Latte art: Make a Rosetta like a pro

rosetta latte art

Latte art is an art form that you often see in specialty coffee bars. You know, you order a cappuccino and get a beautiful coffee with a beautiful figure in return.

Of all the latte art designs, the Rosetta is perhaps the most iconic and beloved. This beautiful flower-shaped design is not only beautiful to look at, but also represents what you have to offer as a barista .

In this article you will learn everything you need to know to make a perfect Rosetta yourself. Spoiler alert, you really need to practice a lot, I am not going to promise you that after reading this article you will be able to make the perfect Rosetta.

But I can promise you that you will walk away with a dose of knowledge that will change your latte art game forever.

From the tools and techniques needed to handy tips and common mistakes, we'll cover it all. So, fire up your espresso machine and let's get started!

What is the Rosetta?

The Rosetta is a type of latte art where a flower-like pattern is created by pouring steamed milk into espresso.

This design is not only beautiful but also shows that you have mastered the technique of pouring milk.

Rosettas are popular in coffee shops around the world and are often seen as a sign of a skilled barista. Making a perfect Rosetta requires precision, patience and lots of practice.

With a little knowledge and the right tools, you too can master this beautiful latte art.

If you're talking about latte art for beginners , the Rosetta might be a bit too difficult, but who knows.

Essential Tools and Ingredients

To make a perfect Rosetta, you'll need a few essential tools and ingredients:

  • Espresso machine : For making your perfect espresso.
  • Milk jug : For frothing the milk.
  • Fresh whole milk : Gives a creamy texture without air bubbles.
  • Coffee cup : Preferably with a wide opening.

The quality of your milk and the precision of your espresso machine play a crucial role in creating latte art.

Always keep your milk fresh and chilled for best results.

Experiment with different types of milk and milk jugs to find what works best for you.

Also read: The best milk for latte art.

Before we start: How do you froth the best milk?

Frothing milk is actually the most important thing for good latte art. Start by pouring fresh whole milk into your milk jug, filling it to about a third of the way up.

Make sure your espresso machine is at the right temperature.

Place the steam wand just below the surface of the milk and turn on the steam. This creates a nice bubble, which makes the milk froth.

While heating the milk, tilt the pitcher slightly to create a swirling motion—this will create a silky smooth texture.

Continue to keep the milk heated and frothy until the temperature reaches around 65°C, which you can test with your hand; the jug should feel warm, but not too hot.

After frothing, gently tap the pitcher on a counter to remove any large air bubbles and swirl the milk to get a nice, uniform texture.

If you don't have an espresso machine with a steam wand, don't worry.

There are also great milk frothers available that can perform this task easily and quickly, so you can always enjoy perfectly frothed milk for your coffee creations.

The Technique

The technique of making a perfect latte art or the Rosetta consists of four steps:

  1. "Pour & Drop" :

Start pouring from a reasonable distance above the coffee surface, right in the middle of the cup. Keep a steady pouring motion until the cup is half full. Then lower the spout and get as close to the coffee surface as possible.

  1. "The Wiggle ":

With the spout in the cup, continue pouring at a medium speed into the center of the cup. Once you reach the bottom, add a slight back and forth motion to your pouring motion. This "wiggle" will develop the layers that form the rosetta.

latte art la marzocco
Source: La Marzocco official
  1. "Build up the Layers" :

As you wiggle, you’ll see the layers develop, radiating from the spout. Keep going until the layers almost reach the spout. Then slowly move your pouring position to the back of the cup.

  1. "The Chop" :

When you reach the back of the cup, slow the pour and lift the spout away from the surface of the coffee. Draw a line through the center of the design to create symmetry.

Pro Tips for Perfect Rosetta

Here are some pro tips that will help you create a perfect Rosetta:

  • Controlling the milk jug :

Make sure you have a firm grip on the milk jug. This will help you make precise movements without shaking too much.

  • Practice frothing milk :

A good microfoam is essential for latte art. Practice regularly to get the right texture and consistency.

  • Experiment with different espresso shots :

The crema of your espresso plays a huge role in the final look of your latte art. Make sure you have a thick, even crema.

With these tips and some practice, you'll be able to make impressive Rosettas that will amaze even the most critical coffee lovers.

Conclusion

Rosetta latte art is a beautiful way to enhance your coffee creations and show off your barista skills to friends and customers.

Creating beautiful latte art can not only enhance your coffee experience, but it also adds an artistic element to any cup of coffee.

By using the right tools, like a nice milk jug and a good espresso machine, and techniques, you can create stunning designs that are sure to impress anyone who drinks your coffee.

Keep practicing and experiment with different styles, such as hearts, leaves, and even more intricate designs, to improve your skills.

Remember that every barista has their own unique style, so let your creativity run wild and dare to experiment!

And most importantly, don't forget to have fun during the process of learning and perfecting your latte art.