4.

7 Mastering the Building Blocks

of Latte Art
Mastering the Building Blocks of Latte Art

Once you are able to repeatedly and consistently pour a dot, heart, tulip
and rosetta, you will have mastered the basics of latte art and will
possess the technical skills needed to create any design—or even
invent your own. As you practice more, you might challenge yourself to
pour two rosettas side by side in a mug or move the stream of milk
around as you pour to create a swan!

Good latte art is sophisticated and a mark of quality and passion.

However, be sure to balance the designs you choose to pour with the
volume of business you are currently experiencing. Intricate designs
take more time to accomplish than basic pours like a heart, so make
sure you have the time to spend. And remember: Beverage quality
comes from correctly pulled shots and correctly textured milk. The
quality of the most gorgeous latte in the world is only as high as the
quality of the espresso and milk it is made with. Strive every day to
make sure every customer receives the highest-quality, most delicious
latte—prepared with friendliness, skill and care.

Latte Art Throwdowns

Not only is latte art a great way to enrich a customer’s day, it’s also an
excellent way to engage your team and community. A Latte Art
Throwdown is an event where baristas compete one-on-one to pour
their best latte art. It’s a fun event and a chance to learn tips from your
:
 peers and bring the community together around coffee.

Challenge a co-worker to a casual latte art contest while behind the bar
(“sudden death,” one pour each) or make a community event out of it:
plan a Latte Art Throwdown for a group of baristas and bring in a panel
of judges. Larger events use competition brackets where the winning
pour moves on to the next round.
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