Aims to give a detailed understanding of how to prepare and serve espresso coffee. Includes the growing, harvesting and roasting of coffee, equipment cleaning and maintenance, the preparation and serving of espresso coffee and a complete espresso menu.

Designed to be used as an information resource for students taking the national competency standard 'prepare and serve espresso coffee'. It particularly applies to extracting and serving espresso coffee using a commercial espresso machine, and includes cleaning care and maintenance of the machine.

From espresso to cappuccino - there is more to making a great cup of coffee than simply knowing how to operate a machine. The wide range of techniques used by skilled baristas in making coffee takes time, patience and practice to master. This program deals with those techniques for the beginner. It covers espresso machines and their components, coffee types and extraction. Students will learn about frothing and the correct items of crockery and glassware to use for different coffee types.

It is primarily directed at trainee baristas and barista trainers. This resource is also an essential tool for those already working in and/or those wishing to join the hospitality industry: teachers, high-school students, cafe owners and employees and all those interested in espresso coffee who want to know more about what is involved in extracting the 'perfect espresso'. Barista Techniques is intended to complement any training course in preparing and serving espresso coffee using commercial coffee equipment. While it can be used as a stand-alone resource, readers will gain maximum benefit if they are involved in or have completed a coffee training program.