A barista is a person who is trained to prepare and serve coffee drinks, especially espresso-based beverages. Baristas often work in coffee shops, cafes, or restaurants, where they use specialized equipment such as espresso machines to create a variety of coffee-related drinks. They may also be knowledgeable about different coffee beans, brewing techniques, and latte art.
The word "barista" comes from Italian, where it originally meant "bartender." In modern usage, however, it specifically refers to someone who specializes in coffee beverages rather than alcoholic drinks. The term became popular in English-speaking countries in the late 20th century as the coffee culture grew.