Barista

A barista is a trained coffee expert who specialises in preparing coffee specialities such as espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato and Americano. The term comes from Italian and literally means bartender, but in the German-speaking world it has narrowed to refer to the art of coffee preparation.

Skills and equipment

Baristas use portafilter machines and coffee grinders to guarantee the full development of the beans' aromas. Their skills include grinding to the right degree of fineness as well as observing the optimal brewing time and temperature. High-quality, fresh 100% Arabica beans from a gentle drum-roasting process are usually used. A hallmark is latte art: by skilfully pouring the frothed milk, artful patterns such as hearts and rosettes are created.

Mobile coffee bars

Mobile coffee bars bring coffee specialities flexibly to any venue, often self-sufficient and independent of water and power connections. Popular models include:

• Coffee bars in nostalgic vehicles such as the Piaggio Ape or the Citroën HY
• Self-sufficient coffee counters with an external fresh-water/waste-water tank system
• Coffee bikes and coffee bicycles
• Small roasteries that roast on site

Personalisation options include printing logos on coffee-to-go cups or branding the unit itself.

Specialities on offer

The repertoire ranges from intense espresso through cappuccino and latte macchiato to Americano diluted with hot water. Special creations such as a sugar-free ginger-vanilla latte are also possible. The offering is complemented by snacks such as sweet Danish pastries or savoury ciabatta pieces as well as further drinks. Many providers rely on organic and Fairtrade-certified beans as well as biodegradable cups.

Relevance in catering

At trade fairs, company celebrations, weddings and private parties, a barista provides not only refreshments but also an experience. The aroma of freshly ground beans and interaction with the guests create atmosphere. The service includes set-up and dismantling as well as cleaning. Regional providers are available in cities such as Cologne, Bonn, Aachen, Berlin, Munich and Stuttgart, many of them on the market since 2011.