As a barista, you’re not just making coffee — you’re working in a food-safe environment where cleanliness is non-negotiable. While latte art and espresso shots often steal the spotlight, hygiene behind the bar is just as important. In fact, poor hygiene can lead to bad reviews, customer complaints, or even job loss. Many beginner baristas … Read more
As a beginner barista, it’s easy to think that impressing customers means making complex drinks, using exotic ingredients, or performing flashy techniques. But in reality, the best baristas know when to keep it simple. Overcomplicating coffee preparation is a mistake many new baristas make. Whether it’s adding too many steps to a recipe, experimenting without … Read more
In every café, there’s a clear difference between beginners who are still learning and seasoned baristas who run the bar with quiet confidence. While new baristas often focus on gaining technical skills like tamping or pouring latte art, the most experienced baristas have developed something even more powerful: habits that protect quality, efficiency, and team … Read more
No matter how passionate or skilled you are, one thing is guaranteed in your journey as a barista: you will receive feedback. Some of it will be helpful, some of it might sting a little — but all of it is part of your growth. In the fast-paced café environment, being able to take feedback … Read more
Tamping might look like a simple step in the espresso-making process — press down the coffee, level it off, and you’re done. But for baristas, especially beginners, this moment holds the power to make or break a shot. The pressure you apply during tamping influences the way water flows through the coffee grounds. Tamp too … Read more
You’ve dialed in the grind. Your tamp feels solid. The shot looks fine — but when you taste it, something’s off. It’s weak, watery, and lacking that bold espresso punch. Sound familiar? For beginner baristas, diluted or weak espresso is one of the most frustrating problems. You followed all the steps, yet the flavor isn’t … Read more
Starting a career as a barista can be exciting, but it also comes with a steep learning curve. While passion and curiosity are essential, the beginning of the journey is often marked by avoidable mistakes. These errors can affect the quality of the coffee you serve, your relationships at work, and even your growth in … Read more
If espresso is the heart of a coffee drink, then milk is its soul — especially in cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites. As a new barista, learning to steam milk properly is a major milestone. But along the way, it’s easy to pick up bad habits, especially when it comes to handling the steam wand. … Read more
There’s nothing worse than taking a sip of espresso and being hit with an unpleasant bitterness. While some bitterness is a natural part of coffee’s flavor profile, an overly bitter brew usually means something went wrong during the extraction process. For beginner baristas, understanding how extraction works is one of the most important parts of … Read more
Landing a barista job might seem simple — especially if you love coffee and enjoy working with people. But in reality, the interview is where most candidates lose their chance. Not because they lack skills, but because they show up unprepared, unaware of how to present themselves as serious professionals. Hiring managers are looking for … Read more