Latte art. It sounds like a dark tradition passed between generations of a cult. Or perhaps a pass??? movement now relegated to museums. In fact, it is the art of pouring steamed milk into a cappuccino so that it forms an attractive pattern on the surface of the espresso. I first took up this hobby several years ago when I started working with serious espresso machines. The key step to creating latte art is the create a smooth even texture to the milk instead of a head of foam that sits atop a skimpy liquid.

To start with, it’s best to use something other than skim milk. 2% Lactaid seems to work well for me. I brew the espresso first, then start the steaming with the wand just under the surface of the milk. Ideally, I’ll get the mllk to spin in the pitcher. Once the pitcher has started to warm, I plunge the steam probe deeper into the milk while trying to maintain the spinning motion of the liquid. Once the pitcher is too hot to touch, it’s done.

I give the pitcher a manual spin then steadily pour in into the espresso. As the foam begins to collect on the surface, I shake the pitcher back and forth. With a finishing stroke, I move the pitcher forward, distorting the pattern into the flower-like pattern seen above. Does it work every time? Of course not, but if I have the right cup and everything goes just right, the results can be quite rewarding.