Barista 101: For the New Baristas on the Block
Apr 04, 2023
Barista 101: For the New Baristas on the Block
Buh · ree · stuh: a person who serves in a coffee bar
More venues than ever are hiring for barista positions and now is your time to cash in and get a part-time job as a barista. As a barista, you have a range of duties to perform during your workday. We have gathered all the essential information you need to know, from brewing coffee to wrapping up with end-of-day cleaning. Although each cafe may have its own unique practices, the following info is sure to set you up for absolute success.
What does a day in the life of a barista look like?
Being a barista involves much more than just making coffee. It requires a combination of technical and customer service skills, as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment. A barista’s basic responsibilities include brewing coffee and espresso, creating latte art, preparing other beverage orders such as tea and smoothies, taking customer orders, and maintaining a clean and organized work area. Successful baristas are able to multitask effectively, have a strong attention to detail, and possess amazing communication skills to ensure a positive experience for every customer.
What is a latte?
A latte, or for the fancy among us – ‘caffè latte’ – is a milk coffee with a silky layer of milky foam on top. A true latte will be made up of one to two shots of espresso, steamed milk and on top, a thin layer of frothed milk on top. Bring it all together and you have a balanced milky coffee topped with some stunning latte art to create that signature look.
What is a cappuccino?
A classic cappuccino is a balanced coffee known for an even distribution of coffee and milk, served in a large cup with a light sprinkling of chocolate on top. This is one of the most popular coffee orders in the UK, after a latte.
What is an espresso?
Yes, that’s espresso… please never EX-presso. You can translate espresso as your classic black coffee. This is a concentrated form of coffee, served in shots. An espresso is often the coffee base of many other coffee orders such as a cappuccino, latte, or macchiato. This is an intense and bold coffee that you’ll serve in a small cup.
What is a mocha?
This is often how people take a step into the world of coffee. Think of it as a hot chocolate supercharged with coffee. This is based on a shot of espresso, chocolate powder or syrup, followed by your steamed milk. A mocha is a variant of a latte, in that it is often 1/3 espresso and 2/3 steamed milk. However, with the addition of chocolate it has a very different flavour.
Being a barista is a demanding but rewarding job that calls for a combination of technical skills, customer service expertise, and a passion for coffee. By mastering the basics of coffee brewing, latte art, and beverage preparation, along with providing exceptional customer service, baristas can leave a meaningful mark in the daily life of their customers. A successful barista is able to handle the pressure with grace and maintain a positive attitude. With practice and dedication, anyone can become a skilled barista and make a significant impact in the world of coffee.
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