Are You Ready for the Ultimate Barista Challenge?
In a busy cafe, speed is everything. But speed without quality is just… fast. So, what if you had to make a full menu of coffees as fast as you could, while still making them look and taste good?
That’s the challenge we took on, and you’re about to get a behind-the-scenes look at the ultimate barista challenge. We're calling it the Coffee Making Challenge, and it's designed to test your skills under pressure. Think you have what it takes?
Watch Jimmy take on the coffee making challenge in our YouTube video.
The Rules of the Game
This challenge isn't just about pure speed. It's about combining efficiency with skill. Here are the rules we followed:
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Machine: Use a two-group espresso machine.
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Recipe: A consistent 22.5g dose with a 30-second extraction time.
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The Crucial Rule: Every single coffee must have latte art. No shortcuts, no ugly coffees!
The goal is to complete the entire menu as quickly as possible without sacrificing the quality of the drinks. It's a true test of a barista's workflow and technique.
My Attempt: A Barista's Workflow in Action
So, how did I do? I started the clock and got to work. My strategy was all about optimizing my workflow. I immediately pulled two split shots to get things moving. Using dosing pots and coffee scales helped keep the process clean and consistent.
Here’s the order of coffees I made to get a full menu:
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Short Black
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Flat White
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Short Macchiato
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Cappuccino
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Latte
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Mocha (with a quick pump of chocolate syrup)
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Magic (a double ristretto flat white in a ⅔ full cup)
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Piccolo
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Long Black
As I worked, I was constantly thinking about efficiency. I was steaming milk while my shots were extracting, and I made sure to clean my steam wand after every use—a small but important habit for a clean and professional setup. The goal was to avoid any wasted movements.
In the end, I stopped the clock at 5 minutes and 25 seconds. Not bad for keeping things clean and ensuring every coffee looked and tasted great. The last step was a quick cleanup, because a good barista always leaves their workspace better than they found it.
Join the Challenge and Get on the Leaderboard
Now it's your turn. If you're a barista, grab a coworker, set up your station, and give this challenge a try. Use the rules above and time yourself.
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What was your time?
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What was your workflow?
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What tips and tricks did you discover that could improve the process?
Let us know how you did in the comments below. We'd love to see your time and hear about your workflow. Maybe you have a better way to tackle this menu, and we can all learn from each other.
The goal is always to make great coffee that looks and tastes fantastic, even when you're under pressure. Good luck, and happy brewing!
