The preparation of coffee is diverse with many variations to make a cup unique to you. A latte, in particular, is a popular milk-based option that simultaneously functions as a great canvas for some beautiful art. If you want to indulge your guests with an aesthetically pleasing cup of coffee, dive into the nuances of latte art with us. Learn how to make leaf latte art, also known as the Rosetta, which is one of the staple designs for our baristas.
Get Everything Ready!
For starters, you will need to have the right tools to execute each step in the most precise and simple way. To make the perfect cup of latte, there are three essential tools: an espresso machine, a milk pitcher, and a wide coffee cup. If you have a thermometer, it can come in handy for controlling milk temperature. As for the ingredients, you will need 10 to 12 ounces of whole milk for a creamy, velvety result, and high-quality, freshly ground coffee beans. You can opt for other types of milk, but whole milk often makes the best foam due to its intrinsic content. However, a good vegan, non-dairy option is oat milk as it emulates the unique characteristics of whole milk well. As with any art, practice and patience makes perfect!
Froth the Milk
First, you will aerate the milk. Put the steam wand in an off-center position at a slight angle near the surface of the milk. It should sound like tearing paper. This step can be a tricky one. Be careful not to over-aerate your milk; if you add too much air, it will be too thick and the foam will cover the whole surface of your coffee. But if your milk is too thin, you won't be able to make any patterns. Also, don't let any big bubbles form as they are harder to pour and won't give you a smooth finish. To get the right consistency, keep the steam wand close to the surface for three seconds.
Steam the Milk
For the second phase of the process, lower the steam wand towards the bottom of the pitcher. Maintain the previous wand position and angle to allow a whirlpool effect; this will break larger bubbles and give you a smooth result. At this point, your milk should no longer sound like tearing paper. Let the milk heat to 150 º F. If you don't have a thermometer, you can guide yourself with your hands. As soon as the pitcher becomes hot enough that you can't touch it, it means it is ready. Stop the milk from scalding; if your milk gets too hot, it won't be as sweet. When you remove the steam wand from the pitcher, remember to clean it to remove any residual milk. Leave the pitcher on the counter for a few seconds; it’s important to let the milk stabilize so that you get the foam on top.
Pour the Milk Into the Espresso
After you’ve prepared the espresso, now we come to the moment of truth: the pour. Before pouring, make sure there are no big bubbles in your milk. You can tap the base of the pitcher against your counter to dissolve any large bubbles. Next, you want to combine the foam and milk; you can do this by swirling the milk for a few seconds. There are three factors you will have to take into account to correctly pour your milk: angle, height, and speed. First, slowly pour the milk into the center of the espresso from 4-5 inches above the surface of the cup. Keep the cup slightly tilted towards you. When you have filled half of the cup, lower the pitcher to almost touch it. Start pouring faster.
Create your Leaf Pattern!
To make the Rosetta design, you'll need to follow just a couple more steps. When you lower the pitcher, start rocking it side to side in a gentle but firm fashion. Do quick movements so you get more leaves. When your leaves are formed, lift the pitcher up again and make a thin line with the rest of the milk through them. The key is to be confident. Make firm movements and don't hesitate when pouring the milk. With practice, you will master your leaf latte art!
Latte Art at Pax & Beneficia
At Pax & Beneficia, we take pride in our craftsmanship. Be it preparation of the coffee or the aesthetics of the latte art, we certainly want to give you the best coffee experience. Check out some of the work that our great baristas have done previously and come visit one of our cafés to enjoy these true works of art! Find the closest location to you and let our baristas cater to you!
