What is a barista?

“Barista” traditionally in Italy means “bartender”; the employee behind the bar who would serve wine, spirits, cocktails and coffee.

The barista would be trained to prepare any beverage an Italian bar-goer might want. In modern Australia, your local café is unlikely to serve you a martini but the baristas will be specialists at making quality espresso-based beverages in any variation you please, from the small but intense Piccolo to a perfectly-balanced Mocha to a triple-shot soy cappuccino with hazelnut syrup.

Most of the hot beverages in a café are based on a shot of espresso. Espresso is a type of coffee made with a machine that pumps hot water through a layer of ground coffee beans to create a thicker, more intense shot than brewed coffee. Commercial machines are often complex to operate and require a level of training and expertise. The barista will know how to source, grind and store coffee beans and how to operate and maintain a commercial coffee machine to produce espresso shots. They’ll also be able to froth, steam and texture milk to add to beverages like a café latte or a cappuccino.

Baristas know what ratios of espresso, hot water and specially-prepared milk are required to mix any hot or cold coffee drink perfectly each time. A barista is like a potion masters, working magic to formulate a beverage that tastes delicious, soothes the soul and makes you feel ready for the day.

Some staff in coffee shops are trained on the job but any barista worth their beans will be well-trained, having done professional courses to learn their skills. That barista who makes your coffee perfectly every time knows how to treat their beans. The one who recommends something you’ve never tried that becomes your favourite for years knows every variation by heart. When you get your coffee and the design on the top is so good you don’t want to drink it – they’ve gone above and beyond to perfect the art of coffee.

Have you ever considered becoming a barista? Join our barista course today to learn the art of coffee magic!