Latte art battles are fun. They bring the coffee community together to do what they love most. And open the doors for others to get to know the coffee world of wonder. More please. If you want to organise a latte art smack down, here are a few pointers to keep in mind. 

Keen baristas, a fun fan base, a vibrant venue, a top notch espressomachine and a smart steamer if you want to. The game is simple. You get a bunch of keen baristas together and let them pour their best latte art. Bit of competition keeps them on their coffee stained toes.

Latte Art Battle Rules

Participants

Everyone can enter. Just make sure you have an even number of contestants because each pouring round is one on one. In order to know who’s up, simply get a polaroid picture of every contestant upon arrival, scribble on their names and hang them on the contestant wall. Nice to see who exactly they’re up against. 
  

Competitors may not bring their own espresso, cups, milk or plant-based alternatives. At a Moose battle, steaming (all rounds or just a couple) is done with smart steamer Perfect Moose and smart moose pitchers. Free pour latte art only – no sauces or fancy etching – which are to be put on a designated spot to be judged. 

The judges

Get yourself a couple of specialists with a straight face and a warm heart. On the count of one, two, three… the judges simultaneously point at the winning pour of their choice. Whoever gets the most finger points wins this round and continues to the next. One polaroid less on the wall. In case of a draw, get a tiebreaker judge to decide on the winning pour.

What to pour

Get a latte art spinning wheel or dice deciding whether contestants should go for a rosetta, tulip, swan or other latte art form. For all we know, you can get the presenter – yes you also need a host to lead the thing – to do a game of Hints. 

Tips for the perfect latte art free pour

1 – Keep it balanced. Symmetry is key.

Lines are cleanly divided and show no signs of hesitation. You’re striving to get the complete picture right with a clear design and complementing individual elements.

2 – Get your contrast right

The darkness of the crema of your espresso and the whiteness of the microfoam should form a beautiful contrast. 

3 – Make use of your space

Harmonise the size of the cup with the size of the latte art design. No overcrowding and not too ’empty’ either. 

The cup should be nicely filled without spill marks, preferably a bit bulged on top. Keep the tremor under control and be careful not to spill when bringing your artwork up to the judges. 

Bring in the foamer and add to the fun

Latte art smack downs with a Perfect Moose smart steamer ad just that little extra dimension. And here’s why: 

Everyone starts of on the same foot

Not excelling in the steaming department but you pour one hell of a cup? Equal odds to win. Reduced stress levels are perfect for a steady pour by the way.

Keep the flow in your competition

While the Moose is steaming, espressos are being pulled. Keep the rhythm going.

Milk suppliers love to get involved

Give milk suppliers the chance to show of what their milk can do and get to know fresh brands. Perfect Moose can autosteam any kind of milk and plant-based drinks so use the standard settings or adjust texture and temperature exactly on point for the specific mi*lk used. 

Free coffees and new places

You won’t be pouring these creations in the sink will you? Hand them out to the crowd for free. Highly instagrammable we say… the venue, coffee roaster and baristas will thank you for the tags. 

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The Brussels Coffee Week Royal Latte Art Battle using the Perfect Moose is held in Brussels, Belgium with the support of Belgian Moose Rangers Schuilenburg. Photo credits Laureanne Hannes and Clifford Lucas.  |. The Alternative Dairy Co Latte Art Smackdown using the Perfect Moose is held in Brisbane Qld, Australia with the support of Australian Moose Rangers Barista Technology. Photo credits Fleur Clohesy.