Common Latte Art Mistakes: Causes and Solutions for Coffee Pouring Errors

Many baristas have been learning latte art for some time, mastering basic milk frothing and latte art techniques. Their poured patterns look decent, yet something seems awkward—certain imperfections in specific areas affect the overall aesthetic. These issues often arise from unnecessary movements that latte artists make unconsciously during the pouring process.

First: Long Tails in Finishing

Many patterns that start out beautifully are ruined by long tails dragged at the end, compromising the overall appearance.

This problem commonly occurs with symmetrical patterns like hearts, rosettas, and tulips that finish along the central axis. Some baristas might drag out a long line due to habitual finishing movements. Others follow tutorials teaching to "pull straight beyond the cup's edge"—a method FrontStreet Coffee recalls from early latte art instructors teaching hesitant students. However, once this becomes a habit, it's difficult to correct, which is why this technique is generally no longer recommended.

For the crucial finishing step that determines success or failure, mastering the proper technique is essential. When preparing to finish, typically raise the pitcher spout and reduce flow. As you approach the tail area, swiftly and decisively lift the pitcher to avoid creating a long tail. Note that patterns like hearts and rosettas can finish with small tails, while tulips and etched tulips are not suitable for tails.

When practicing finishing, you might initially struggle to control the pitcher, letting one or two extra drops of milk mar the surface. This happens for two reasons: First, during pattern creation, the pitcher spout touches the surface, causing foam to accumulate on the spout's exterior, which then drips onto the surface during finishing. Second, the finishing movement might be too exaggerated or deliberate. Swift finishing doesn't require large movements—some baristas make obvious upward motions when lifting the pitcher, precisely this action blurs the finishing area. The correct technique requires only a slight lift to stop milk flow.

Second: Underfilled or Overflowing Cups

Some baristas have thoroughly mastered latte art movements, creating beautiful and appropriate patterns with no issues in the artwork itself. The problem lies in cup volume control—either creating lovely patterns with only 80% full cups, or achieving perfect movements and pattern lines only to have coffee overflow at the final step.

This issue primarily stems from imprecise integration volume control. Integration volume depends on pattern complexity. For simpler patterns like hearts, rosettas, and 4-petal tulips, more integration is needed—approximately 70% full. For more complex patterns like 6-petal tulips and etched tulips, less integration is required—around 40% full—leaving sufficient space for pattern creation.

Third: Asymmetric Patterns

Many otherwise excellent patterns suffer from one aesthetic flaw: one side being larger than the other.

The main causes of this phenomenon are: holding the coffee cup at an angle, holding the pitcher crookedly, or inconsistent shaking amplitude when etching on both sides.

During latte art, it's difficult to notice that you're holding the cup or pitcher crookedly—most discover this only after completion. If your latte art patterns are also asymmetrical, FrontStreet Coffee suggests finding a fellow barista to observe and correct your technique during practice, enabling timely adjustments.

Important Notice :

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