For you, a nice espresso is not quite enough on its own? You like your coffee drinks emphasized by pretty patterns drawn on the surface of the foam. Then you’re going to love latte art which is the art of making these great patterns on top of your favorite drinks like at your favorite barista!
The most used designs are the heart, the Rosetta, the tulip, the dragon, and even the swan. We tell you everything about latte art, this culinary art that seduces lovers of beautiful things!
Latte art: easy or better left to the pros?
You don’t have to be a pro to make pretty patterns and impress your guests (or just treat yourself). You just need to know a few tricks!
Which milk for latte art?
The key to latte art, apart from a good espresso, is perfectly steamed milk or frothed milk.
If you don’t mind dairy milk, preferably use pasteurized whole milk. Fattier than semi-skimmed or skimmed, the froth or foam will have a better texture and the latte art drawings results will be better.
If you opt for plant milk, it may take a few trials to find the right frothing technique, oat milk works quite well.
How to make milk froth?
This is the second fundamental element for successful beautiful latte art designs. Read our detailed blog best ways to froth milk on the subject. You will find techniques and tips for a perfectly steamed milk. If you want to use plant milk our guide how to froth plant milk tells you everything on milk frothing with or without accessories!
How to make the patterns?
Here are the 3 methods to make pretty latte art patterns.
Free pouring latte art
These are drawings made by pouring the milk froth over the coffee. So how do you pour the milk to make latte art?
Once the espresso is ready and your milk is frothed, comes the crucial step! It’s all about pouring the milk with the right technique to draw patterns.
Start by pouring into the center of the tilted cup (over the coffee) keeping the container with the milk froth about 4 inches away.
Fill the cup three-quarters full while wiggling it slightly then bring the pot with the milk froth close to the surface of the coffee and draw the pattern.
To make the best designs, we loved the videos in this blog, they are short and well made to learn how to make hearts, swans, tulips, a dragon, etc., and enhance your latte, mochaccino, or cappuccino.
Latte art stylus
The stylus allows you to draw additional details (ears, eyes, etc.) that enhance your initial latte art drawing. Using lines or dots you can make designs such as a unicorn!
Be careful, it takes time… You risk drinking your coffee cold!
The topping
Topping consists of adding a dusting on top of your latte art drawing for an even nicer and more professional finish! Let your imagination run wild and use powdered chocolate, cinnamon, icing sugar, etc.
You can also use the stylus to draw patterns over the dusting.
If you prefer plant-based milk check our guide how to froth plant milk.
