Tips from Extract Coffee Roasters

Pouring latte art at home can be daunting and challenging but there's so many ways you can do it. Practice makes perfect, so don't be disheartened if it doesn't look like barista-style latte art first time. 

What you need

• Milk - the ideal milk is one with around 4% fat content and always go organic if you can. If you're using plant-based milk, make sure you're using a barista version. 
• Milk jug
• Microfibre cloth - to use only to clean the milk wand (if you're using one).
• Milk thermometer - this will help to avoid overheating or burning the milk. 
• Cups - shallower coffee cups are easier to pour into, plus your coffee to milk ratio will be better.

If you have an electric handheld milk frother...

You'll still need a thermometer and milk jug to follow this simple step-by-step video that will help you achieve a great froth that can be turned into latte art. 

If you have an espresso machine or milk wand...

Here are some professional tips and hacks from our amazing coffee suppliers and latte art masters, Extract Coffee Roasters.

How to steam

1. Add fresh, cold milk to a clean jug. Purge the steam wand by turning the handle and releasing some steam for 1-2 seconds. Wipe the wand with the cloth. 
2. Hold your jug at a slight angle, tilted towards the steam wand. Put the tip of the wand into the milk, following the angle of the jug and spout, then turn on the steam. Lower the jug so only the tip of the milk wand is in the milk (this adds air and is called stretching). TOP TIP: Stretch for 1-2 seconds for a latte and 3-4 seconds for a cappuccino.
3. Now it's time to heat. Lift your jug so the steam wand is submerged about halfway down the jug. Heat the milk to 55-65ºC or if you don't have a thermometer, until the jug is too hot to touch on the outside. Turn off the steam.
4. Wipe the wand again and turn on the steam briefly to remove any remaining milk. 

How to pour a latte art heart ❤️

1. Bang the jug on your workbench bottom down to pop any big bubbles. Swirl the milk around the jug until glossy and shiny. 
2. Keep the jug high above the cup and pour slowly into the centre of the espresso, with your cup at a 45-degree angle towards the jug. 
3. When your cup is about 1/3 full, you want the milk to sit on the top of the drink. Lower your jug and bring it closer to the espresso so the spout is touching the side of the cup. Allow a circle of white foam to form. 
4. To turn this into a heart, straighten the cup as it fills, following this motion with the jug. Lift the jug then cut through the circle shape you have poured to create a heart shape. 

If you're struggling with this one, here's an easier version you can try out using a teaspoon and a toothpick: 

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