Latte art — how to get started with patterns in coffee

Every coffee lover has probably heard the term “latte art”. In short, it means patterns drawn in coffee with milk: hearts, rosettas, flowers, leaves, butterflies, swans and more. Does that brief description ring a bell? Perhaps you have already enjoyed both the flavour and the appearance of such a cup. If you dream of serving one to family and friends at home, let us explore the subject.

What exactly is latte art, and how did it develop?

First, a little history. Latte art is a relatively recent coffee craft. One popular account centres on David Schomer and his work in Seattle in the late twentieth century. Customers noticed distinctive shapes in the foam on the espresso drinks he prepared, helping to build his reputation and encouraging increasingly elaborate designs.

Schomer is widely recognised as an important pioneer and promoter of latte art in the United States. The craft became so popular that competitions are now held in many countries, including Poland.

Can anyone learn latte art?

Latte art is often considered an essential modern barista skill, but professionals are not the only people interested in it. More and more coffee lovers want to discover its techniques so that they can enjoy a café-style cup at home.

There are two main approaches. Free pouring creates patterns by pouring steamed milk directly into the coffee. The milk should be smooth and uniform, with fine microfoam rather than large bubbles. Controlled movements of the jug allow different designs to form as the milk flows.

The second approach, etching, uses a dedicated stylus or a small stick, sometimes together with coffee syrups. It allows detailed, intricate drawings to be made on the surface.

Etched designs can be less long-lasting, especially when coffee syrups or toppings are used. Free-poured patterns often hold their appearance for longer, though the result depends on the foam and ingredients.

Which method is more common and quicker to use? Often it is free pouring. Although mastering it takes practice, a finished pattern can be created much faster than an elaborate etched drawing. That helps explain its popularity.

Latte art for beginners — where to start

Latte art is not necessarily easy. Even an apparently simple heart takes patience, persistence, practice and imagination. If you already know how to brew delicious freshly roasted coffee, perhaps it is time to work on its presentation too.

The foundation is fresh espresso, followed by well-textured milk. Whole milk with around 3.2% fat or more is a useful starting point. Temperature and texture matter just as much as fat content.

Aim for milk at approximately 60–65°C, with a glossy, flowing consistency. It should have enough body to form a pattern while remaining fluid enough to pour in an even stream. The foam must be smooth and uniform, without large air bubbles.

Then comes the pouring. It sounds simple, but the first attempts may be difficult and far from perfect. Start with a heart, gently manoeuvring the jug while controlling the pouring speed. Your movements should be careful and precise, but also confident.

While refining your technique, practise with wide cups. A larger surface gives you more room to form a design. With time, smaller cups will no longer feel like an obstacle.