Latte Art 101: How Our Baristas Pour Hearts & Tulips
There’s something undeniably satisfying about the moment your coffee lands on the table, and it's not just the caffeine. It’s the delicate swirl of milk in the shape of a heart, tulip, or even a rosetta — tiny masterpieces floating on top of your latte. At Bodega Café, we take latte art seriously because we know that great coffee should look as good as it tastes.
But how do our baristas create these little works of art?
It All Starts with a Solid Espresso Shot
Latte art begins with the foundation: a perfectly extracted espresso shot. Our baristas use high-quality, locally roasted beans from Old Barracks Coffee Roasters. The shot needs to have a rich, dark crema — that golden-brown layer on top — which acts like the “canvas” for the milk art.
Milk Texture is Everything
Next comes the milk. Not all steamed milk is created equal. For latte art, we’re aiming for “microfoam” — milk that’s steamed to around 65°C, creating tiny, velvety bubbles that make the milk glossy and pourable. Too frothy or too flat, and the art won’t work. Our baristas spend hours perfecting this step — it's all about texture and temperature.
The Pour: Timing, Angle & Flow
This is where the magic happens. Holding the cup at an angle, our baristas begin by pouring slowly from a height to mix the milk with the espresso. Once the cup is half full, they lower the jug and begin the design. A heart is formed by pausing the pour to let a circle of foam settle, then cutting through the middle with a quick flick of the wrist. A tulip involves layered pours, creating stacked petals that bloom across the surface.
It’s a technique that takes time to master — and yes, a fair few milk jugs have been sacrificed in the process.
Why Latte Art Matters
Latte art isn’t just for Instagram (though it certainly doesn’t hurt). It’s a symbol of care, precision, and pride in our craft. If a barista takes the time to perfect your pour, you can be sure they’ve taken just as much care with the coffee beneath it.
So the next time you get a latte at Bodega Café and spot a heart or a tulip staring back at you — know that it was made with intention, skill, and a whole lot of love.
☕ Visit us 7 days a week, 9–5, and watch the art in action. Who knows? You might just walk out with a masterpiece in hand.
