- Availability: Common
Latte art is poured, not drawn: the patterns form because steamed milk with the right microfoam texture displaces the espresso's crema as it lands. Properly textured milk is the bigger skill behind the visual; a beautiful pour also signals that the milk was steamed correctly and the espresso was fresh. The modern style traces to Seattle barista David Schomer's work in the 1980s and 90s, and competitive World Latte Art Championships have run since 2005.