Latte art for beginners: the coffee and milk it takes

What latte art is

Latte art is a picture or pattern in the top of a coffee drink. Wikipedia calls it "a method of preparing coffee created by pouring microfoam into a shot of espresso" ¹. It adds that a pattern "can also be created or embellished by simply 'drawing' in the top layer of foam" ¹.

So there are two ways to make one. You pour it, or you draw it. We'll cover both below.

The espresso comes first

Wikipedia says "Latte art requires first producing espresso with crema and microfoam" ¹. For the espresso, "the espresso shot must have a creamy brown surface, an emulsion known as crema" ¹.

That surface is what the milk lands on. If you're still choosing gear, our guide to home espresso machine types is a good start. The bean matters too, and our espresso beans guide explains the label.

What microfoam is

Wikipedia describes microfoam as "finely textured milk used for making espresso-based coffee drinks, particularly those with latte art" ². It also says "Microfoam is shiny, slightly thickened, and should have microscopic, uniform bubbles" ².

On an espresso machine, "It is typically made with the steam wand of an espresso machine, which pumps steam into a pitcher of milk" ². There are two stages. In the first, "Air is introduced from the steam wand by immersing only the tip of the wand in the milk" ². The second stage mixes that air through the milk ².

Steam is hot. Use the wand the way your machine's manual says, and don't change anything about how the machine is built.

Pouring and etching

When you pour, "As the milk is poured, the foam separates from the liquid and rises to the top" ¹. Move the pitcher while you pour and "the foam will rise to create a pattern on the surface" ¹.

The other method comes after the pour. Wikipedia says "a pattern may be etched with a stick after the milk has been poured, rather than during the pour" ¹.

Which patterns are simple

Wikipedia mentions "simple patterns such as the heart and tulip" and "more complex designs such as the rosetta" ¹. We haven't poured any, so we won't say where you should start.

Wikipedia also notes the demand is real: it points to "the demanding conditions required of both the espresso shot and milk" ¹. So expect a few ugly cups first. We haven't poured on any of these machines, so we can't promise how quickly you'll improve.

Do you need a special machine?

Latte art needs microfoam, and microfoam usually comes from a steam wand. Breville's Bambino Plus page lists "a powerful hands-free automatic steam wand that makes microfoam milk for you ready for latte art" ³. It also offers "Or hands on manual texturing like a barista" ³. Breville listed it at $499.95 in US dollars on 6 November 2026 ³.

That's one maker's claim about one model. Check the maker's page for the machine you're considering. Breville's range of machines is explained on its own page, and the super-automatic machine guide covers machines that do more of the work.