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When using the term in English, "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. James Hoffmann of Britain is the current World Barista Champion.
Though popularly believed to be an Italian term, it was developed in America as a derivative of the Italian word meaning bartender and is now part of the lexicon of all American coffee shops. Entered into English from the Italian in which it means roughly "bartender" (plural: ''baristi'' [masculine or mixed sex] or ''bariste'' [feminine]). The term is derived from the Italian use of the word ''bar'', which is similar to the American or British café. In Italy, the 'barista' typically works behind a counter, serving both hot (such as espresso and other coffee-based ones) and cold alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Contents

See also

Trivia

External links

See also

★ Espresso

★ Coffeehouse

Trivia

★ In 2003, the collectible company Accoutrements produced a "Barista action figure".

External links

★ Barista Guild of America

★ World Barista Championship

★ United States Barista Championship

★ Too Much Coffee: non commercial info and forums about coffee, espresso and the art of being a barista