Milk and Art
That other ingredient in all your favorite espresso drinks
Ceramic or paper cup, Fresh, organic whole milk, Espresso machine and steam wand, Stainless steel pitcher, Thermometer
STEP 1
Using a 12-oz. pitcher, fill it with about 10-oz. of milk.
If using a 20-oz. pitcher, 14-oz. will do. In either case, this is about a pinky's width below the bottom of the nozzle.
STEP 2
Angle the pitcher so that your steamwand is aimed diagonally into the milk's lower right.
STEP 3
Place the tip of the wand a centimeter or two below the milk's surface and turn it on.
You'll hear a tearing sound. After about two seconds, quickly but purposefully submerge the wand below the surface of the milk - not so deep that you hit the side of the pitcher, not so shallow that you continue to create bubbles.
STEP 4
Submerging the wand will create the whirlpool motion necessary to create microfoam.
STEP 5
Once your milk has reached between 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit, turn off the steam wand.
Purge it, and give it a few vigorous wipes with a clean towel.
STEP 6
Tap the pitcher on a flat surface to break any remaining bubbles.
Give it a few swirls to equalize the texture. The consistency should resemble wet paint, or “white chrome,” to borrow a phrase from Espresso Vivace's David Schomer.
STEP 7
To achieve exquisite latte art, begin pouring your milk slowly.
To achieve exquisite latte art, begin pouring your milk slowly. Start with a narrow stream to avoid breaking the espresso's crema. Once your drink is about half full, lower your pitcher's spout so that it's almost touching the liquid. This will guarantee strong contrast. Continue pouring.
