Kansas City barista Pete Licata takes world title

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A man from Kansas City is the world's best barista.

Pete Licata, the quality assurance manager at Parisi Artisan Coffee in Kansas City, won the 2013 World Barista Championship on Sunday in Melbourne, Australia.

He competed against champion baristas from more than 50 countries before taking the title. In April, Licata won the U.S. barista championship during competition in Boston.

In Australia, each contestant discussed their drinks while preparing espressos, cappuccinos and an original signature drink.

Licata's specialty was a non-alcoholic coffee cocktail using chilled palm sugar triple syrup combined with an espresso shot over ice and 2 1/2 droppers of non-alcoholic bitters with orange peel and lemongrass.

The Kansas City Star reported Licata stayed in Australia for a few days and couldn't be reached for comment.

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Information from: The Kansas City Star, http://www.kcstar.com