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Make a Perfect Latte Foam Art Heart-Beginners Guide

I love a great cup of coffee…add some foam and I’m excited. Turn that foam into art and I’m in heaven. 

The method of preparing coffee isn’t complex, and across the country, people are posting images of barista creations.

There are a lot of factors in creating the art, the variables of both the espresso and milk have their effect.

In the United States, latte art was developed in Seattle in the 1980s and 1990s and was particularly popularized by David Schomer. Owner of Espresso Vivace, a Seattle area coffee shop.

The development of the microfoam is credited to Jack Kelly of Uptown espresso in 1986.

One of the most favorite foam art subjects was created in 1989.

The heart pattern was established and a signature at Schomer’s Espresso Vivace. 

The rosette pattern followed in 1992, created by Schomer, who recreated the technique based on a photograph he saw from Cafe Mateki in Italy.

There’s the history of the popular coffee trend, foam art. (WebstaurantStore)

It’s liquid physics + a lot of practice + creativity. The result is impressive art to admire with your morning cup of joe.

Beginners Guide to foam art

Tips for successful latte foam art:

Skip the soy and skim milk.

Use whole milk. It offers a velvety and beautiful foam.

Indulge.

After all, it’s art.

Skim milk has no fat, which is needed to make the foam.

Use a rounded bowl-shaped cup.

Add your espresso into the bottom and then add a small amount of steamed milk, swirling to incorporate it.

Speed and Height above the bowl are the main aspects of the pouring technique.

Pour slowly and evenly at a relatively high distance above the cup.

Just because you aren’t a pro barista doesn’t mean you can’t master this exciting skill.

Follow the infographic below, featuring step-by-step tips on creating the perfect heart foam art courtesy of George Kim, of Caffebene.

how to pour the perfect latte foam art heart

About Julee Morrison

Julee Morrison is an author and writer with over 35 years of experience in parenting and family recipes. She’s the author of four cookbooks: The Instant Pot College Cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens, The Complete Cookbook for Teens, and The Complete College Cookbook.Available on Amazon,

Her work has appeared in The LA Times, Disney’s Family Fun Magazine, Bon Appétit, Weight Watchers Magazine, All You, Scholastic Parent & Child, and more.

Her article "My Toddler Stood on Elvis' Grave and Scaled Over Boulders to Get to a Dinosaur" appeared on AP News, and her parenting piece “The Sly Way I Cured My Child's Lying Habit” was featured on PopSugar.

Outside of writing, Julee enjoys baking, reading, collecting crystals, and spending time with her family. You can find more of her work at Mommy’s Memorandum.