How to Make Latte Art with Coffee Capsules
How to Make Latte Art with Coffee Capsules
Blog Article
How to Make Latte Art with Coffee Capsules
Turn your kitchen into a mini café with beautiful, barista-style designs
Love the look of lattes topped with hearts, rosettas, and tulips? You don’t need a commercial espresso machine or professional training to create latte art at home. With a coffee capsule machine, a few tools, and a little practice, you can impress yourself—and your guests—with picture-perfect cups.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make latte art using coffee capsules, whether you’re a total beginner or just want to refine your pour.
???? What You’ll Need
-
Espresso-compatible coffee capsule machine (Nespresso, L’OR, etc.)
-
Milk frother or steam wand
-
Whole milk (or oat milk for a dairy-free option that still froths well)
-
A small pitcher with a spout
-
Fresh coffee capsule (look for bold, crema-rich blends)
☕ Step 1: Brew a Rich Espresso Shot
Use a strong, bold capsule to create a good base. Look for capsules labeled “espresso” or “ristretto” with intensity ratings of 8 or higher, such as:
-
Nespresso Arpeggio
-
Starbucks Espresso Roast
-
L’OR Ristretto
Tips:
-
Preheat your cup before brewing.
-
Aim for 30–40 ml of espresso with a good crema on top.
???? Step 2: Froth Your Milk to the Right Texture
The secret to latte art lies in the milk texture. You want microfoam—milk that’s velvety smooth, with tiny bubbles and a glossy finish.
How to froth milk:
-
Using a steam wand: Start with cold milk in your pitcher. Submerge the wand just under the surface and tilt the pitcher slightly to create a whirlpool. Stop when the milk reaches ~60°C (140°F).
-
Using a frother: Choose one with a “latte” or “warm froth” setting. Avoid thick, bubbly foam meant for cappuccinos.
Best milk choices:
-
Whole milk = best microfoam
-
Barista oat milk = excellent dairy-free option
???? Step 3: Swirl and Tap
After frothing, swirl the milk in the pitcher to remove any large bubbles and integrate the foam. Then, gently tap the pitcher on the counter.
This step ensures the foam is smooth and pourable, not clumpy or separated.
???? Step 4: Pour Your Art
Now for the fun part—creating your design.
Basic Technique:
-
Start high to allow milk to dive under the espresso and mix.
-
As the cup fills, lower the pitcher and pour more slowly, letting the foam rise to the top.
-
To create a heart: Pour a little faster in the center, then finish with a quick pull-through motion.
-
For a rosetta: Gently wiggle the pitcher side to side while slowly moving it back, then pull through.
Beginner tip: Practice with just hearts at first—they’re the easiest design and a great confidence booster.
???? Step 5: Clean Up and Practice
Latte art is a skill that improves with repetition. Don’t be discouraged by your early attempts. Even professional baristas had to learn by trial and error!
Clean your pitcher and frother immediately after use to keep your gear in good shape.
Bonus: Best Coffee Capsules for Latte Art
Choose espresso capsules that produce rich crema and bold flavor to stand up to milk. Here are some top picks:
-
Nespresso Diavollito (Vertuo)
-
L’OR Onyx
-
Peet’s Nerissimo Espresso
-
Starbucks Blonde Espresso (for a sweeter, lighter taste)