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Table of Contents
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Table of Contents
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By
Bryan Huynh
Key Takeaways
These days, coffee is more of an experience than a beverage. While a morning cup of Joe from a local coffee shop can be very transactional, more people are enjoying a relaxed drinking vibe. To that end, latte art is becoming more popular than ever, and now you can practice it at home.
Latte art can be fun, but it's also a way to help relax the mind and center yourself. Because you have to focus on the task at hand, your mind doesn't wander or stress. So, making latte art can be a kind of meditation before enjoying your next cup of coffee. So, let's break down what you need to turn your mug into an artistic canvas.
If you already have coffee-brewing equipment at home, you're well on your way to making latte art. Beyond a coffee maker (and, ideally, a bean grinder), you'll also need a milk frothing device, a small jug from which to pour the milk and high-quality coffee. Each ingredient in the latte matters, so using low-quality beans or milk can make it much harder to get the results you want.
So, let's break down each piece of the equation and discuss what you need to get started, as well as what you may want to elevate your latte art once you master the basics.
Espresso is the best type of coffee to use to make latte art, so you should have an espresso machine. You can either have a generic device or go with a specific brand like Nespresso. For the best results, you can invest in a combination grinder/coffee maker, or you can buy a grinder to make your own coffee grounds.
Fortunately, electric grinders make the process much faster and easier, and you still benefit from having the freshest coffee grounds possible for your latte art.
Next, you'll need a milk frother. This device aerates and heats the milk, so it's thicker and foamier. Otherwise, the milk would blend with the coffee, rendering your art useless since it wouldn't stay in a recognizable shape. Most frothing devices are separate, although some espresso machines have one built-in.
Realistically, a separate frother would work best because it gives you more flexibility and versatility. Then, you need a small pouring jug. Make sure it has a decent spout so you can be more precise with your art.
Finally, you'll need a toothpick or metal stirring stick to make your designs.
The type of espresso you get can affect the quality of your art. If you're not sure which brand or variation of espresso you want, you can sign up for a coffee club. Coffee clubs are a fantastic way to explore new varieties from around the world. Most clubs curate each shipment based on your preferences so you can discover new options that you're likely to love.
Another great thing about some coffee clubs is that you can pick and choose which coffee you receive and stock up on a particular brew you enjoyed. This way, once you find an espresso that tastes delicious and works well for latte art, you can buy as much of it as you want.
As a rule, whole milk is the best option for latte art because it has more fat and protein than other milk varieties. While you can use other types of milk (like almond, skim, or oat), they're a bit harder to froth. So, we recommend starting with whole milk and then switching to a different type once you've mastered your techniques.
Also, if possible, try to get a "barista" version of the milk. Barista milks are designed to hold better for latte art, so they'll work better than options you'll find in the grocery store.
Each step of the latte art process requires some skill, so you should practice everything as much as possible. First, you need to prepare your espresso shot, especially if you grind your own beans. Every shot of espresso takes about seven to eight grams of coffee grounds. So, if you want multiple shots in your latte, you have to make enough grounds.
First, pour the espresso into a portafilter and tamp it down. The recommended pressure is about 30 to 40 pounds for the right density. If the espresso is too dense, it'll take longer to filter and could burn. If the coffee is too loose, you'll get more water in the shot, diluting the flavor and caffeine content.
You should also put the portafilter in the machine as quickly as possible so you get the best results. Put an espresso cup underneath the filter and turn the machine on. It'll take a few seconds before the coffee starts pouring out. If it pours out immediately, you need to tamp the coffee more next time.
It takes about 21 to 24 seconds for the espresso to pour out, and you'll notice a small section of foam on the top. This is called the crema, and it ensures you get the best flavor possible. You should start frothing the milk around the same time as pulling the espresso so they're ready at the same time. If you're doing multiple shots, you'll have to adjust your timing accordingly.
For the best results, you want to use a cold pitcher and cold milk before using the frothing machine. This will create a more even microfoam texture that will hold its shape in the coffee. So, you can chill the pitcher for about 30 minutes before preparing your coffee. If you don't use a chilled pitcher, it'll still work, though.
As we mentioned, whole milk is the best option, but you can use milk alternatives or skim milk if you want to cut down on the fat and calorie content of your coffee.
Pour the milk into the pitcher until it reaches the bottom of the spout. This should be about two inches or so, depending on the size of your pitcher. Just make sure there's enough room for the milk to expand.
Turn on the frother as soon as it's in the milk. You need to heat the milk to about 145 degrees Fahrenheit, so it helps to put a thermometer in the milk on the side so you can monitor the temperature as you go. Make sure you don't overheat the milk, as it will keep heating after removing it from the frother.
Tamp the milk to get rid of any big bubbles. Then, gently swirl it before pouring it into the coffee.
Once your milk and coffee are ready, you can start pouring the designs. We'll cover three simple options. Once you've mastered these designs, you can practice more complicated versions later.
Before you can start making any art, you need to pour milk into the coffee to make it creamier. Then, after a while, you'll start pouring microfoam, which you can use to create designs in the coffee.
A heart is the simplest latte art you can make, as you just have to pour a blob of microfoam into the coffee. Then, you can just pour a line down the center to create the heart shape, or use a toothpick or metal stick.
Step by Step
First, pour milk into the espresso. Make sure to tilt the mug and swirl the pitcher as you pour for more even results.
Then, tilt the mug straight up and finish pouring the microfoam.
Once you have a nice blob in the center, you can pour the milk down the center. Doing this should create a heart design. Alternatively, you can use a toothpick to draw a line down the center.
Mistakes to Avoid
Although a heart is relatively simple to create, you must ensure the blob is even. If it's lumpy or lopsided, the heart will look uneven. Also, as with all latte art, if you wait too long to pour the milk, it will become too thin, and the microfoam won't hold its shape very well.
Another issue to avoid is pouring the milk too quickly. If you do that, the milk will mix with the crema, making it harder to see the result.
A Rosetta is a flowery design that's actually pretty easy to make once you've mastered your pouring technique. The number of rows in the Rosetta also depends on how much milk you have and the size of your mug.
Step by Step
Start by pouring the milk into the espresso, so it blends.
Once you start seeing the white microfoam, start gently rocking the pitcher back and forth. This should create a layered effect, where the foam is wider at the edges and narrower in the center.
Keep doing this until you either run out of foam or have reached the end of the mug.
Finally, use a toothpick or metal stirrer to draw a line down the center of the foam. Alternatively, you can pour the milk through the center, just as you would for the heart.
Mistakes to Avoid
Don't use your whole arm to rock the pitcher, as this will make it harder to get the right details. You may have to practice a few times to get the look of your Rosetta correct.
A tulip is a bit more complicated, so it's best to practice the heart and Rosetta first a few times so you can master your pouring technique and control. Essentially, you're making three hearts, but the shape will vary on each. Realistically, you'll have to do this one a few times to get the shapes right.
Step by Step
Mistakes to Avoid
For the best results, you want a little space between each section, along with a line of microfoam. It can take a bit of practice to do this right. The first time, your tulip may be a bit wider and chunkier than it should be. Make sure to move the mug and the pitcher to create the designs you want. Pouring into a static pitcher can be a little trickier.
If your first few designs look like little more than large, white blobs, that's okay. It can take a while to master each step of your technique, from frothing the milk to pouring the design. Here are some tricks to help you improve. Also, this blog dives into more detail so you can practice better.
If you're a coffee enthusiast, choosing different coffees from your local store or coffee shop can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, subscription clubs take all the guesswork out of the process and can help you discover new flavors you wouldn't be able to otherwise.
Some of the best coffee clubs include:
When comparing different clubs, make sure to look at the pricing, customization options, and customer service. Some clubs (like Atlas) don't let you pick your coffee, so each shipment differs. Driftaway is one of the best choices because you can buy in bulk, and the club features a curated selection of farms each month.
Now that you know the basics, it's time to get started on your latte art hobby. Again, don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries to master a specific design. After all, you still get to drink the delicious coffee, no matter how good it looks. So, you can take advantage of your existing coffee habit and start practicing every time you brew a new cup.
Once you master the three designs we've mentioned, it can be fun to practice more complicated and detailed designs. You can also make milk foam to create three-dimensional coffee shapes and characters. There are no right answers, only great coffee!
Bryan Huynh
Product Tester & Writer
Bryan Huynh is a determined Product Tester & Writer. Being a coffee addict, it is only right that he mainly tests and reviews different coffee from around the world and coffee subscription services.
Bryan Huynh is a determined Product Tester & Writer. Being a coffee addict, it is only right that he mainly tests and reviews different coffee from around the world and coffee subscription services.
Edited by:
Bryan Huynh
•
Product Tester & Writer
