That frothy beverage you can’t do without, you know, the aromatic cuppa that wakes you up in the morning with the frothy bit on the to. Yes, it’s a cappuccino! Think in layers: coffee, milk and froth. Everyone knows what is a cappuccino and lots of people love it.
What is a Cappuccino?
Ever came across the word cappuccino? or even hearing the word from your friends, family, or relatives? Well, the word cappuccino means that it’s an espresso-based hot coffee drink. You would see an attractive and thick layer of milk microfoam on the top.
The Cappuccino coffee drink originated in the country of Italy. The name Cappuccino came from the Capuchin friars. It’s because of their distinct brown colored habits, the name was related and associated with them. This color was seen when the espresso based coffee was mixed with milk.
This delicious coffee drink also had another name by the people of Vienna. They called it the “Kapuziner”. The drink contained a variety of spices and whipped cream. The coffee drink was unknown to the rest of the world besides Italy. It was only known outside of its origin in the year 1930 wherein it started spreading in Austrian cafe’s. The cappuccino by then continuously spread its popularity that reached worldwide.
How to make a perfect cup of cappuccino
Having knowledge of the origins of this popular coffee drink, we will guide you on how to make the best cup of cappuccino in the comforts of your home. You will need some equipment though before starting.
We have a list of some items you must have before creating one:
• Espresso Machine (if you don’t have one, here’s a guide)
• 3-4 ounces of milk
• 6-ounce cappuccino cup
• Milk Pitcher
• 16.5 grams ground espresso coffee.
• Milk steamer
The first step: Preparation
• Gather all your coffee making equipment and items for preparing your espresso. You would need to grind your espresso beans if you have no ground espresso coffee. With your ground espresso ready, pour 3 to 4 ounces of milk into the milk pitcher.
The second step: Brewing the Espresso
• After prepping, you can now start extracting the espresso. The 16.5 grams of ground espresso is placed straight into the portafilter. You would now place it inside the espresso machine. This will extract at least 2 shots of espresso.
The third step: Milk Steaming
• While waiting for your espresso to extract its flavor, you can now begin steaming milk. Make sure that the milk reaches about 160 degrees Fahrenheit. The milk pitcher should be in a vertical motion for the steam to evenly heat the milk. The cappuccino also requires a large amount of foam. Hold the tip of the steam wand close to the milk surface. This would create an ideal thick layer of foam on top of your cappuccino.
The fourth step: Pouring the Milk
• After the espresso grounds have been extracted and the milk steamed, you can now pour both ingredients together. Pour the milk about 3 inches on top of the cappuccino cup. Pour it in a vertical and circular motion so that the blending of the milk and espresso is even. The milk froth is the last to put on top of your cappuccino.
The final step: Enjoy your delicious Cappuccino
• You can now create coffee shop quality cappuccino in the comforts of your home. Feel like a barista every time you make one. This coffee-making may take some practice, but it’s easier once you get used to it from making it frequently. Enjoy a cup of delicious and tasty cappuccino every day with the help this guide.
The best places in the world to drink Cappuccino
Cafffe Camerino ( Cafffe con Tre Effe)
This is a coffee place in Largo Argentina that officially roasts their own coffee beans. This is regarded as one of the best places to have an authentic cup of cappuccino. They are offering consistently good and bold tasting coffees. Couple your coffee with a wide variety of pastry selection to complete your coffee experience.
Bar del Cappucino
This is a standing-room-only coffee place where you can order a cappuccino that was made by a barista known for his title as a cappuccino ambassador. The cappuccino that you will get is decorated often having shapes of apple, heart, or flower on top of the coffee. Many people regard this place as having an outstanding service and also good coffee.
Sant’Eustachio
A famous cafe not only in Rome but also worldwide. The cappuccino that they offer is spoon-whipped and has a little bit of sugar. The cappuccino has that slight sweetness and airy foam on top that is unique compared to other cappuccinos. This is a perfect place to have your best Roman coffee experience paired with staff that’s friendly and accommodating.
Is an American Cappuccino same as an Italian one?
• Italian Cappuccino is an authentically made by a barista in a bar. American Cappuccino is not usually made by baristas. Anyone can make it
• The roasting of the Italian cappuccino is lighter and less bitter. You don’t need to add sugar as you don’t have to balance out the bitterness.
• The fresh milk steaming is done slightly and not overdone.
• The cappuccino in Italy is standing up. It doesn’t have to be cooled down as it can lose its properties.
• Italian cappuccino is much smoother than the American version which is often bitter.