a cappuccino
Cappuccino is one of the most popular and well-known coffee drinks in the world. A combination of espresso, steamed milk, and foam, the drink is a coffeehouse staple. While there are many different claims about what makes a perfect cup, the drink’s appeal lies, at least partially, in its atmospheric capabilities, which can give the lucky drinker a short, cozy trip to a European cafe.
An espresso machine to make cappuccinos at home.
The drink is named after an order of Franciscan monks called the Capuccini. Despite being the established origin of the name, experts dispute why the drink is named after the monks. Some suggest it’s because the espresso matched the color of the monks’ robes, while others insist a monk invented the drink in the 17th century and named it after his order. Most of the origin stories are said to be apocryphal, but for one reason or another, the name of the drink is a tribute to the monks.
Whole coffee beans.
A basic cappuccino is made with a single shot of espresso. What makes the drink unique is the proportion and texture of the milk and foam added to the steam. Properly steamed milk should look shiny and silky and should not have large bubbles. Hot milk is poured into the espresso, usually with a generous dollop of foam on top.
These drinks can be prepared according to individual tastes, varying the content of foam and milk. A dry cap, or cappuccino scuro, has less milk and usually just a hint of foam. Alternatively, a wet version or chiaro cappuccino can be made with extra foam, though adding too much milk turns the drink into a latte, which can be a serious affront to coffee purists.
Cappuccino is usually sprinkled with cinnamon before serving.
Putting toppings on the drink has become popular in modern times and can make it elegant and beautiful. Some people sprinkle cinnamon or cocoa powder on top, or other spices like cloves and nutmeg. Specially trained baristas can pour the foam into graphic designs, often to form initials or hearts.
Occasionally coffee shops will try to market a chilled or frozen version of this coffee. While this drink may be tasty on its own, it doesn’t fit the drink profile. These drinks are usually just iced lattes in disguise, as frothing cold milk is messy and rarely used to cover drinks that claim to be iced cappuccinos.
An electric milk frother.
To make a cappuccino at home, you’ll likely need a regular espresso machine. Not only will this prepare the espresso for the drink, but it will also include a wand for steaming and foaming milk. If the machine does not have a wand, carbonated drinks can be purchased separately and used in hot milk or microwaved. With this equipment, making perfect drinks is a matter of practice, patience and discovering the personal preference of the drinker.