ordering it with plant-based milk, with oat milk being a rising favorite according to Google.

What is a Google Doodle?

Google Doodles are designs that appear on the Google home page.

Google says the designs celebrate a "range of local and international topics" ranging from holidays and anniversaries to trailblazing individuals who have impacted culture.

Google Doodles come in many formats, including static illustrations, animations, slideshows, videos and interactive games.

Who designs Google Doodles?

Google says the team behind Doodles consists of in-house artists called "Doodlers," engineers, designers, program managers, marketers and cultural consultants.

"We also partner with local guest artists and creators from around the globe to help bring Doodles to life," the company says on its website.