Over the years we have come to expect a lot from our coffee. Not only do we get to order various custom beverages ranging from lattes to espresso and Americanos, but we ask for different types of milk, creams and toppings. Today, we even get small works of art made in our coffee by shaping the foam on our espresso into various shapes and designs. This is a small gesture but a very clever and appealing one; who doesn’t smile when their espresso comes with a cheerful happy face on top? Now espresso foam art is becoming more common place but it is still a skill that can take an a while to master but it’s well worth the effort.
Creating Espresso (Foam) Art
You want to start by pouring cold milk into your espresso maker’s steam pitcher, ensuring that the milk is at least 34 degrees Fahrenheit. Next put the steam wand at the bottom of the pitcher. Turn on the steam and withdraw the wand until you have smooth foam that rests on top of your pitcher. This alone is a difficult process so take it slow and smooth otherwise the foam won’t be consistent. Now heat the milk in the pitcher to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. At this point you need to put the steam wand inside the pitcher along its side and continue to heat the milk up until it is around 150 degrees Fahrenheit; now you’re ready to add it into your espresso.
Pour the steamed milk into the espresso and you’ll see the foamy cream surface. Now you’ve got to mold it into your design. Officially you’re supposed to swing the milk into the shape you want. To make a heart you just pour the milk in at the top of the cup and then make a small revolution of a circle at the top. Once you have the two small semi-circles then tilt it down cascading the points together into a small heart.
You can create a small flower by pouring the milk in about 2.5 cm from the bottom of the cup and then pour until the cup is half filled. Then you shake the cup back and forth while moving it forward up the cup in order to create the flower design.
You can also cheat a bit and try using a utensil to draw the milk into various shapes and designs. This is a great way to fix the designs you pour if they don’t come out perfect at first. Simply poke the milk and then pull it into the shape you want.
As you make more espresso drinks in this fashion, and experiment with various designs, you’ll get better at making the ones you want. Keep trying and pretty soon you’ll be able to make your very own espresso foam art and impress your friends.
Rob Hamilton
