THERE is a sweet coffee aroma coming from the Sunshine Coast as the region grinds its way into the top places in Australia to order a good cuppa.

The Birds and the Beans barista Silas Flack came in second at the Lavazza Australia Baristar competition yesterday.

The Buderim barista presented his signature drink to the judges- a choc-mint espresso - at the Melbourne International Coffee Expo.

"I definitely am not complaining with second place," Mr Flack said.

"I was going for the win so it's a little bitter-sweet, but am very pleased to have represented Queensland so well and having come second.

"My signature drink was based on the idea of the after-dinner mint to give people something smooth to drink after a meal with a touch of peppermint."

Meanwhile at The Good Bean at Mooloolaba last night, 25 baristas turned on their creative side for the inaugural Latte Smackdown.

Judges Tim Adams and Good Bean owner Shane Hepburn were searching for the best latte art on the Coast, with baristas from across the region trying their hand.