Avoid these mistakes
Pouring too slowly: You will end up with less aerated milk in your espresso while the rest remains in your pitcher. It is a little daunting, but you must finish the latte art before your steamed milk separates.
Don't use regular milk: Steam your milk until a layer of foam forms on top of it. Many espresso machines can steam milk, but you can use a separate milk frother for this too. If you are a beginner, use full-fat milk for latte art as it is easier to handle than low-fat milk.
Maintain the correct distance: Keeping the spout too far away from your cup will cause the milk to dive below the crema. Holding the pitcher too close to the cup causes the milk to skim the surface of the beverage. Don't worry, because you can master these weird physics with practice.
Some easy to recreate designs for beginners
The Heart
Steam three ounces of milk and tilt your coffee cup at a 45-degree angle. Maintain distance in a manner where the milk will reaches the bottom of the cup, allowing you to start pouring in the middle. Once your cup is about three-quarters full, shake your pitcher a little, bringing it close to the cup, and stop shaking. When you see a big white circle, pour the milk in one straight line from one end to the other, and you'll have a heart.
The Rosetta
Begin by tilting your coffee cup at a 45-degree angle and start pouring your steamed milk until it is three-quarters full. Once there, move your pitcher closer to the cup until it touches the rim and pour a little more milk. You’ll see a white foamy circle appear, then move your pitcher from one side to the other, pouring little milk as you proceed with the pattern. On reaching the end of the cup, pour milk in a straight line downwards.
The Bear
Follow the same steps of the heart pattern except for the last part, where you pour in a straight line. You will have a white circle-like thing, and that will make its face. After this, grab a spoon and create two little circles in the area where its ears should be. Then use a toothpick to carve the eyes and nose until it looks like a bear!
This is our 101 on latte art. It might be a bit challenging, but start with the basics and expand upon those designs until you have reached the goal. If you don't want to waste too much time, use some cocoa powder/chocolate syrup to create some designs onto a layer of milk foam. The only thing to remember is to buy a high-quality milk frother and using cold milk before steaming!
