The Reason We Do Latte Art

I've been around coffee for a good while now, and I'll admit I haven't always been right when it came to my opinions on the beverage. Just like anything else, it takes time and research to fully understand it's history and the qualities that go into a good cup. Since I have been Manager I have had a renewed interest and commitment to true gourmet coffee. I am always proud to tell people that I work for Portland Brew, because I know that we have the best coffee in the city, even if we haven't done a good job letting people know that.

Lately, I have started working behind the bar a little more. With all the details involved in three businesses, working as a barista, with it's singular focus is actually a nice change of pace. It has also reminded me that over ten years I have heard the same questions, and misconceptions about coffee come up over and over again. Which leads me to the topic at hand, why do we do latte art? If you're a customer, and not a self proclaimed coffee nerd, why should you care about it? Well, to some extent you shouldn't. Taste is and always should be the defining factor, but remember, you eat with your eyes first.

As a barista, seeing as we can't take a sip of every drink we make, we have to use indicators and signs to ensure quality. When you texture (froth) milk properly, it fundamentally changes it's chemical composition of that milk. Milk has it's own natural fats, proteins and sugars, and there is a right way and a wrong way to effect those attributes. Problems is, it's not exactly realistic to pull out a chemistry set every time we make a latte.

When milk is properly prepared for either a latte or a cappuccino, it should smell and taste notably sweeter than when it is cold. Also, when the milk is just right (and believe me, the difference between great milk and bad is a small window!), it will blend into the espresso in a naturally "flowly" way. It is the skill of the barista's hand with the nothing but the pitcher and cup that we are able to gently manipulate milk and espresso into latte art.

So why do we create latte art? Well, for a good barista, in the midst of a busy morning, having to create drink after drink, keeping in mind all of the variables just talked about; in the madness of the environment, creating something beautiful, both visually and on the palette, to a barista, is a sense of pride.

Plus...
it looks cool.