When creating latte art, first shots of espresso are poured into the cup.
Latte art is a decorative pattern created with foam on top of a latte or other espresso drink. The white foam of the milk can be manipulated in the espresso to create swirls, patterns, and even simple words. Espresso drinks, including lattes, mochas, and cappuccinos, are suitable for latte art.
A latte is a coffee drink created with espresso, steamed milk, and foam. The drink usually has one or more shots of espresso, steamed milk, and a layer of foam on top, with milk being the main volume of the drink. A cappuccino consists of one third espresso, one third milk and one third foam, the same components as a latte, but in different proportions. A mocha is similar to a latte, but with chocolate added. Caramel, mint, or berry-flavored syrups can also be added to a latte, mocha, or cappuccino.
An espresso is made by forcing a small amount of extremely hot water into finely ground coffee beans.
During the steaming process, as the cold milk heats up, it foams. The quality of the foam is critical to creating latte art. It could be argued that making an espresso drink is an art in itself and that steaming milk is an important component. It should be foamy and creamy, but not full of big bubbles. Getting the foam right takes training and practice, and an espresso machine that includes a steam wand.
A latte is a mixture of steamed milk, milk foam, and espresso.
When creating latte art, shots of espresso are first poured into the cup, combined with chocolate or any other desired flavorings. Then the foamed milk is poured. The foam can be retained with a large spoon. An experienced barista can pour milk under the foam by adjusting the angle of the milk jug.
Adding the foam is where the latte art component comes in. By manipulating the final flow of frothed milk from the pitcher, the barista essentially draws or etches an image or pattern on top of the latte. The contrast between the brown espresso and the white milk foam creates the design. Leaves, hearts, Christmas trees, snowflakes, and swirls are common examples of latte art; the possibilities are only limited by the skill and creativity of the barista.
Latte art is used to create decorative patterns on top of cappuccinos and lattes.
There are also latte art competitions, where the best baristas come together to show off their skills and creativity. Competitors are judged on the complexity and aesthetics of their final designs, as well as the time it takes to create them. Latte art and the contests it inspires are becoming more and more a part of coffee culture. There’s even a World Latte Art Championship where the world’s best baristas come together to compete.