L'Art du latte: master latte art for beginners

Latte art, the pouring technique that transforms a simple coffee into a work of art, has become a symbol of skill for baristas around the world. At Café Castelo, we understand that the appeal of a good latte lies as much in its beauty as in its flavor. Here's a guide to help you master the latte art, using Café Castelo's premium coffee for results that are as beautiful as they are good.

The fundamentals of latte art

Choosing the right coffee: The basis of every successful latte art is a perfectly extracted espresso. Use our Miel Noir blend, which offers a rounded aroma with woody notes, ideal for a balanced, creamy espresso.

Preparing the perfect milk: The consistency of the milk is crucial. Milk should be sprayed until velvety and glossy, with small bubbles. Use whole milk for best results, as the fat content contributes to better texture and stability.

Milk pouring techniques 

The heart

1. Start by tilting your espresso cup slightly.
2. Hold the jug about three centimetres above the cup and start pouring the milk gently.
3. When the cup is half full, start pouring more quickly by bringing the pitcher back to the center of the cup.
4. To create the tip of the heart, make a quick forward movement of your pitcher while stopping to pour.

The rosette

1. Start as for the heart, tilting the cup and slowly pouring in the milk.
2. When the milk begins to mix with the coffee, gently shake the pitcher from left to right while moving towards the back of the cup.
3. Once you reach the edge of the cup, make a quick movement across the surface to create the stem of the rosette.

Practical tips for a successful latté art

• Milk temperature: Do not overheat milk. An ideal temperature is between 60 and 65 degrees Celsius. Milk that is too hot will lose its sweetness and its ability to form a nice foam.
• Water quality: Always use filtered water for your espresso. Water quality can significantly affect the taste of your coffee.
• Practice: Latte art takes practice. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't perfect.

Latte art is a fascinating skill that adds a touch of creativity to your coffee routine. With Café Castelo coffees, you're guaranteed a quality start, whether you're an amateur or an experienced barista. Check out our other articles for even more recipes and tips on how to make your coffee experience exceptional. Write to us if you need advice on how to make your latte art. Our customer service team is made up entirely of experienced baristas.