Textured milk preparation

At the heart of a coffee house is the art of textured milk preparation—steaming it to a precise texture and consistency so it can mix with the crema to form the perfect crown on a great cup of coffee. It comes as no surprise that this is an area that we’re especially passionate about at Steamers. Frothing milk is about far more than just adding a personalized taste to your favourite cup of coffee. It’s an art that help shape the texture and presentation of the beverage.

A great-looking cup of coffee—topped with an expertly crafted milk cap—can enhance the senses. And its precise texture varies according to the type of coffee that is being prepared. For instance, a classic latté requires that the milk be steamed to a creamy texture rather than a froth. This ensure the latté has the optimum balance of silky smoothness and full-body flavour. In case where the milk should be frothed, it should be done such that it is sufficiently dense so that cane sugar, cinnamon or chocolate can be sprinkled on top without any of the ingredients sinking.

At Steamers, texturing the cap on a great cup of coffee is made to order and to suit individual tastes. We’re pleased to steam just the way you like it, using whole milk, 2%, skim…or even no-fat soy milk.

But the artistry of texturing does not end with steaming the milk to a precise consistency. Pouring the finished results over the coffee also requires perfecting skill. It should be poured slowly at first, adding it a bit faster when two-thirds of the milk are in the cup. It is at this stage when the artwork begins as the barista builds a “rosetta” on the top of the beverage, using a wrist-guided side-to-side motion. Next, a pattern is often painted onto the milk cap, using some the rich underlying crema. The finished result is a coffee that is a feast of the senses.