To do latte art, follow these key steps:

1. Prepare the espresso and milk

• Pull a fresh shot of espresso with a good layer of crema on top.
• Steam milk to a silky, smooth microfoam texture, similar to wet paint, without large bubbles. The milk should be creamy and thick enough to pour well

2. Create the canvas

• Pour a thin stream of steamed milk from a few inches above the cup into the espresso to mix the milk and crema, filling the cup about halfway. This creates a smooth, golden-brown canvas for your art

3. Pour the design

• Tilt the cup about 30-40 degrees towards you.
• Lower the milk pitcher close to the surface of the espresso (almost touching, but not too close) and pour a steady stream of milk into the center of the cup.
• For a heart design, wiggle the pitcher gently side to side while pouring to create white waves on the surface, then pull the stream through the center at the end to form the heart shape

• Pour high and slow at first to mix milk and espresso, then lower the pitcher and pour faster to create the design. Keep the pitcher tip close to the surface to let the milk "skate" on top of the crema

Tips for success

• Practice slow, controlled pouring to build muscle memory.
• Use a chilled pitcher to help create creamier milk.
• You can practice pouring with water and a few drops of soap to save milk

• Avoid pouring too fast or from too high, which sinks the milk below the surface and ruins the design

Mastering latte art takes practice, but starting with the heart design and focusing on milk texture and pouring technique will help you improve quickly

. This summary is based on expert tutorials and beginner guides from baristas and coffee professionals