How to Make Latte Art (The Basics!)

Here are the basics of how to make latte art! These tips for beginners will get you started practicing in the comfort of your own home.

Want to learn how to make latte art…in the comfort of your own home? We’re here to help! We’re A Couple Cooks, two coffee obsessed home baristas (and mixologists). After years of practice, we’re ready to unveil our tips on how to make latte art at home! If you’re a professional barista, this is not the post for you. But if you’re a beginner with an espresso machine ready to learn the basics…let’s get started!

How to make latte art: video tutorial!

Latte art is a way to prepare a latte where the microfoam forms a design on the surface. It’s a complex process to master because of the specific quality of steamed milk that’s required. Professional baristas can make extremely intricate designs (and there are even latte art competitions).

This tutorial is intended for beginners who have an espresso machine with steamer and want to try basic designs at home. The best way to learn this skill is by watching it. So watch this video tutorial first, then we’ll break down all the basics below.

Required: espresso machine with steaming wand

To make latte art, you must have an espresso machine with steaming wand. Why is it required?

• You have to achieve perfect microfoam to make latte art. Microfoam has the magic “wet paint” texture that lets you draw the designs in the espresso. You simply cannot achieve this with a milk frother: though it makes a tasty latte!
• What’s the best espresso machine? Here’s the espresso machine we use: it’s middle of the road price-wise and works great. We tried a lower price range espresso machine but it didn’t get quite the quality of steamed milk that this one does. So it’s worth investing a little more for quality, in our opinion.

What’s so special about microfoam?

Microfoam what’s behind great latte art, and it’s a difficult thing to achieve. You’re looking for an almost “wet-paint” like texture. Also called velvet milk, it’s shiny and has very tiny, uniform bubbles. It’s silky smooth and has a sweet, almost nutty flavor that makes just the right espresso drink.

If you can’t achieve just the right texture and the right amount of bubbles, it’s impossible to make latte art. It can take months to figure out just the right touch using your espresso machine and equipment. Don’t give up! Practice makes perfect here.

What you need to make latte art

There are several specific things you need to make latte art, outside of the espresso machine of course! Here’s what to make sure you have on hand:

1. Espresso machine with steaming wand: we use this Breville espresso machine; it’s helpful to have a mid to high quality espresso machine to get just the right steamed milk microfoam
2. Metal pitcher with temperature sticker: Use a metal pitcher and chill it beforehand, which helps because the colder the milk, the longer time you have to steam it. Even better, grab a metal pitcher with a temperature sticker, which easily lets you see when it’s at the perfect temperature! You can also use a handheld thermometer, or judge by hand (go to the recipe below).
3. 6 ounce mug. It’s easiest to make latte art when you have a mug that’s the final size of the drink. This helps you add just the right amount of milk. We use these 6 ounce mugs and they work great!

Best milk for steaming

In order to make perfect latte art, you have to start with the right raw material! The absolute best latte art is made with whole milk. You can try oat milk for dairy free, but it’s just not the same.

• Use whole milk. Whole milk makes the best microfoam because it has the highest milk fat.
• Important: make sure the milk is as fresh as possible! Milk that’s getting closer to its expiration date does not foam as well. (Trust us, we know from experience!)
• You can try oat milk for dairy free. Oat milk does froth up better than any non-dairy milk, but it simply doesn’t make the same quality latte art as a full-fat whole milk.

Important tips for how to do latte art at home

Ready to get started? Before you scroll down to the recipe below, here’s what to know about how to make latte art at home:

• Grab your espresso machine, fresh whole milk, metal pitcher and 6 ounce mugs. See the sections above for details. Store your metal pitcher in the fridge, because the colder the milk, the longer time you have to steam it to the perfect microfoam.
• Read How to Steam Milk to learn how to achieve microfoam. Latte art is all about achieving the right microfoam, so that’s 95% of the process.
• Watch the video above. Watch it as many times as possible before you go to the recipe below!
• Practice, practice, practice. You have to be very confident in your movements to make great latte art. Slow movements result in poor quality latte art: but it’s still drinkable! Keep practicing until you’re able to make each design with better control.

Latte art designs

The recipe below shows you how to make a tulip shape of latte art. But there are lots of easy designs for beginners! Here are some ideas:

• Tulip: see recipe below
• Rosetta: see these instructions
• Heart: see this video

Ready to get started?

Scroll down to the recipe and let’s get going!

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