How to Make Latte Art

Tips

• If you want to pour a heart pattern, shake as before without moving backwards as much. Form a ringed circle then slowly pour milk through the center to make a multi-layered heart.
  
• The espresso must be perfect.
• You must use an espresso machine with a proper brew head and boiler and enough steam power to properly froth the milk. These machines can cost at least 0.
• Before trying this with milk, try it first with water. While water doesn't have the same consistency as milk, practicing with water will allow you to get familiar with pouring and shaking at the same time.
• Use fresh milk for every cup, even if you have milk left over from the previous cup.
• Start with very cold milk -- keep the temperature right above freezing. Also, make sure you keep the steam pitchers refrigerated. Cold milk and steam pitchers will give you more time to create the smooth and velvety texture needed for latte art.
• Use a cup with a wide mouth. It will allow you to see the developing latte art design more easily.
• Instead of using a thermometer, you can keep two fingers at the bottom of the pitcher. When you can't hold your fingers there without burning them, its hot enough.

Warnings

• Do not let the milk heat to over 160 ºF (70 ºC), as this will limit the sweetness of the milk.

Things You'll Need

• Whole milk
• Espresso
• Straight walled steam pitcher with a sharp spout
• Espresso machine with a powerful steam wand
• 14 ounce (400 ml) latte cup
• Thermometer