There's nothing like being ordering a flat white in a coffee shop that comes out looking like a piece of art, after all we eat with our eyes first. But how can you recreate this at home? Follow our easy how to guide to create barista-worthy latte art that will wow your friends and family.
Firstly, it's important that you have well-textured milk to create good latte art. Read our guide on how to steam milk here. There are a number of other factors to consider with latte art:
1. Pour from the right height
Pouring low and close to the coffee when drawing helps make sure your pattern sits on top of the coffee, pouring from too high will mean the milk sinks in the coffee.
2. Pour at the right speed
Pour slowly at the beginning so you don't disrupt the coffee crema. Speed up your pouring when drawing your pattern close to the coffee so the foam leaves the jug.
3. Tilt your cup
Titling the cup allows you to get your pouring spout very close to the coffee even when the cup is very empty so you can create good definition on your latte art.
4. Aim your pour
For symmetrical and central patterns such as a heart, tulip or rosetta, your pouring location is important. Be careful not to pour down the edges of the cup - this can break the crema and cause your pattern to sink.
Now that you have understand these factors, it's time to start learning how to create the simplest (but very effective) latte art pattern, the rose.
How To Pour a Heart: Latte Art
This is the best pattern to try if you're a beginner. Hearts can be poured with slightly thick and more luxurious milk texture so are perfect when your milk is not perfectly thin or for pouring cappuccinos.
- Start by setting the crema.
- Angle the jug toward the middle of the cup until the froth merges.
- Hold this position as steady as possible while a white circle forms (a slight shake for texture is optional)
- Without breaking the pour 'pull' the milk stream up and towards the bottom of the cup. This will draw the white circle into a neat heart.
Looking for more advanced latte art designs? Check out our other blog post to learn how to create tulip or rosetta.
Want to learn latte art from a pro? Try our coffee masterclasses hosted at our Brixton HQ.
