Last year at The Amsterdam Coffee Festival she made a mark by beating multiple champion Nick Vink at the Dutch Latte Art Championship. Now, freelance barista Anouk Rodenburg, is here to share her favourite tools and tips with us for a perfect pour.
What are your favourite tools of trade?
1. The coffee
In theory, the coffee doesn’t really matter when it comes to latte art. Just as long as it’s not Robusta and it wasn’t roasted recently. My personal favourite of the moment, though, is the Jairo Lopez from Manhattan Coffee Roasters. It’s a Colombian geisha that blends perfectly with milk. To me a latte is a success when the milk and the coffee create a new flavour when they come together.
2. The cup
I currently work with the cups from Loveramics a lot. I like the design, but they are a little bit on the heavier side. On the other hand, this does help keep the coffee at the right temperature.
3. The milk jug
For the Dutch Latte Art Championship I use milk jugs from Ilsa. These jugs have a narrow, far reaching spout, which makes it easier for me to reach all areas of the cup and pour tight and fine lines. The size of the jug depends on the amount of milk I need. For a cappuccino I use a 35 cl jug, 50 cl for two and 75 cl for three.
4. The milk
Whole milk results in a beautiful creamy flavour and mouthfeel. I think a fresh whole milk with a fat percentage in between 4-5 percent tastes the best with coffee. Organic fresh milk is also really tasty but it doesn’t always froth as nicely. Milk is at its sweetest, and perfect to drink, at 55 degrees (Celsius).
How can you, as a new barista, improve your latte art technique?
Put in a lot of hours. That is the only way. Try to also be very aware of what you do while you’re pouring. Take your time to properly check what happens and when. From what distance are you pouring? How quickly do you pour? And how are you holding the cup? The many videos of other baristas on YouTube and Instagram can also help you discover and learn new techniques.
What is the difference between free pour and etching?
A free pour is a shape you create by pouring the milk in a deliberate way. When you etch, you add extra details to your design with your etching tool after pouring. Like the whiskers on a lion’s head, for example.
What is your favourite latte art design?
A tulip is definitely one of my favourite designs, because you can choose to go simple, but the shape also lends itself for added complexity when you have more time.
Who is your absolute latte art hero?
“I can really appreciate it when someone develops new designs or techniques, like the 2017 World Latte Art champion Arnon Thitiprasert. He was the first to pour a face with eyes as a free pour. I also look to the current world champion, Irvine Quek fromMalaysia, with his milk drops, or Russian Polina Notik, who has given a very original spin to latte art with her own technique.”
