L is for Latte Art

Despite the name, latte art refers to the pattern adorning any milk-based coffee. Popularised in the United States by David Schomer, it is now commonplace among most specialty coffee shops.

Latte art is achieved by creating a contrast between an espresso’s golden crema, and white micro-foamed milk. 

Although latte art may appear to have no effect on the drink (other than an aesthetic one), science says differently. A study published by the Journal of Sensory Science detailed that drinks prepared with latte art were consistently rated as better, and customers would pay 11%-13% more for them.

Photography by Michael Clement