Latte art

Latte with winged tulip art

Latte art is a method of preparing coffee created by pouring microfoam into a shot of espresso and resulting in a pattern or design on the surface of the latte. It can also be created or embellished by simply "drawing" in the top layer of foam. Latte art is particularly difficult to create consistently, due to the demanding conditions required of both the espresso shot and milk. This, in turn, is limited by the experience of the barista and the quality of the espresso machine. The term is not limited to lattes but also applies to other beverages containing milk foam, such as cappuccino and macchiato.

History

Latte art developed independently in different countries, primarily in Italy and the United States. In Italy, the tradition of creating patterns in coffee dates back to the 1980s. In the United States, it gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, particularly in Seattle, a city known for its coffee culture.

Techniques

There are two main types of latte art: free pour and etching.

Free Pouring

Free pouring is the most common technique used in creating latte art. It involves pouring steamed milk from a jug into the espresso. The barista manipulates the flow of milk and the position of the jug to create patterns such as hearts, rosettas, and tulips.

Etching

Etching involves using a tool, such as a stick or a toothpick, to draw designs in the foam. This method allows for more intricate and detailed designs but is less common in professional settings due to the additional time required.

Patterns

Common patterns in latte art include:

• Heart: A simple design that is often the first pattern learned by baristas.
• Rosetta: A more complex design resembling a fern or a leaf.
• Tulip: A pattern that involves multiple layers of hearts stacked on top of each other.

Milk and Foam

The quality of the milk foam is crucial for creating good latte art. The milk must be steamed to a temperature of around 150°F (65°C) to create microfoam, which is milk with very small, uniform bubbles. The microfoam should be glossy and have a velvety texture.

Espresso

The espresso shot must have a good crema, which is the golden-brown foam that sits on top of a freshly pulled shot of espresso. The crema provides a contrasting background for the milk foam, making the latte art more visible.

Barista Skills

Creating latte art requires a high level of skill and practice. Baristas must be proficient in both pulling a good espresso shot and steaming milk to the correct consistency. Many coffee shops and barista training programs offer courses specifically focused on latte art.

Related Pages

• Espresso
• Cappuccino
• Macchiato
• Barista
• Coffee culture

See Also

• Coffee
• Microfoam
• Crema (coffee)