Chiara Bergonzi, a Latte Art champion many times over, SCA trainer, LotZero's roaster and business consultant, tells us what tools of the trade we need to pull off the perfect latte art and its first Free Pour.

What is Latte Art?

Latte art is a decoration technique that allows you to make figures on the surface of espressos, cappuccinos and other milk-based drinks. In Italy it arrived in the 90s, but the real boom there was from 2000 onwards.
 
What are the "tools of the trade"?

1. The coffee: it is our canvas on which to paint. I recommend using a 100% Arabica espresso or a mixture of Arabica and Robusta, provided the roasting is delicate and not too dark, otherwise the carbon dioxide inside creates a foamy effect rather than an elastic cream.

2. The cup: better to choose a low and wide one, because it allows to create more shapes with greater ease.

3. The milk jug: it may seem trivial, but the choice of the milk jug is essential. There are many types, which vary in weight, material and type of spout. The spout performs the function of the tip of the brush in painting: it will help to make the figure. To outline the details, a thin spout will then need to be used.

4. The milk: fresh whole milk is best because it is silkier, creamier and, thanks to the high content of fats and proteins, allows a perfect setting. Also, from the sensory point of view we will have a much tastier cup.
 

Are there different techniques of latte art?
 
Yes: Free Pour and Etching. Free Pour is a technique of "free pouring", in which the barman draws with the movement of the milk jug, hand and wrist.
 
In Etching, the basic instrumentation also combines a nib to finish the decoration and add small details.
 
Do you remember your first latte art?
 
Yes, a disaster! I had drawn a heart and a leaf. It takes months to be able to learn the technique well, but once learned gives unimaginable satisfactions!
 

 
Is it necessary to be an artist to learn the basic techniques?
 
Good dexterity and a little creativity can be useful, especially in the Etching technique. Latte art, however, is a technique accessible to everyone. Of course, it requires effort and a lot of training. At the beginning it takes patience, dedication and hours of testing with a good trainer to become familiar with the instrumentation and learn how to whip the milk correctly.
 
Once you’ve mastered the technique, however, the fun begins! It's like having a canvas in front of you and being able to paint what you want!
 
Chiara "trainer" in three adjectives ...
 
Patient, demanding but also cheerful, fun. I am lucky to be able to devote myself to what I love the most to do!
 

Visitors will be able to see latte art legends in action on the Latte Art Live Stage at The Milan Coffee Festival. Watch live demos, witness fierce demonstrations and try your hand at making your own milky masterpiece. 

You can find Chiara on Instagram @chiara_coffee and @lotzero_specialtycoffee