My Journey into #CoffeeTok
Nearly 30 days into my TikTok journey, I’ve realized one major thing: I’ve been making espresso all wrong for years. From grinding inconsistencies to improper milk steaming, my so-called “latte art” was more abstract disaster than café-worthy pour. But thanks to the massive #CoffeeTok community, I’ve learned more in a few weeks than in years of brewing at home.
TikTok Espresso: A Deep Dive into Coffee Culture
It didn’t take long to stumble into the world of TikTok espresso and see just how passionate people are about their coffee. Baristas, homebrewers, and coffee enthusiasts share everything—from TikTok coffee recipes to troubleshooting when espresso is bitter. The engagement is insane, and I’ve picked up tips from professional baristas that have completely changed my approach.
For example, I learned that tamping pressure matters more than I thought. Watching countless videos of experts pressing freshly ground coffee into a TikTok espresso machine made me rethink my entire process. Plus, the right milk texture is crucial for latte art. Who knew? (Apparently, every barista on TikTok but me.)
Pouring Like a Pro (or Trying To)
Latte art is deceptively difficult, but I’ve taken a “one pour at a time” mindset. My biggest lesson so far? How much espresso is too much depends on your tolerance, but practicing with a lot of shots has definitely kept me wired.
Along the way, I’ve been inspired by TikTok recipe trends like the viral espresso martini TikTok craze (still perfecting that one) and even caught wind of the trending Sabrina Carpenter espresso TikTok version of her song, proving that espresso is literally everywhere on the platform.
I’ve also come across some unexpected trends, like the orange juice and espresso TikTok experiment (not as bad as it sounds) and the brown sugar shaken espresso TikTok drink, which I now make on repeat.
The Power of #CoffeeTok Community
Beyond just making better coffee, what I love most is the sheer amount of encouragement from the #CoffeeTok crowd. If you post a failed latte art attempt, people will actually help you improve instead of just roasting you. There’s an entire culture of learning, experimenting, and sharing the love for espresso.
I still have a long way to go, but if TikTok has taught me anything, it’s that learning latte art is like content creation—it takes consistency, trial and error, and the willingness to put yourself out there.
If you’re into coffee and haven’t fallen down the TikTok espresso drink rabbit hole yet, consider this your sign to start. Just don’t be surprised when your espresso addiction and screen time both double.