Latte art is a method of preparing coffee. It is created by pouring steamed milk into a shot of espresso. The different pouring techniques result in unique patterns on the surface of the latte. Latte art can also be created or embellished by drawing with a spoon on the top layer of foam. Latte art can be particularly difficult to create due to the consistency of the espresso shot and milk, the quality of the espresso machine and the experience level of the barista.

This latte leaf was created by Heather Fuber, 28, at Vendome Café in the Calgary neighbourhood of Sunnyside. Vendome offers customers an artisan type feel and a small latte here costs $4.50 and a large is $5.

This detailed heart and leaf creation was made by Joel Pearson, 21, at the newly opened Gravity Café in Inglewood. The café offers customers an industrial yet rural, or country-like, feel. A small latte here costs $3.95 and a large is $4.50.

The fourth latte hot spot is located amongst the tall buildings of downtown Calgary. Ka'wa Espresso Bar, which is actually pronounced Ka'va, is Polish for coffee. Ka'wa offers the downtown lunch crowd with a tailored and chic lunch experience. Tatiana Cizacinscaia, 26, created this heart infused masterpiece. A small latte costs for $3.80 and a large is $4.55.

Ben Put, 25, created these 3 small trees on a latte at Phil & Sebastian in Marda Loop. Phil & Sebastian opened in 2006 and has three locations around Calgary. Phil & Sebastian holds roastery tours every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. A small latte at Phil & Sebastian costs $4.50 and a large for $5.

Bumpy's Café in Calgary's Beltline offers its customers with a relaxed and at home type of environment. Matt Pettit, 25, has a number of designs he likes to make in his latte art including a ying-yang symbol, a cat, and a dragon. We agreed on the fire-breathing dragon to demonstrate exactly how much precision can go into these designs. Pettit has been practicing his latte art for six years. A small latte costs $3.75, a medium is $4.25 and a large is $4.75.