Barista

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The 2007 world champion, James Hoffmann, during the World Barista Championship.

In English jargon, the term "barista" refers to one who has acquired some level of expertise in the preparation of espresso-based coffee drinks. Within certain circles, its meaning is expanding to include what might be called a "coffee sommelier;" a professional who is highly skilled in coffee preparation, with a comprehensive understanding of coffee, coffee blends, espresso, quality, coffee varieties, roast degree, espresso equipment, maintenance, latte art, etc. Stephen Morrissey of Ireland is the current World Barista Champion.

The word barista (plural: baristi [masculine or mixed sex] or bariste [feminine]) is of Italian origin. In Italy, a barista is a "bartender," who typically works behind a counter, serving both hot (such as espresso) and cold alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

[edit] See also

• Espresso
• Coffeehouse

[edit] External links

• World Barista Championship
• United States Barista Championship
• Italian Espresso National Institute
• International Institute of Coffee Tasters
• Coffee Taster, the free newsletter of the International Institute of Coffee Tasters, featuring articles on the quality of espresso, chemical and sensory analysis, market trends