The other night, Jason and Kelly were on a mission to make the perfect espresso.  As they were chatting I overheard Kelly saying something about latte art.  Being the coffee idiot that I am, I asked, "What is latte art?" 

Latte art or coffee art refers to designs created on the tops of espresso based drinks by a barista. These designs are usually created in one of two ways and sometimes using a combination of both.

The first method is by manipulating the flow of milk from a jug into the espresso (known as free pour latte art). The second is by drawing designs with an implement (known as etching), using stencils, powders and milk foam. Latte art is most commonly seen on a latte, although it can also be part of the presentation of a cappuccino, a caffe mocha or even an espresso macchiato. As the popularity of premium espresso-based drinks has risen, the craft of garnishing through latte art has as well.

With the rise in popularity of latte art and artistic presentation in the cup, competitions have emerged all around the world to enable practitioners (baristas) to show off their skills.

Latte art is considered by many consumers of coffee to be the final, crowning touch on an exquisitely prepared espresso-based beverage. Because of its visual presentation to the customer and beverage drinker and the increasing importance latte art has in cafes around the world, there is concern that taste should never become secondary to the art.

Here are a few links to latte art photo galleries:
flickr photoset, CoffeeGeek, latte art at the Netherlands international competition

Links to latte art articles:
Latte Art 101 by David Schomer, Interview with Mark Christman

Previously:
Classic Wilkins Coffee Jim Henson Ads, Recipe: Thai Iced Coffee, Civet droppings: The Philippines' best kept coffee secret, Stamp Mugs: Coffee ringmarks made pretty, i must have it. (espresso coffee soda)

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