GALLERY: Axum Coffee's first latte art throw down

WINTER GARDEN The throw down, which is a popular event in coffee culture, brought together baristas from area coffee shops to compete on who could make the best latte art. Each barista was matched with another, and three judges decided who made the best art. The barista of the cup that was not selected was eliminated.

The champion of the evening was Kristin Kulik of Barnie’s CoffeeKitchen in Winter Park. Lauren Hoag of Axum Coffee placed second, and Josh Neal of Axum Coffee came in third.

Barista spotlights

Kristin Kulik, event winner

Coffee shop: Barnie’s CoffeeKitchen

Favorite drink to make: Cappuccino

Favorite art to make: Tulip

Latte art tip: Patience is key. Sometimes it takes 100 tries before making a successful piece of art. 

Lauren Hoag, event runner up

Coffee shop: Axum Coffee

Favorite drink to make: 8-ounce cappuccino

Favorite art to make: Swan

Latte art tip: Make the art slower than you think you need to. There’s a tendency to rush through the art, but if you slow down, the consistency will become more even and easier to pour.

Amy Tuttle, competitor

Coffee shop: Vespr Coffeebar in Orlando

Favorite drink to make: black coffee using pourover brewing method

Favorite art to make: Tulip with a lot of stacks

Latte art tip: All you need is an espresso shot, evenly-steamed milk and practice.

Joey Norman, judge

Coffee shop: Portico Coffeehouse in Lakeland

Favorite drink to make: black coffee using Chemex brewing method

Favorite art to make: Tulip

Latte art tip: Pour slowly and intentionally