February 11, 2026

Pouring with Purpose: Seahorse Latte Art for the Year of the Horse

As we move into 2026, the Year of the Horse, themes of momentum, skill, and flow take centre stage. It’s a year associated with progress, confidence, and learning through movement - which, honestly, sounds a lot like the journey of learning latte art.

Latte art isn’t about perfection on the first pour. It’s about rhythm, patience, and trusting the process. And that’s exactly why we’re celebrating the Year of the Horse with a design that blends strength and delicacy: the seahorse.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before you pour, make sure you’ve got the basics to hand:

• Fresh espresso with a good crema made from your favourite Trading Post Coffee Beans

• Cold, fresh milk (regular and alternative milks both work)

• A latte cup with a wide surface

• A small, well-balanced milk jug

• Properly steamed milk with a glossy, paint-like texture

Latte art always starts before the pour.

How to Pour a Seahorse Latte Art Design

Step 1: Pour the Fin Base

Start with a centred base pour to create a heart or tulip shape. This will become the front fin of your seahorse, so keep it soft and symmetrical.

Tip: Pour close to the surface to keep the white sitting on top of the crema.

Step 2: Build the Body

Move the jug slightly upward and begin stacking short, controlled wiggles to form the body. Keep your pour steady and slow - this section creates the seahorse’s spine.

Step 3: Curl the Tail

Lift the jug slightly and draw a curved line downward, finishing with a tight curl to form the seahorse’s tail. Less milk is more here - think delicate, not heavy.

Step 4: Shape the Head

Pour a small rounded dot near the top of the body to form the head. Pause briefly to let it settle, keeping the shape clean and defined.

Step 5: Finish with Details

Add a tiny dot for the eye and a few small accent dots below to bring the design to life. Stop the pour cleanly and resist the urge to overwork it.

Your Latte Art FAQs, Answered by Our Roasters

Can you practice latte art at home?

Yes, absolutely. While a commercial espresso machine helps, you can still practice the fundamentals at home. Focus on milk texture, pouring control, and repetition. Many people practice using just hot water and milk to build muscle memory without wasting coffee.

What are common latte art mistakes?

The most common mistakes include:

• Over-aerating or under-texturing milk

• Pouring too fast or too slow

• Hesitating mid-pour

• Starting with milk that’s too hot

Most issues come back to milk texture - fix that first and everything else gets easier.

What’s the easiest latte art to make?

The heart is the easiest and most forgiving design. Once you’re comfortable with hearts, tulips are a natural next step before moving into more detailed designs like rosettas or seahorses.

Yet to master the heart shape? Follow our Latte Art Heart Tutorial.

How to perfectly steam for latte art

Perfect milk should look glossy and flow like wet paint. Start with cold milk, introduce air early, then focus on rolling the milk to remove large bubbles. The goal is smooth, silky microfoam - not stiff or bubbly milk.

The Year of the Horse is about growth through movement, and latte art is no different. Whether you’re pouring hearts, tulips, or trying your hand at a seahorse, every cup is a chance to build confidence and refine your latte art skills.

So slow down, trust the flow, and enjoy the process!