Start practicing with your Milk Simulator

MILK SIMULATOR · START HERE

Build your technique, one practice session at a time. Set up your Milk Simulator, then work through the latte-art lessons below.

For practice only. Not for consumption.
Do not drink the simulator or the practice mixture.

1. Set up your practice session

Read your bottle and insert first. Follow the directions supplied with your Milk Simulator for the dose, water volume, use limits and storage. If those directions are missing or unclear, ask us before using it.
Get your tools ready. Have your bottle, water, a clean milk pitcher and a practice cup within reach. Prepare the simulator-and-water mixture according to the supplied directions.
Use your equipment as instructed. Follow your espresso machine's manual for steam-wand operation and cleaning, together with the simulator's supplied instructions.
Choose one skill to work on. Start with texture, then work on pour height and a simple heart. Keep the rest of your setup consistent so you can see what each change does.

2. Learn the movements

These Barista Swag lessons demonstrate latte-art technique with regular milk. Use them to study the movements; follow your simulator's own directions for preparation and use.

Start with milk texture

Learn how controlled aeration and a steady vortex create smooth, integrated microfoam. Includes a written walkthrough and a milk-steaming video.

Open the milk-steaming lesson →

Find the right pour height

Watch Asaf's 16-second demonstration of the change from mixing high to drawing close to the surface. Includes captions, a transcript and troubleshooting.

Watch the pour-height demonstration →

Work toward a clean heart

Follow the written heart guide, from building an even base to forming the shape and finishing the cut-through.

Read the heart latte-art guide →

3. Make your next attempt useful

Repeat the same simple pour and change just one thing: when you lower the spout, how steadily you pour, or when you make the cut-through. Notice what improved before changing anything else.

When you finish, clean your equipment according to its manufacturer's instructions and follow the simulator's directions for handling the practice mixture.

Need a hand?

Questions about your bottle or setup? Email help@baristaswag.com. A photo of the bottle label and a description of your setup will help us understand the question.