How To Make Latte Art (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes

• PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
• QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
• LOG IN

  Log in

  Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
• RANDOM

• Home
• Random
• Browse Articles
• TrendingNew
• Quizzes & Games
• All QuizzesHot
• Love Quizzes
• Personality Quizzes
• Fun Games
• Dating Simulator
• Learn Something New
• Forums
• Courses
• Happiness Hub
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow

• Log in / Sign up

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Food and Entertaining
• Drinks
• Coffee
• Espresso Based Coffee

How to Make Latte Art: Steps & Design Ideas Download Article Use an espresso machine to create unique coffee art Co-authored by Emilee Bryant and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Fact Checked

Download Article

• Steaming the Milk
|
• Pouring Espresso & Milk
|
• Creating Latte Art Designs
|
• Video
|
• Expert Interview
|
• Expert Q&A
|
• Tips
|
• Warnings
|
• Things You'll Need

|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Emilee Bryant and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA. Emilee Bryant is a Coffee Expert, Youtuber, and Latte Artist based in Brooklyn, New York. She spent years building her teaching skills as a Coffee Educator for Counter Culture Coffee, a coffee roasting company that has training and education centers across the country. She is also a multi award-winning latte artist. She won the Latte Art World Championship Open twice in 2019 and the Barista League: Online, Season II, among various competitions throughout her career. Emilee’s signature design is a hollow heart using the negative space in a latte. She is also deeply invested in the technical side of what it means to be a barista, and is constantly exploring the methods in which a simple bean becomes a cup of coffee. She has cultivated an active online community of fellow coffee enthusiasts, and creates content for her over 100K subscribers on YouTube and 100K followers on Instagram on coffee trends, latte art tutorials, and the fun of the coffee industry.  There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,071,717 times.

While many agree that making good espresso is an art within itself, latte art refers to patterns made in the foam topping espresso drinks. To make these beautiful designs, ensure that your milk is properly steamed and that your espresso has great crema (the delicate foam on top of the espresso shot). We interviewed professional barista Jaden Zhao to teach you all the steps of making latte art, from steaming the milk and pouring the espresso to creating fun latte art designs in the foam.

How to Do Latte Art at Home

Latte art is foam on top of foam, explains world-champion latte artist Emilee Bryant. To create your design, pour an espresso shot into a wide-mouthed cup and add steamed milk until it’s halfway full. Use a pitcher with concentrated white microfoam to create your latte art. Pour it close to the surface.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Steaming the Milk

Download Article

1. 1 Pour cold milk into a chilled pitcher. Chill a metal steam pitcher in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before you plan to make the latte art. Then, take it out and pour in cold milk until it reaches the bottom of the spout. This will give the milk room to expand and foam as it heats.[1]
   • For example, if you have a 12-ounce (355 ml) pitcher, pour in about 10 ounces (295 ml) of milk.
   • Because of its high fat content, whole milk is easier to steam than skim or low-fat milk.
   • While whole milk works the best, if you want or need a dairy-free alternative, oat milk froths better than other non-dairy milks.
   • Zhao says if you don’t have an espresso machine at home, “You can also use a French press, which has a manual milk frother. You do need to have a little device, but it doesn't have to be an espresso machine.”[2]
2. 2 Insert the steam wand into the pitcher and turn on the steam. Lower your espresso machine’s steam wand into the bottom of the pitcher and immediately turn it on. Slowly bring the wand up so it’s near the top of the milk. The milk should be swirling like a whirlpool.[3]
   • The steam wand should be pointing diagonally toward the back of the pitcher near the handle.
   • Before inserting the wand into the pitcher, point it away from you and turn it on for a few seconds. This will clean the wand of any milk that may be stuck in it. Turn it off and immediately lower it towards the bottom of the pitcher.
   Advertisement
3. 3 Heat the milk until it reaches 140 to 145 degrees F (60-63 degrees C). Lower the steam wand back down so it’s about 1 centimeter (0.4 in) away from the top of the milk. The milk should not stretch too much, nor should there be any big bubbles. This will create a smooth, velvety microfoam instead of a dry, stiff foam. To check the temperature of the milk, insert a thermometer along the inside of the pitcher. Once properly heated, turn off the wand and tap the pitcher on the counter to prepare it for pouring.[4]
   • The microfoam is steamed milk that is made up of many tiny bubbles. This makes a softly textured milk that’s easy to pour into art. The microfoam should ideally have a texture similar to wet paint.
   • Keep in mind that the milk will continue to heat for a little bit after you’ve turned off the steam wand. Avoid overheating the milk or you’ll increase the risk of burning yourself.
   • Swirling the milk will get rid of any big bubbles in the foam that could make it hard to pour.
   • When you’re done steaming the milk, clean the espresso machine by wiping the steam wand with a wet cloth. Then, purge it by turning it on for a few seconds to clear out any milk that’s been left inside. If you used a thermometer, wipe it off as well.
Advertisement

Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Pulling Your Espresso & Pouring the Milk

Download Article

1. 1 Dose and tamp the espresso. Measure about 7 to 8 grams of espresso for each shot into a clean portafilter. Use the tamper to press down evenly on the grounds to give it about 30 to 40 pounds (13 to 18 kg) of pressure. Avoid leaving the tamped espresso to sit for very long in the portafilter, especially if the portafilter is hot. This could burn the espresso.[5]
   • Practice pushing down on a bathroom scale to figure out how hard to press down on the portafilter.
   • If you want to practice latte art but don’t have espresso, Zhao says “You can do different kinds of solid concentrate, like tea. As long as there’s a color difference, you can do latte art.”[6]
2. 2 Pull the espresso shot. Immediately put the portafilter into the espresso machine and turn it on. It will take a few seconds before the espresso begins to drip out of the machine into your shot glass or small pitcher. Give the double shot about 21 to 24 seconds before you turn it off. There should be a creamy foam at the top of the shot, known as the crema.[7]
   • With a little practice, you should be able to start the espresso and steam the milk at the same time. This will ensure that neither the espresso nor steamed milk sit for long.
3. 3 Pour the espresso and immediately add some steamed milk. To make your latte, slowly pour the espresso shots into a wide-mouthed serving cup or mug to keep the crema on top. Then, hold the cup in your non-dominant hand and tilt it about 20 degrees toward the pitcher of milk you’re holding in your other hand. Slowly pour the milk directly into the espresso until the cup is about halfway full.[8]
   • If you let the espresso shot sit for too long (more than 10 seconds) before you pour in the steamed milk, your designs won’t have as much definition.
   • A wide-mouthed cup gives you more space for your latte art.
   • The goal is to keep the rich crema floating on top. If you pour too quickly, it can wash out the espresso, which will make it difficult to create latte art.
4. 4 Bring the pitcher close to the cup to add the design. Once the cup is half full, tilt it back until it’s straight up. At the same time, move the pitcher of steamed milk right above the surface of the espresso. Some of the white microfoam should appear in the espresso, and you can begin making a design.[9]
   • Zhao recommends taking classes if you’re struggling with latte art: “Take some classes to learn some basics, or maybe watch some YouTube videos. In-person classes are better because you will get feedback. You should learn about milk texture and controlling the flow of the milk for higher and lower positions.”[10]
Advertisement

Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Creating Latte Art Designs

Download Article

1. 1 Heart design Once you see the white dot of microfoam in the cup, keep pouring right into it until a large, white circle forms. When you’ve almost filled the cup, pour the milk through the white circle towards the other side of the cup. This pulls milk through the circle to create the heart shape.[11]
   • Alternatively, pull a toothpick or stir stick through the middle of the circle to turn it into a heart shape.
   • Remember that you’re moving the milk and the pitcher, not the cup with the espresso.
   • If the milk is too dry or stiff, you may end up with more of a white blob. Try it again and steam the milk so it’s looser.
   • Zhao says the heart is the “easiest” design to do. It uses “very basic techniques, so it’s very simple to start with. Every type of latte art is based on the heart shape.”[12]
2. 2 Tulip design Stop pouring the foamed milk as soon as the white dot appears in the crema. Wait a second, then pour another dot right behind the first dot. Continue making as many dots as you like, then pour the milk through them. This will connect all of the dots and make them look like leaves or petals.[13]
   • Or, use a toothpick or stir stick to connect the dots.
   • The final dot will resemble a little heart, and the end of the heart will become the stem for the flower.
   • Zhao recommends learning the tulip design after mastering the heart shape, then progressing toward more advanced designs. “Tulips are basically like hearts, but in layers. Then you can combine hearts with tulips, or keep going to create swans or dragons or other fancy shapes.”[14]
3. 3 Rosetta design As soon as the white dot of microfoam forms in the crema, use your wrist to gently rock the milk from side to side as you pour it into the cup. The microfoam should begin to fan out. Continue rocking the milk until the cup is almost full and the design is almost covering the top of the cup. Lift the milk pitcher up a little and pour directly through the milk towards the other side of the cup.[15]
   • Avoid using your whole arm to rock the milk into the cup. This will give you less control over the design.
4. 4 Words or designs Take a toothpick or skewer and drag it through the foam on the top of the latte to create your own patterns, words, or art. This works well even if your foam isn’t made of delicate microfoam. Etching also works well to create words in the foam.[16]
   • Or, use chocolate syrup to write words or create designs on top of the crema.
5. 5 Stencil Use any stencil you like and place it over the finished latte. Shake cocoa powder, cinnamon, or a spice mix over the stencil, then lift it away. This will leave the stencil’s design on top of the latte.[17]
   • Make your own latte stencil with thin plastic or wax paper. Use a blade to carefully cut away the design you want into the plastic. Then, set it over the latte like a stencil.
6. 6 Cocoa powder For a unique design, sprinkle some cocoa powder over the espresso in the cup before you pour the milk into it. When you pour the milk over the powder, the latte will look darkly speckled. You can also make swirls in the foam using chocolate syrup.[18]
   • Experiment by drawing webs, snowflakes, or flowers using chocolate syrup.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question

• Question How do you practice latte art without espresso? Jaden Zhao Barista Jaden Zhao is a Barista and the Owner of Jiaren Cafe & Yoga Studio in Santa Clara, California. Her cafe specializes in matcha drinks, espresso, coffee, fruit drinks, and herbal drinks. Additionally, the cafe hosts classes and features a yoga studio and a community space. Jaden earned an MS from Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business and a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Jaden Zhao Barista Expert Answer Use a very solid concentrate like tea! As long as there's a color difference, you can do latte art. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 7
• Question What is the easiest latte art shape? Jaden Zhao Barista Jaden Zhao is a Barista and the Owner of Jiaren Cafe & Yoga Studio in Santa Clara, California. Her cafe specializes in matcha drinks, espresso, coffee, fruit drinks, and herbal drinks. Additionally, the cafe hosts classes and features a yoga studio and a community space. Jaden earned an MS from Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business and a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Jaden Zhao Barista Expert Answer The heart is the easiest shape to make—it only requires basic techniques. Plus, every type of latte art is based on the heart shape. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 8
• Question How do you train for latte art? Jaden Zhao Barista Jaden Zhao is a Barista and the Owner of Jiaren Cafe & Yoga Studio in Santa Clara, California. Her cafe specializes in matcha drinks, espresso, coffee, fruit drinks, and herbal drinks. Additionally, the cafe hosts classes and features a yoga studio and a community space. Jaden earned an MS from Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business and a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Jaden Zhao Barista Expert Answer It helps to watch YouTube videos and take classes! In-person classes are the best option, because you'll get feedback. It's important to learn about the milk texture, as well as controlling the flow of milk for higher and lower positions. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 7

See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Reader Videos

Tips

• Try to use the best espresso machine you can to make latte art. These usually have the best steam wands which makes it easier to get microfoam. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
• Always use fresh milk when you're steaming the foam. Never reheat milk since it won't foam up properly. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Practice steaming without wasting a lot of milk by steaming water. Add a drop of dish soap to a pitcher full of water and practice steaming and pouring it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

• Tap your foam pitcher on the counter a few times after you steam the milk to get rid of any large bubbles in the foam.
• Keep the foam pitcher in your fridge to keep it chilled. This can help make the milk foam thicker and easier to pour.

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

• Steam is very hot so take care not to burn yourself. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 4

Advertisement

Things You'll Need

• Cold milk (preferably whole milk)
• Espresso
• Straight walled steam pitcher with a sharp spout
• Espresso machine with a powerful steam wand
• Shot glass or small pitcher
• 14 ounce (400 ml) latte cup
• Thermometer
• Toothpick or skewer (optional)
• Stencil (optional)

You Might Also Like

7 Different Ways to Steam Milk for Lattes, Cappuccinos & More How toMake a Latte How toMake Cappuccino Foam How to Use an Espresso Machine How toMake a Cappuccino How toUse a Commercial Espresso Machine How to Steam Milk Without Using a Steamer How toMake an Espresso (Espresso Machine Coffee) How toUse a De'Longhi Espresso Machine How toUse a Commercial Coffee Machine DiscussionHow do you guys make matcha lattes at home? How toMake Espresso Without a Machine How toMake a Single Cup of Coffee How to Use a Breville Espresso: 6 Steps for the Best-Tasting Espresso Advertisement

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about latte art, check out our in-depth interview with Jaden Zhao.

References

1. ↑ https://coffeegeek.com/blog/techniques/are-you-screaming-your-steam-wand-shouldnt-be-either/
2. ↑ Jaden Zhao. Barista. Expert Interview
3. ↑ https://www.homegrounds.co/how-to-use-an-espresso-machine/
4. ↑ https://www.homegrounds.co/how-to-steam-milk/
5. ↑ https://www.homegrounds.co/how-to-use-an-espresso-machine/
6. ↑ Jaden Zhao. Barista. Expert Interview
7. ↑ https://www.homegrounds.co/how-to-use-an-espresso-machine/
8. ↑ https://www.today.com/food/drinks/how-to-make-a-latte-rcna81123
9. ↑ https://www.today.com/food/drinks/how-to-make-a-latte-rcna81123

More References (9)

10. ↑ Jaden Zhao. Barista. Expert Interview
11. ↑ https://www.lifehack.org/359656/5-easy-latte-art-designs-and-tips-for-beginners-2
12. ↑ Jaden Zhao. Barista. Expert Interview
13. ↑ https://www.seriouseats.com/latte-art-basics-four-fundamentals-how-to-do-latte-art
14. ↑ Jaden Zhao. Barista. Expert Interview
15. ↑ https://www.seriouseats.com/latte-art-basics-four-fundamentals-how-to-do-latte-art
16. ↑ https://www.lifehack.org/359656/5-easy-latte-art-designs-and-tips-for-beginners-2
17. ↑ https://citrusanddelicious.com/how-make-your-own-fancy-latte-stencil-home/
18. ↑ https://www.lifehack.org/359656/5-easy-latte-art-designs-and-tips-for-beginners-2

About This Article

Co-authored by: Emilee Bryant Coffee Expert and Latte Artist This article was co-authored by Emilee Bryant and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA. Emilee Bryant is a Coffee Expert, Youtuber, and Latte Artist based in Brooklyn, New York. She spent years building her teaching skills as a Coffee Educator for Counter Culture Coffee, a coffee roasting company that has training and education centers across the country. She is also a multi award-winning latte artist. She won the Latte Art World Championship Open twice in 2019 and the Barista League: Online, Season II, among various competitions throughout her career. Emilee’s signature design is a hollow heart using the negative space in a latte. She is also deeply invested in the technical side of what it means to be a barista, and is constantly exploring the methods in which a simple bean becomes a cup of coffee. She has cultivated an active online community of fellow coffee enthusiasts, and creates content for her over 100K subscribers on YouTube and 100K followers on Instagram on coffee trends, latte art tutorials, and the fun of the coffee industry.  This article has been viewed 2,071,717 times. 17 votes - 83% Co-authors: 68 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 2,071,717 Categories: Featured Articles | Espresso Based Coffee Article SummaryX

To make latte art, first make frothed milk by pouring cold whole milk into a chilled metal steam pitcher, then inserting a steam wand and heating it until it’s between 140 and 145 °F. Slowly pour the milk into a cup of espresso, tilting the cup at a 20-degree angle. Once the cup is half-full, stand it up straight and continue pouring until you see a patch of white microfoam on top. To make a heart shape, keep pouring the milk and draw a stirring stick through the center. To create a flower pattern, make small dots of milk and connect them with a stirring stick. For tips on how to use a stencil to make latte art, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Italian Spanish German Chinese Russian French Indonesian Dutch Hindi Czech Japanese

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,071,717 times.

Reader Success Stories

• 

  Debbyanne Southwell

  Jan 22, 2023

  "I have recently started working in a Cafe and this helped me learn to use the coffee machine to make delicious and..." more

More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Emilee Bryant Coffee Expert and Latte Artist Co-authors: 68 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 2,071,717 83% of readers found this article helpful. 17 votes - 83% Click a star to add your vote

Debbyanne Southwell

Jan 22, 2023

"I have recently started working in a Cafe and this helped me learn to use the coffee machine to make delicious and..." more

Rich Erickson

Aug 26, 2017

"Good technique tips to get started, then just practice. Most useful to me is the "science", why the milk..." more

Ana McCray

May 18, 2016

"I'm really looking forward to making this, latte art sounds fun. Thanks."

Scott Robertson

Feb 24, 2018

"Leaving the shot of coffee for a certain amount of time."

Anonymous

Feb 27, 2024

"That was so cool to watch!" Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Emoji TestTake QuizWhat Does Your Coffee Order Say About You?Analyze MeWhat Pasta Shape Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizWhat Tattoo Matches My Personality QuizTake QuizIce Cream Personality TestTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

7 Different Ways to Steam Milk for Lattes, Cappuccinos & MoreHow toMake a LatteHow toMake Cappuccino FoamHow to Use an Espresso Machine

Trending Articles

How toLook Your BestWhat Emojis Mean Sex?The Different Kinds of Dimples: Types, Causes, & Social Perception151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to AskSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouDo You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?

Watch Articles

How toCalculate the Volume of a PyramidThe Best Way to Exfoliate Your Scalp (Plus, What to Use)How toSave Money as a KidHow toPolish Aluminum2 Easy Renter-Friendly Options to Hang Your Window TreatmentsHow to Insert Slide Numbers in PowerPoint

Trending Articles

Why Can't I Sleep QuizHow toBe PrettyThe Most Attractive Zodiac Signs & What Makes Each Sign Beautiful24 Different Types of Bras ExplainedHow to Play the Concentrate Game (For A Little Scare!)What Does Your Rice Purity Score Really Mean?

Quizzes & Games

What Should I Bake QuizTake QuizGuess the Food QuizTake QuizAm I a Robot?Take QuizGuess the Emoji QuizTake QuizGeneral Knowledge QuizTake QuizMusic Notes & Symbols TestTake Quiz

• Categories
• Food and Entertaining
• Drinks
• Coffee
• Espresso Based Coffee

wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Jobs
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info
• Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --769