Employing latte art (or sometimes called coffee art) is a pretty cool way to top off your cappuccino. Experienced baristas can make some incredible designs just by pouring foamed milk into a shot of espresso and manipulating their pour in specific ways. Good coffee artists can make hearts, snowflakes, rosettas, and even dragons. It’s a little tricky but it can be learned, and it’s a great way to impress your guests.

The right espresso

The two basic ingredients for successful latte art are good espresso extraction and a perfect pitcher of steamed milk.  There are a lot of variables that go into making both of these suitable for latte art, but your end results should be a rich extraction with lots of crema and a glassy pitcher of milk-foam.

In this first video, Barista Jessica Kelly shows you the basics of pulling a good shot and steaming your milk correctly.

A coffeehouse favorite

Now that you know the basics, Jessica shows you the techniques of pouring a common design — the single rosetta.

Give the rosetta a try and let us know how it comes out. And visit our Food Thinkers YouTube page for more coffee art lessons in the coming weeks.