Latte art involves adding a personal and creative touch to espresso macchiatos, cappuccinos, and other milk-based coffee drinks. It enhances the presentation of the drinks while showcasing the skills and passion of baristas. In this article, our experts guide you step by step to create one of the most iconic forms of latte art: the heart.
What is Latte Art?
Latte art involves creating patterns on the surface of a milk coffee by pouring frothed milk onto an espresso in a controlled manner. This technique requires practice, precision, and a bit of creativity to produce various designs such as rosettas, tulips, and of course, the heart.
The process consists of several steps:
Making an espresso according to the rules of art with your manual espresso machine;
Creating smooth milk foam using the steam wand of your coffee machine;
The pouring movement of the barista, which creates patterns on the surface of the drink.
How to make a Heart in Latte Art?
Ingredients
An espresso to be made with Green Lion Coffee’s Inca Blend whole beans
Fresh whole milk
Material
An espresso machine with a steam wand
A stainless steel milk pitcher
Preparation
Step 1Prepare the espresso: Start by making an espresso, which will serve as the base for your latte art.
Step 2Prepare your milk foam: Heat the milk to the ideal temperature (between 60 and 65 °C) and use a milk pitcher to create a smooth and creamy foam. Ensure the foam has a creamy consistency without air bubbles.
Step 3Begin by slowly pouring the frothed milk into the center of your cup from a low height to fill about one-third of the cup.
Step 4Create the base of the heart by raising the height of your pour so the milk penetrates under the cream of the espresso. When the cup is three-quarters full, lower the height of the pour and start tilting the pitcher to introduce more milk foam.
Step 5To form the heart shape, draw the pitcher towards you, creating a stream of milk foam through the center of the cup.
Step 6To finish, cut the design by quickly lifting the pitcher while stopping the pour.
Step 1
Prepare the espresso: Start by making an espresso, which will serve as the base for your latte art.
Step 2
Prepare your milk foam: Heat the milk to the ideal temperature (between 60 and 65 °C) and use a milk pitcher to create a smooth…
Step 3
Begin by slowly pouring the frothed milk into the center of your cup from a low height to fill about one-third of the cup.
Step 4
Create the base of the heart by raising the height of your pour so the milk penetrates under the cream of the espresso. When the…
Step 5
To form the heart shape, draw the pitcher towards you, creating a stream of milk foam through the center of the cup.
Step 6
To finish, cut the design by quickly lifting the pitcher while stopping the pour.
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MAXICOFFEE TIP TO TAKE THINGS UP A NOTCH
The key to success lies in the consistency and smoothness of the milk foam. Additionally, maintaining a steady hand and a consistent pouring speed is essential. Relax and focus on the fluid movement of your wrist to create the perfect heart pattern.
Which coffee to choose for successful Latte Art?
For your heart latte art, choose a coffee that offers a good balance between acidity and bitterness. A coffee blend with notes of chocolate or hazelnut can also add a touch of sweetness to the latte art.
At MaxiCoffee, we recommend a medium+ roast coffee that offers the perfect balance.
Focus on the Inca Blend, the Ideal Coffee for Creating Your Heart Latte Art
The Inca Blend is a French roast coffee, 100% Arabica, and 100% organic. It offers notes of caramel and nuts for a round, smooth, and complex coffee. Perfect for your milk-based drinks.
Available now
Coffee beans – Mélange Inca – Green Lion Coffee (250g)
– Notes of caramel and nuts
– Certified organic
– Rich & sweet and spices aroma
Whole milk is often preferred for latte art because its fat content makes it easier to froth and manipulate. However, alternatives such as oat milk can also be used for those seeking lactose-free options.
Mastering heart latte art is an adventure that requires patience and a lot of practice. With some training, latte art will become a natural part of your coffee-making routine.
