Brewing Better Together: Latte Art Training with Mico ☕🤍

At Neighbors’, our bi-weekly team meetings are about more than just check-ins — they’re a chance to slow down, learn together, and sharpen the craft behind every drink we serve. This week’s session was led by one of our lead baristas, Mico, who guided the team through a focused latte art training centered on the fundamentals that make great coffee… great.

Rather than jumping straight into complex designs, Mico brought us back to the essentials: milk temperature, milk texture, and intentional pouring. These foundational skills are what allow latte art to be consistent, repeatable, and — most importantly — delicious.

Milk Temperature: Setting the Foundation

We started by dialing in proper milk temperature. Milk that’s too hot scalds and loses sweetness; milk that’s too cool won’t integrate properly with espresso. Mico emphasized listening for the subtle change in sound while steaming and using touch as a guide — stopping just as the pitcher becomes warm but not uncomfortable to hold. Hitting the right temperature preserves milk sweetness and creates a smooth canvas for pouring.

Milk Texture: Creating the Right Canvas

Next came milk texture, arguably the most critical step in latte art. Mico walked the team through how to introduce just enough air at the beginning of steaming to create microfoam, then fully incorporate it for a glossy, paint-like texture. The goal isn’t stiff foam or bubbly milk — it’s silky, cohesive microfoam that flows naturally with the espresso. When the texture is right, the milk and espresso move together, allowing the design to form effortlessly.

The Pour: Mastering the Heart

With temperature and texture dialed in, we moved on to pouring — starting with the heart. Mico broke the process down into simple, repeatable steps: establishing a steady base pour, lowering the pitcher at the right moment, and finishing with a clean, confident pull-through. The focus wasn’t perfection, but control, consistency, and intention. Every heart poured was a reminder that latte art is less about flair and more about fundamentals done well.

Why This Matters

Latte art is often seen as decorative, but it’s actually a visual signal of quality. When milk is properly steamed and poured, it enhances mouthfeel, balances flavor, and elevates the entire drink experience. Trainings like this help ensure that every cup served at Neighbors’ reflects the care, skill, and pride of the person behind the bar.

We’re incredibly proud of Mico for leading this session and for helping build a culture where knowledge is shared and growth is encouraged. These moments — learning side by side, refining our craft — are what make our team stronger and our coffee better.

Here’s to continuing to learn, pour, and grow together. 🤍☕