Everyone loves it: a heart on their cappuccino. Latte art isn't just popular among professionals; it's become an essential part of any good café and coffee experience. The fascinating art of pouring milk foam adds an aesthetic touch to every coffee and showcases the barista's skill. In this week's post, we'll explain what latte art actually is, which techniques are used, and how you can create your own milk foam at home. Enjoy!
What is latte art?
When professionals and coffee enthusiasts talk about latte art, they mean decorating a coffee drink with warm milk foam. A wide variety of designs can be created. From hearts to unicorns, depending on skill, there are no limits to the imagination!
The history of latte art
Latte art has become an integral part of modern cafés worldwide. However, its origins date back to the late 19th century. In 1884, Angelo Moriondo patented the first espresso machine in Turin, and the art of pouring milk foam was developed in parallel. It took a few more decades, though, for latte art to truly flourish – initially, a simple layer of warm, unpatterned milk foam sufficed. Later, the right equipment and techniques had to be developed to create the perfect latte art.
The triumph of latte art:
David Schomer – the pioneer of latte art. He was a barista and owner of Espresso Vivace in Seattle in the 1980s. He loved his job and enjoyed experimenting with different pouring techniques. This is how he discovered the possibility of pouring patterns onto cappuccinos. His discovery became popular with the publication of his book, "Espresso Coffee: Professional Techniques," in 1995. From then on, latte art spread all over the world!
As early as the late 1990s, barista training courses and latte art competitions became increasingly popular. This lively exchange of techniques and ideas refined latte art more and more, ultimately establishing it as a recognized art form!
Latte art competitions
As mentioned previously, latte art competitions were already taking place in the late 1990s. These helped to build a community. to shape and establish common standards for the artwork in a competitive environment. In 2005, the first World Latte Art Championships took place in Seattle, the home of latte art. Here, the world's best baristas compete in exciting head-to-head races over several rounds. They must recreate a given pattern and are also allowed to design their own motif. Judging is based on creativity, technical execution, difficulty, and overall presentation. The next WLAC will take place from June 27th to 29th, 2024, as part of World of Coffee in Copenhagen. It's definitely worth a visit!
Latte art techniques
True baristas will now loudly proclaim: There's only one right way to create latte art. And we wholeheartedly agree! Nevertheless, we'd also like to describe the so-called "etching" technique. This involves using special tools like stencils or sticks to draw smaller, more detailed patterns in the milk foam using cocoa powder.
True latte art, however, is the free-flowing pouring of milk foam. For this, the milk must first be perfectly frothed and at the correct temperature. The cups must be positioned at the right angle to the milk pitcher and the espresso mixed with gentle movements before a pattern is poured. Of course, this usually doesn't work perfectly right away and takes a lot of practice. In our Barista Basics course , we'll show you how you can easily recreate perfect latte art at home – so please join us!
Latte art today
Latte art has become an indispensable part of cafés. It makes every coffee special and gives it a visually appealing look. For many customers in the age of social media, it's a must-have! Speaking of social media: The various platforms are fostering an ever-growing community that is constantly exchanging information about the latest techniques and trends. Baristas from all over the world share their work, tips, and tricks. This makes latte art accessible to an ever-wider audience and increasingly popular.
The art of pouring milk foam remains a mark of craftsmanship and high-quality coffee. However, even here, there are always new technological marvels, such as images that are printed onto the milk foam using 3D printers.
For us, latte art is also a way to enhance enjoyment. The gentle blending of espresso with warm milk allows the aromas to come through beautifully, and our customers love a lovely latte art in a relaxed atmosphere – therefore, we will continue to embrace it as an art form and a tribute to the long journey of latte art.
Conclusion:
Latte art is a barista's way of showcasing their exceptional skill. They've invested countless hours in mastering this intricate art and are rewarded daily by the admiring glances of satisfied customers. It's no wonder, then, that latte art has become a global art form with a huge following. Are you as passionate about it and practicing diligently? Then show us and tag us in your Instagram story @simonandbearns !
Your SIMON&BEARNS Team
Latte Art - The Art of Pouring Milk Foam
Everyone loves it: a heart on their cappuccino. Latte art isn't just popular among professionals; it's become an essential part of any good café and coffee experience. The fascinating art of pouring milk foam adds an aesthetic touch to every coffee and showcases the barista's skill. In this week's post, we'll explain what latte art actually is, which techniques are used, and how you can create your own milk foam at home. Enjoy!
What is latte art?
When professionals and coffee enthusiasts talk about latte art, they mean decorating a coffee drink with warm milk foam. A wide variety of designs can be created. From hearts to unicorns, depending on skill, there are no limits to the imagination!
The history of latte art
Latte art has become an integral part of modern cafés worldwide. However, its origins date back to the late 19th century. In 1884, Angelo Moriondo patented the first espresso machine in Turin, and the art of pouring milk foam was developed in parallel. It took a few more decades, though, for latte art to truly flourish – initially, a simple layer of warm, unpatterned milk foam sufficed. Later, the right equipment and techniques had to be developed to create the perfect latte art.
The triumph of latte art:
David Schomer – the pioneer of latte art. He was a barista and owner of Espresso Vivace in Seattle in the 1980s. He loved his job and enjoyed experimenting with different pouring techniques. This is how he discovered the possibility of pouring patterns onto cappuccinos. His discovery became popular with the publication of his book, "Espresso Coffee: Professional Techniques," in 1995. From then on, latte art spread all over the world!
As early as the late 1990s, barista training courses and latte art competitions became increasingly popular. This lively exchange of techniques and ideas refined latte art more and more, ultimately establishing it as a recognized art form!
Latte art competitions
As mentioned previously, latte art competitions were already taking place in the late 1990s. These helped to build a community. to shape and establish common standards for the artwork in a competitive environment. In 2005, the first World Latte Art Championships took place in Seattle, the home of latte art. Here, the world's best baristas compete in exciting head-to-head races over several rounds. They must recreate a given pattern and are also allowed to design their own motif. Judging is based on creativity, technical execution, difficulty, and overall presentation. The next WLAC will take place from June 27th to 29th, 2024, as part of World of Coffee in Copenhagen. It's definitely worth a visit!
Latte art techniques
True baristas will now loudly proclaim: There's only one right way to create latte art. And we wholeheartedly agree! Nevertheless, we'd also like to describe the so-called "etching" technique. This involves using special tools like stencils or sticks to draw smaller, more detailed patterns in the milk foam using cocoa powder.
True latte art, however, is the free-flowing pouring of milk foam. For this, the milk must first be perfectly frothed and at the correct temperature. The cups must be positioned at the right angle to the milk pitcher and the espresso mixed with gentle movements before a pattern is poured. Of course, this usually doesn't work perfectly right away and takes a lot of practice. In our Barista Basics course , we'll show you how you can easily recreate perfect latte art at home – so please join us!
Latte art today
Latte art has become an indispensable part of cafés. It makes every coffee special and gives it a visually appealing look. For many customers in the age of social media, it's a must-have! Speaking of social media: The various platforms are fostering an ever-growing community that is constantly exchanging information about the latest techniques and trends. Baristas from all over the world share their work, tips, and tricks. This makes latte art accessible to an ever-wider audience and increasingly popular.
The art of pouring milk foam remains a mark of craftsmanship and high-quality coffee. However, even here, there are always new technological marvels, such as images that are printed onto the milk foam using 3D printers.
For us, latte art is also a way to enhance enjoyment. The gentle blending of espresso with warm milk allows the aromas to come through beautifully, and our customers love a lovely latte art in a relaxed atmosphere – therefore, we will continue to embrace it as an art form and a tribute to the long journey of latte art.
Conclusion:
Latte art is a barista's way of showcasing their exceptional skill. They've invested countless hours in mastering this intricate art and are rewarded daily by the admiring glances of satisfied customers. It's no wonder, then, that latte art has become a global art form with a huge following. Are you as passionate about it and practicing diligently? Then show us and tag us in your Instagram story @simonandbearns !
Your SIMON&BEARNS Team