Again in March, Barista Brewtality took high honors at The Barista League: Europe. We sat down with Eline Ferket and Luisa Leitner to catch up and discuss technique, nerves, and what’s subsequent.
BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT
Photographs courtesy of The Barista League
This yr, The Barista League got here again larger than ever earlier than. For 2025, the long-lasting grassroots espresso competitors launched a daring new format: six regional occasions throughout six continents, with one champion group rising from every. This shift marked a brand new chapter for the competitors—one which brings much more world recognition, range, and pleasure to its famously unpredictable and electrical occasions.
Kicking off the season this previous March in Prague’s beautiful Gabriel Loci venue, The Barista League: Europe didn’t disappoint. And on the high of the rostrum stood Barista Brewtality, the dynamic duo of Eline Ferket (Wildkaffee Rösterei) and Luisa Leitner (Kaffeelix Roastery), who introduced fierce talent and infectious power to the stage.
Within the months following the thrilling occasion, we spoke to Eline and Luisa about what it took to win, how they approached the competitors, and why this occasion stands out within the espresso world.
Barista Journal: Congrats on the win! How did you put together for The Barista League, and what was your technique stepping into?
Eline: Thanks! We joked that we’ve been coaching for this our entire careers—however in a manner, it’s true. The Barista League combines so many espresso expertise: brewing, bar circulation, teamwork, and even components of different competitions. Our actual purpose was to symbolize She Brews Collective, which we launched in 2024 to attach and empower ladies in espresso. We needed to point out you could take competitors significantly and nonetheless do it in a enjoyable, “girly” manner.
Luisa: Our technique was to divide the drinks based mostly on our strengths. We spent the coaching time perfecting two or three drinks every, after which cut up them the identical manner in the course of the competitors. We ended up ending early and thought we’d forgotten one thing—however apparently we simply nailed it.
What was your favourite spherical or problem?
Eline: The drinks problem. It actually mirrors bar work: You greet the judges, take orders, after which get right into a easy workflow. I like that form of strain with a terrific teammate.
Luisa: Identical right here. It jogged my memory of the frenzy in a café. Doing that with somebody you belief makes it thrilling and enjoyable.
What do you assume set you aside from different groups on stage?
Eline: Each group had their very own distinctive power, however for us, it was about embodying She Brews Collective—taking espresso significantly with out dropping pleasure and connection. We’d by no means labored behind a bar collectively earlier than, however we trusted one another, and our workflow mirrored that.
Luisa: We additionally introduced our persona to the stage. We had “Pink Pony Membership” by Chappell Roan taking part in, we danced a bit, and our mocktail had a purple excessive heel garnish comprised of dehydrated raspberry. The judges beloved the power.
Inform us in regards to the mocktail!
Eline: It was referred to as “Pink Pony Membership,” (and was) impressed by the thought of girls doing their very own factor, boldly and unapologetically.
Luisa: We needed the drink to precise that feeling while you make a dangerous resolution that simply feels proper—like beginning She Brews.
Mocktail Recipe – Pink Pony Membership (serves 2):
Elements:
- 35g Guatemala chilly brew
- 35g hibiscus, raspberry, and lime kombucha
- 2g lemon juice
- 15g chili syrup
- 0.5g saline resolution
Technique:
Shake all components with a number of ice for 15 seconds. Double pressure into stemmed glasses. Garnish with a purple excessive heel comprised of dehydrated raspberry sheets.
Are you able to describe your Barista League expertise in three phrases?
Eline: Sudden. Iconic. Uplifting.
Luisa: Vibrant. Enjoyable. Unimaginable.
So, what do you assume makes The Barista League completely different from different competitions?
Eline: It rewards baristas with broad expertise. It’s not like Brewers Cup the place you choreograph each second—it’s about pulling out of your mind’s espresso archive within the second. Serving 5 drinks in quarter-hour exams actual bar circulation and teamwork. Plus, it’s simply a good time with superb individuals.
Luisa: The brand new regional format is tremendous thrilling. I’m curious to see the winners from different continents. In Prague, it was inspiring to see each first-time opponents and seasoned professionals bringing their A-game.
What’s stored you each hooked on espresso over time?
Eline: I began as a scholar, simply trying to make pals and a few cash. However as soon as I noticed I couldn’t think about life with out espresso, it grew to become my actual profession. Competing helped me see how deep the trade goes.
Luisa: For me, it started throughout a spot yr in London. I bought into specialty espresso after I found the V60. I’ve been roasting since after COVID, and I’m enthusiastic about the place my path in espresso will take me.
Who or what conjures up you most proper now in espresso?
Eline: I love the work of Semilla Espresso and producers like Victoria Aguirre in Honduras, who based Campanario Group—a female-led rising initiative. It displays our She Brews values: connection, schooling, and lifting one another up.
Luisa: Much like Eline, I look as much as collectives at origin like Girlsplaining and exporters like Cata Export who deal with schooling for youthful generations. That spirit is what She Brews is all about.
The Prague crowd was unbelievable. How did that power have an effect on you on stage?
Eline: After I compete, I typically block out the gang to remain centered—however throughout The Barista League, there have been moments I may hear cheering and see pals smiling. That gave me an actual enhance.
Luisa: I felt the identical. As soon as the judges have been on stage, I zeroed in on our drinks and the workflow. However seeing my household and pals within the viewers undoubtedly lifted the expertise.
So, what’s subsequent?
Eline: Our win introduced plenty of power to She Brews Collective, and we need to construct on that—develop internationally and create extra areas for girls in espresso.
Luisa: I’m transferring to Australia after the summer time to discover the espresso scene there and push myself professionally. And naturally, Eline and I’ve massive goals for She Brews!
Coming Quickly: Extra Highlights from The Barista League
Within the coming weeks, we’ll be releasing extra interviews with the champions of The Barista League regionals around the globe—maintain an eye fixed out for extra!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior on-line correspondent for Barista Journal and a contract copywriter and editor with a main deal with the espresso area of interest. She has additionally been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, offering content material to assist educate individuals about baristas and their work.
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