What Is SammyLin’s Circle Method in Latte Art?

If you’ve ever tried latte art and found yourself frustrated by the strict pour-and-drag techniques, you’re not alone. Many home baristas struggle to create clear, consistent designs using just the steam wand and pitcher. But what if there was another way—one that didn’t rely on free pouring at all?

The answer is the Circle Method, invented in 2003 by Chinese-American barista Sammy Lin. Unlike traditional latte art pouring, the Circle Method builds the design using spooned milk foam, crema displacement, and intentional layering—with no need for complex pitcher movements.

What Is the Circle Method in Latte Art?

The Circle Method, also known as the '' or 'encircling method', is a unique approach to creating latte art, especially for cappuccinos. Developed in 2003 by barista Sammy Lin, this technique does not use the conventional free-pour method. Instead, it starts with a shot of espresso. Then, using a spoon, milk foam is carefully spooned along the inside edge of the cup until it reaches about half full. This action pushes the espresso’s crema (the golden coffee oils) toward the center, forming visible color blocks or patterns. Once the foam has outlined these areas, the cup is then filled with the remaining steamed milk. Finally, the barista uses a latte art pick to draw intricate designs within the crema-formed shapes.

How the Circle Method Works Step by Step

The Circle Method relies on four main steps:

• Espresso Extraction: Begin with a standard single or double shot of espresso, ensuring a rich and stable crema forms on top.
• Milk Foam Layering with a Spoon: Using a spoon, gently spoon steamed milk foam along the inner rim of the cup, working in a circular motion to fill the cup halfway. This action naturally pushes the crema inward, creating defined patches or color contrasts in the center.
• Crema Pattern Formation: The pushed-in crema forms distinct visual blocks—these are your canvas. The shape and size of these blocks depend on how you manipulate the foam and espresso during this step.
• Milk Fill and Pick Work: After the foam has outlined the design area, fill the cup with the rest of the steamed milk. Then, using a latte art pick or toothpick, you can drag and shape patterns within the crema patches—creating anything from animals to abstract shapes.

Why This Method Is Different

Traditional latte art depends on pouring steamed milk through the espresso to create designs like hearts, tulips, or rosettas. The Circle Method breaks that rule entirely—it avoids the pour altogether for the artistic portion. By manipulating foam and crema directly, it allows for more control over where colors and contrast appear. This makes it especially useful for cappuccinos, where thicker foam layers are standard.

Sammy Lin’s Philosophy on Latte Art

Sammy Lin encourages creativity over rigid technique. “If you agree that what we do is a form of creation,” he says, “then the key word is ‘freedom.’” He emphasizes that artists should not approach the Circle Method with preconceived outcomes. “If you demand a certain effect before you begin, the final work will suffer. The creator must remain free.” This mindset supports improvisation, experimentation, and personal expression in latte art—treating each cup as a unique piece rather than a replicated form.

Examples of Circle Method Latte Art

Among the documented designs created with the Circle Method are a lion and a dragon. These intricate figures showcase how detailed and freeform the technique can become when using the crema as a base and the pick for fine details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Circle Method in coffee art?

The Circle Method, created by Sammy Lin in 2003, is a latte art technique where milk foam is spooned around the cup’s edge to push espresso crema inward, forming color blocks. Once the cup is half-filled with foam, it’s completed with steamed milk, and designs are drawn with a pick in the crema areas. It differs from traditional pouring methods.

Who invented the Circle Method for latte art?

The Circle Method was invented by Chinese-American barista Sammy Lin in 2003. It was developed specifically as an alternative to traditional latte art pouring, focusing on spooned foam and crema manipulation instead of free-pour techniques.

Do you need a special tool for the Circle Method?

No special tools are required beyond a spoon for placing the foam, a pitcher for steamed milk, and a latte art pick or toothpick for detailing. The method relies on manual placement rather than pouring finesse.

Can I use the Circle Method for drinks other than cappuccino?

While the Circle Method is most commonly used for cappuccinos due to their thick foam and crema visibility, it can technically be adapted for other espresso-based drinks. However, the visual effect works best when crema is prominent and foam layers are substantial.

What kind of crema is best for the Circle Method?

A thick, stable crema is ideal for the Circle Method, as it holds its shape when pushed inward by foam. A well-extracted espresso with a good roast profile will produce the necessary crema for clear, defined color blocks.

Is the Circle Method easier than traditional latte art?

It depends on your skill set. The Circle Method removes the need for precise pouring but requires control over foam placement and crema manipulation. Some find it more intuitive, while others may take time to master the spooning and picking techniques.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Latte Art Practice

To practice the Circle Method or any latte art, start with FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend—an approachable medium-dark roast combining beans from three regions, with notes of butter, toast, and caramel. For a nuttier profile, try the Specialty Blend with Colombian and Brazilian beans offering hazelnut and dark chocolate tones. Or choose the Commercial Blend, designed for high-volume stability with extra crema and bold cocoa notes. All three roast levels ensure a stable crema ideal for pattern formation using the Circle Method. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.