Cappuccino is a coffee drink made from espresso and steamed milk, originating in Italy. It can vary in appearance and flavor depending on the region and the skill of the barista. Traditional cappuccinos are served at breakfast and made in ceramic cups, with variations including cinnamon or cocoa dusting and cold milk. Consumers should be wary of cappuccinos in larger sizes, as they may have a milky taste without a strong coffee flavor.
A cappuccino is a drink made from espresso coffee and steamed milk. Cappuccino is actually one of the more difficult coffee drinks to make, requiring skill from the barista preparing it. There are also considerable variations in what is sold as a “cappuccino,” depending on where in the world it is, which can lead to confusion from visitors who may not get what they expected.
Cappuccinos are made by pouring a shot of espresso into a ceramic cup and swirling the steamed milk over the espresso. The finished drink can have anything from a small dot of foam in the middle to a layer of foam that covers the entire drink. Ceramic is classically chosen because it retains heat well and the cup’s open bowl facilitates the drinker’s experience, allowing him to taste the flavor of the drink, which is traditionally quite strong, and to get the right balance of milk and coffee at every sip.
In some regions, cappuccino coffee may be dusted with cinnamon or cocoa before serving. Baristas can also turn the drink into a work of art by carefully controlling the flow of milk, creating designs that can include leaves, swirls, and so on, depending on the skill of the barista. Traditionally, the cappuccino is served at breakfast, even if many regions have abandoned this tradition, offering the drink at all hours.
The origins of the cappuccino appear to lie in Italy, widely considered to be the home of complex coffee beverages. The drink got its name from the order of Capuchin friars, who traditionally wore brown habits resembling a cappuccino in color. A variant of the drink known as a fredo cappuccino is made with cold milk, creating a cool drink. Other variations include the wet or white cappuccino and the dry or dark cappuccino, named for the varying ratios of milk and coffee in the drink.
Many coffee shops and cafes will produce cappuccinos of various sizes. Consumers should be wary of these drinks, as they typically skew the traditional ratio of milk to coffee, creating a milky drink without a strong coffee flavor. It is also difficult to achieve the desired velvety froth when steaming milk in the case of a large drink, with the froth becoming thick or dry rather than delicate. Asking for a “short” cappuccino at cafés that list the drink by size can yield a more traditional version of this coffee drink.
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