Free pour

Pouring latte art using only the movement of the jug and the flow of textured milk — no etching tools, no toppings.

Why it matters — Free pour is the foundation of latte art. Hearts, tulips, rosettas, swans, and stacked patterns are all free-poured. Etching and chocolate art are decorative layers on top of free-pour skill.

Good to know

• The technique depends on properly textured microfoam — thick, glossy, integrated milk. Bad milk can't be saved by good pouring.
• Distance from the cup, jug angle, and pouring speed are the three main controls. Practise one variable at a time.