A barista is a person, typically employed in a coffeehouse or café, who specializes in preparing and serving espresso-based coffee drinks and other beverages. Their expertise includes operating espresso machines, grinding coffee beans, frothing milk, and often creating latte art. Baristas have extensive knowledge of coffee blends, brewing methods, and the entire coffee- making process, sometimes comparable to a sommelier's expertise in wine. Beyond making coffee, they often provide customer service, maintain equipment, and may prepare other drinks and light food items
. The term "barista" comes from Italian, where it originally means a bartender who serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including coffee. In English, it specifically refers to coffee professionals skilled in espresso preparation
. In summary, a barista is a skilled coffee professional who crafts a wide range of coffee drinks, manages customer interactions, and ensures a quality coffee experience in cafés and coffee shops.
