Coffee Art Latte Challenge: Win a Trip to Colombia

If you’ve ever tried—and failed—to pour a perfect heart or leaf into your morning flat white, here’s your shot to turn pro. The “Coffee Art at Home” Latte Art Challenge invites coffee lovers across China to show off their creative pours, with winners advancing to a live showdown in Beijing—and the grand prize is a trip to Colombia.

Six finalists will be chosen from online submissions, then one winner will be selected in a live Beijing final on September 4. That champion travels to Colombia with Travel + Leisure China.

How the Latte Art Challenge Works

The competition has three clear stages: online entry, finals announcement, and a live showdown in Beijing. Here's the timeline:

• Online Entries : August 12–25
• Top 6 Finalists Announced: August 26
• Live Finals in Beijing: September 4

What You Need to Submit Online

In the first round, participants submit two latte art photos via Douguo.com (registration required). One must be a classic design, and the other is your freestyle creation.

• Required piece (choose one): heart, fern leaf, or traditional pattern
• Freestyle piece: any original design using free pour or etching techniques
• Upload to Douguo.com (after August 12, registration required)
• Also visit http://goldlist2013.ngtraveler.cn/ to vote for Colombia as a top travel destination

Judging the Online Entries

Judges look for skill, creativity, and execution. Here’s what matters:

• You can use chocolate powder or food colouring on the milk foam surface—but not mixed into the drink
• Chocolate powder is OK if it sits on top of the crema before pouring milk
• Food dyes can touch the surface, but not dissolve into the liquid
• Originality, technique, and artistic flair all count toward your score

The Live Finals in Beijing

Six finalists will compete live at the Colombian Embassy in Beijing on September 4. You’ll have just 12 minutes to complete six drinks under the eyes of three professional judges and 100 public voters.

Finals Requirements

• Create 3 identical required designs (choose one: heart, fern leaf, or traditional)
• Create 3 identical freestyle pieces
• All six drinks must be completed in 12 minutes

Rules for the Live Round

• You must use the provided espresso machine and grinder (no personal equipment allowed)
• You get five minutes to adjust the grinder before the clock starts
• Coffee, milk, and chocolate are supplied; bring your own extras if needed
• No travel or accommodation is provided for finalists

Who’s Judging?

The panel includes both experts and the public:

Professional Judges

• Ms. Carmenza Jaramillo, Ambassador of the Colombian Embassy in China
• Mr. Wu Jiahang, Chief Representative of the Colombian Coffee Growers Association in China
• Mr. Zhou Chong, Certified Judge for the World Latte Art Championship China Division

Public Judges

• 100 members of the public, dubbed “Friends of Colombia”

Prizes for Winners

The rewards match the creativity on display:

• 1st Place (1 winner): All-expenses-paid trip to Colombia
• 2nd Place (2 winners): Stay at a premium domestic resort
• 3rd Place (3 winners): De’Longhi EC152 coffee machine
• All participants can enter to win Colombian Juan Valdez specialty coffee

Online Tutorials (To Be Posted)

Helpful guides will be available on the competition site:

• 4 videos on steaming milk properly
• 3 videos showing the three required latte patterns
• 1 video with creative design inspiration

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the deadline to enter the online round?

The online submission period runs from August 12 to August 25. You must register on Douguo.com to upload your two latte art photos—one classic design and one freestyle piece. Entries submitted before August 12 are invalid.

What kind of latte art do I need to submit?

You must upload two photos: one required piece (choose from heart, fern leaf, or traditional pattern) and one freestyle piece using free pour or etching techniques. Both must be your own work and submitted via Douguo.com after registering.

Can I use food colouring in my latte?

Yes, food colouring is allowed but only on the surface of the milk foam. It cannot be mixed into the drink itself. Chocolate powder is permitted on the crema before pouring milk, as long as it mostly stays on the surface.

What equipment will be provided at the finals?

At the live Beijing finals, competitors must use the espresso machine and grinder supplied on-site. You’ll get five minutes to adjust the grinder before the 12-minute creation period begins. You must bring any additional ingredients yourself.

What do I get if I don’t win first place?

The top two runners-up each win a stay at a premium domestic resort, while the next three places earn a De’Longhi EC152 coffee machine. Everyone who enters can also win Colombian Juan Valdez specialty coffee in a random draw.

Best FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Latte Art

For latte art that pops, start with FrontStreet’s Commercial Blend—it’s designed for smooth extraction and rich crema, ideal for clean latte pours. Or try the Classic Blend, known for its balanced body and velvety milk compatibility. Both roasts develop 3mm crema for stable microfoam attachment. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.