About Baristas

You visit them to order your daily dosage of caffeine in the form of a tall iced vanilla Americano. Seen by many as nothing more than a local coffeehouse employee, the original barista professional was more than a coffee-making professional at your neighborhood coffee shop.

History

In today's coffee obsessed society, most people with a taste for coffee have ordered a coffee from the coffee shop employee, who is also known as a barista. While most Americans became familiar with the term after the coffee industry explosion in the 1980s and 1990s, the original term for barista stems from the Italian words meaning "barman" or "barmaid" or bartender.
In Italy, baristas are trained mixologists familiar with alcoholic, non-alcoholic and espresso based drinks. Working behind a counter, serving hot and cold drinks, most Italian baristas are more familiar with espresso-based drinks than any other type, with the exception being those who work in an establishment catering to an International clientele base.

Types

Originally, the term barista only applied to those professionals who devoted themselves to the art of espresso. Today, however, the term has been devalued with any teenager hired at a local coffee shop also being labeled in the same fashion.
True baristas have been referred to as "coffee sommeliers" as they are a professional who is highly specialized in preparing coffee with a comprehensive understanding of gourmet coffee, garnishing techniques, coffee blends, espresso, coffee quality varieties, roast degrees, and espresso equipment and maintenance.

Function

Brewing the perfect cup of espresso is the main job for a barista. In addition, most baristas also prepare gourmet coffee and espresso-based drinks which include using steamed milk, syrups and other ingredients. A barista's skill goes beyond being a good coffeemaker. Baristas across Europe and North America are expected to have intimate knowledge of different coffee blends, types of coffee offered, creating good froth from steamed milk and how to form a natural brown layer on top of the espresso.
In order to create the perfectly blended and brewed drink, a barista must know the capabilities and limitations of the espresso machine so as to not create a watered down or too strong espresso drink. Developing signature designs with stir sticks and crème benefits baristas who consider the profession a long-term career.

Misconceptions

Most people only know baristas as the employees at the local coffee shop. A true barista masters the art of espresso and takes great pride in advancing their espresso-making skills. For these baristas, brewing the perfect cup of espresso is not a temporary job.

Potential

In the United States, baristas average between $20,000 to $29,000 annual income depending upon experience. Perks of the job can include a casual-dress atmosphere, free drinks, discounted food, paid holidays, paid sick leave, a 401k and vacation time.
For those who seek a career as a barista and recognition as an espresso master, there are national and international competitions that challenge skills and techniques. Currently, Stephen Morrissey holds the title as the World Barista Champion.