“We taste with our eyes,” a chef friend of mine often says, and she’s right. That’s one of the reasons latte art matters: it elevates the coffee experience before you even take a sip.
To start with, to pour good latte art you need silky, paint like milk. See our previous article on milk texture. Let's assume you have a jug of smooth glossy milk ready to go.
Step 1: The Setup
Great latte art starts with silky, paint-like milk (see our previous article on milk texture). Once you’ve got that glossy jug ready, it’s time to set your canvas.
Fill your cup to around three-quarters full, aiming for a smooth, even brown surface. To do this, pour from a “high” position (around 10 cm from jug spout to coffee surface). The height allows the milk to cut through the crema and blend in from beneath.
Use a gentle, circular motion, about the size of a ten-cent piece, to create an even base.
Step 2: Pour the Shape
The first shape most people aim for is the heart. Begin by pouring a circle of textured milk into the centre of your cup.
Stop pouring, give your jug a quick spin to remix the foam and liquid, then pour “low” to form your shape.
Step 3: The Finish
Now for the finishing touch: a fine stream of milk poured through the middle of your design. This “cut” transforms your circle into a heart, or, with practice, a tulip.
Two Techniques to Try
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The Plane Taking Off: Start low and slow, gliding the jug spout across the surface. Build height and speed as you go.
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The Helicopter: Keep the jug about 10 cm above the surface and pour a steady, fine stream as you move across the cup.
Tips for Success
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Practice, practice, practice.
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Experiment with different milk jugs and spout shapes.
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Try “high” and “low” pouring to see how height changes your design.
Next edition, we’ll dive into the tulip shape, a favourite for baristas looking to step up their latte art game.
