We all love to go on coffee dates with our loved ones. Happiness doubles when a cup of coffee is served in an artistic way. Latte art or coffee art, as we know it, is one of the trendiest parts of gourmet coffee culture presently.
It’s not the way coffee is presented that makes latte art a chartbuster, it’s our craze for sharing such images of latte art masterpieces with friends on social media which makes it so much more popular. The art is created on the top surface of the espresso using steamed milk that involves plenty of time and precise hand movement.
What is latte art?
Latte art is the process of pouring steamed milk on an espresso shot to make a design or pattern on the top. This makes a compelling treat for coffee lovers.
History of latte art
Latte art is practiced in different countries by baristas, coffee shops, and independent artists. In the United States, the art started from Seattle in the late 1980s and early 90s and was particularly popularized by David Schomer.
He said, “The intent is to promote respect for caffe espresso as a culinary art that emphasizes flavor, a silky feel and stunning presentation possibilities.” Cute little hearts were possibly the first latte art designs that become popular and still continue to win us.
How to make latte art?
Creating latte art requires a steady hand, a lot of creativity, and also some knowledge of physics. The height, position, and flow of the steamed milk will decide how it will look after mixing with the espresso. A thin metal bar is also used to stir and derive unique designs over the micro-foam layer of steamed milk. Likewise, chocolate syrup help in writing words or creating additional charm.
Most Popular Latte Art Designs for Your Inspiration
An hypnotizing pattern on coffee by Asaf Rauch of Barista Swag
Image: Instagram @baristaswag
Australian latte artist Aaron Shin makes simple yet beautiful latte heart
Image: Instagram baristaaaronshin
Buddha latte art by Malaysia-based barista is perfect to attain spirituality
Image: Instagram @barista_shengz
Messages in the coffee by Barista Daniel Fernando is worth giving a try
Image: Instagram @barista_daniel_fernando
24k latte by Cafe Astoria is as delicious as it is beautiful
Image: Facebook/Cafe Astoria
Santa latte art is really unique
Image: Instagram @dropship_____
A beautiful dark chocolate “Rosetta latte art” by Elly. The talented artist won the Korean latte art competition in 2016
Image: Pinterest
Paris frenzy would love Eiffel Tower in their coffee mug
Image: Pinterest
Probably a wheat spike in the coffee, anyone?
Image: Instagram @luke__1125
The cat lover in you will never get over this… Five minutes in, and I’m still fixed at it!
Image: Twitter @dongurinekobei
You’d want this Lion to stare at you forever
Image: Pinterest
Japanese artist Yukio Kurosaki makes these cute little penguins in coffee
Image: Instagram @cafe_rail
Coffee art with white rose, is there a better way to wake her up in the morning?
Image: Pinterest
Your cup of Joe will have rose flavor in it
Image: Instagram @barista_ray
Melannie Aquino is a Minion lover who also realizes these adorable, little mischievous characters inside a coffee mug at Elite Audio coffee bar in San Francisco
Image: Instagram @melaquino
German Barista Dritan Alsela draws cute little bunny faces
Image: Instagram dritanalsela
This Halloween latte art is pretty good dreary
Image: Instagram @jeroen_vanhove
This spooky latte is perfect for when you want to scare the s**t out of him
Image: Instagram / Kristýna Nežerná
An unusual snail latte art might be a good option for beginners
Image: Instagram @mykawaiianimals
Native Americans, this one is for you
Image: Kangbin Lee
A raining cloud latte by The Trendy Barista is ideal to kickstart a sunny day
Image: Instagram post list
This clover-inspired latte art would attract good luck for you
Image: Instagram/Kalyn Nicholson
Made using activated charcoal, this goth drink with Rosetta pattern has health benefits
Image: Pinterest
Dragon latte art — A good luck symbol to start off the day
Image: Instagram @kugglag1
What’s better than waking up with Batman in your cup? Gulp… gulp, you’re a superhero today!
Image: Fail Blog
Studio 6 Coffee House’s globe latte art is pretty awesome
Image: Pinterest
Mastering Rosetta latte art isn’t easy, this is just why!
Image: Pinterest
Latte art by Kohei Matsuno for pika-choooo fans
Image: Instagram @latte_stagram
Mesmerizing fish and bubbles latte art by Peter Hernou
Image: Flickr / Peter Hernou
Coffee mugs from the galaxy far, far away have Darth Vader and Stromtrooper in them
Image: Star Wars
Chubby little cat munching on a pizza inside a coffee mug
Image: Instagram @melaquino
This fish is living well in the coffee. Cute, ain’t it!
Image: Instagram @melaquino
Bring down the galaxy in your coffee
Image: Pinterest
Christmas tree and stars seem perfect for the holiday season
Image: Pinterest
This is the cutest teddy bear you can’t cuddle
Image: Pinterest
If you live in the fantasy world, then you will surely love this Snow White latte art
Image: Pinterest
Matcha green tea lattes look great and have antioxidants with cancer-fighting benefits
Image: Instagram @littlegreenfork
Red velvet lattes are great, but become more awesome when they are served with rose petals at the Werewolf Coffee Bar in Chicago
Image: Instagram @werewolfcoffeebar
Singapore-based barista Damien TC creates incredibly awesome floral latte art
Image: Instagram @damien_tc
Signature ColorBurst latte you can enjoy at The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker
Image: Facebook/The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker
Incredible collection of Disney latte art, anyone?
Image: Instagram @belcorno
Colorful fishbone latte art by Ernie Jr. Fernandez is beautiful
Image: Instagram @ernie.jr_
South Korean artist Kangbin Lee’s latte art designs are a tribute to history and pop art culture. His coffee art includes the Beauty and the Beast, Snow White, and The Starry Night painting by Vincent Van Gogh
Image: Kangbin Lee
Coffee bird art by Goran home barista is eye-catchy
Image: Instagram @latteartcity
Rainbow latte art by Mason Salisbury brings a smile to the face and turns bad mood around. The artist is based in Las Vegas and loves making colorful coffee art
Image: Instagram @ibrewcoffee
Latte Artist Brian makes remarkably realistic latte heART
Image: Instagram @baristabrian
Three stripes in blue make up Adidas logo latte art
Image: Instagram @designerlattes
Kazuki Yamamoto teamed up with Volkswagen Japan to create 3D Volkswagen Beetle coffee art
Image: Twitter @george_10g
Hong Kong-based Leo’s Espresso Group used colored milk foam to create beautiful imagery of Leo that seems to emerge out of the cup
Image: Leo’s Espresso Group
Mouth-watering donut with coffee errr… in coffee
Image: Interactive Entertainment Concepts
Inspired by the mobile game Neko Astume, Nowtoo Sugi creates lazy cats popping out of the mug
Image: Instagram @nowtoo
Snowflake latte art by Kokako laboratory is a simple yet stunning idea for beginners. Make your design with caramel topping
Image: Kokako Laboratory
This awesome latte pumpkin is created by Cupertino-based Daniel Vu
Image: Instagram @barista_dan
Towering Mt.Fuji emerging out of a coffee mug
Image: Instagram @latte_stagram
3D octopus latte art by Singapore-based Daphne Tan
Image: Instagram @periperipeng
Grapes in the coffee looks delightful and tempting
Image: Pinterest
Yummy pizza! Wait, it’s a latte art by Michael Breach
Image: Instagram @baristart
