A barista is a skilled "coffee artist" who boasts an in-depth knowledge of coffee and excels at preparing, decorating, and serving espresso-based drinks to customers.
The term "barista" originates from the Italian word for a bartender, with "baristi" (m) or "bariste" (f) being the plural form. Initially adopted in English, the meaning of the word shifted slightly. In Italy, a barista serves all types of drinks, while in English-speaking countries, a barista specifically refers to an individual who professionally prepares and serves espresso-based drinks, primarily in coffee shops. This meaning has since been adopted in other languages, such as German.
A talented barista often masters the art of "latte art," skillfully creating images in a cappuccino by pouring milk foam onto the espresso.
To excel in their craft, baristas need to possess extensive knowledge of coffee blends, coffee roasting, espresso machine operation and maintenance, milk frothing, and more. This knowledge can be acquired through specialized barista courses.