Cappuccino
Pxhere

Cappuccino

Italy
Torino, Italy

Cappuccino is one of the most popular coffee drinks worldwide, known for its perfect mix of espresso, steamed milk, and topped with a light layer of milk foam. Originally from Italy, cappuccino is traditionally enjoyed in the morning, often with a pastry like a cornetto, and not with a croissant, as many might believe. The smooth combination of rich espresso and creamy foam makes cappuccino a favorite for those who love a luxurious coffee experience to start the day.

 

Contents

 

Coffee Beans and Caffeine Content of Espresso

Cappuccinos are made using espresso, which is usually brewed using two main types of coffee beans, such as Arabica and Robusta. This is done to balance the flavor and strength of the espresso shot used in a cappuccino, providing a rich espresso that can hold up well against the milk. The caffeine content in a cappuccino comes from the espresso shot used to make it, and that is usually around 80mg of caffeine in one 30ml (1oz) short of espresso. A traditional cappuccino contains one shot of espresso, which is typically about 30ml. However, as Cappuccino is topped up with milk and additional milk foam, many prefer two shots of espresso in their cappuccinos.

 

Origin of Cappuccino

The cappuccino story begins in Italy and it is believed the name "cappuccino" comes from the Capuchin friars, a group of Catholic monks that originated in 16th century Italy. The drink’s appearance is said to resemble their robes, as the reddish-brown color of the espresso mixed with mild and foam resembles their colors. Also, as the name “Cappuccino” means "little Capuchin" in Italian, probably because the people were reminded by the Capuchin friars' appearance and name.
Before the modern espresso machines were invented, there was a drink called “Kapuziner” that was popular in 18th century Austria. This version of cappuccino involved coffee, cream and sugar, and it is the earliest version of the cappuccino we know today. The modern cappuccino we know today wasn't made until the mid 1940s, thanks to the invention of the espresso machine. It took only a few years after the first introduction of the cappuccino for it to become a important part of Italian culture.

 

Ingredients

  1. 1 shot of espresso (about 30 ml)
  2. 30-40 ml of steamed milk
  3. 30 ml of milk foam
  4. Optional: a sprinkle of chocolate powder on top

 

How to Make Cappuccino

A classic cappuccino is made up of three equal parts:

  1. Espresso: The strong, flavorful base created by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans creating a espresso shot.
  2. Steamed Milk: Warm milk is added that gives the drink its creamy texture and balances the intensity of the espresso shot into something more smooth and soft.
  3. Foamed Milk: The light, frothy foam on top, achieved by aerating the milk with steam, gives the cappuccino its signature velvety texture.

A perfect cappuccino is typically around 150-180 ml (5-6 ounces) in size, with distinct layers of espresso, milk, and foam. Baristas take great care in making cappuccinos because it is one of only a few drinks where they can create intricate patterns, or "latte art," on the foam.

 

Check this video out for a step-by-step guide on how to make Cappuccino:

 

Cappuccino Variations

While the traditional cappuccino has a set ratio of espresso to milk and foam, several variations exist around the world:

  • Dry Cappuccino: Less steamed milk and more foam, offering a bolder coffee flavor with a more velvety texture.
  • Wet Cappuccino: The opposite of a dry cappuccino, with more steamed milk and less foam, resulting in a creamier drink with lighter tase.
  • Iced Cappuccino: A cold version, often served with chilled milk, espresso, and ice, popular in warmer parts of the world.

 

Cappuccino’s Rule or The Cappuccino Law

Cappuccino is a drink that is intended to be consumed during the morning, and the reason is that the Italians avoid milk-based drinks in the afternoon. Due to this rule, baristas in Italy are known to refuse making cappuccinos after 11 a.m. However, in other parts of the world, such as the United States, United Kingdon, Sweden or Australia, cappuccino is consumed throughout the day. Due to this global popularity, countries like the United States, Australia, and the U.K. have become the largest consumers of cappuccino.

 

Cappuccino Facts and Trivia

  • Third Wave Coffee Movement: The cappuccino became the most popular coffee drink during the "Third Wave Coffee" movement, which started in the early 2000s. This movement introduced high-quality, ethically sourced beans and expert brewing techniques, which resulted in improving cappuccino making skills and introducing latte art as a coffee art.
  • World’s Largest Cappuccino: In 2013, Croatia set a world record by creating the largest cappuccino ever, using over 22,000 coffee cups and made a 2,000-liter Coffee drink!
  • Cappuccino's Latte Art Most Common Shapes: Most common patterns baristas around the world make on cappuccinos are hearts, rosettes, and tulips.
  • Cappuccino Day: November 8th is National Cappuccino Day in the United States.