Since approximately 1990, the term barista (the Italian word for bartender - masculine or feminine; plural: baristi) has been used in English to denote a professional maker of espresso coffee beverages. Prior to that time, the less elegant prevailing term was "espresso puller." The shift of terminology probably comes, at least in part, from the fact that most espresso machines manufactured since the 1980s no longer require pulling down on a big handle.
Many makers of espresso machines offer barista training, most courses taking from one to three days.
A "barista" is the official title of a Starbucks employee who has passed training and a basic test.
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