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What is Cappuccino Coffee?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A cappuccino coffee is a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk. The cappuccino is actually one of the most difficult coffee drinks to make right, requiring skill on the part of the barista who prepares it. There are also considerable variations in what is sold as a “cappuccino coffee,” depending on where in the world one is, which can lead to confusion from visitors who may not get what they were expecting.

Cappuccinos are made by pouring a shot of espresso into a ceramic cup, and swirling steamed milk over the espresso. The finished drink may have anything from a small dot of foam in the middle to a layer of foam which covers the entire drink. Ceramic is classically chosen because it holds heat well, and the open bowl of the cup facilitates the experience of the drinker, allowing him or her to taste the flavor of the drink, which is traditionally quite strong, and to get the right balance of milk and coffee with each sip.

A cappuccino.
A cappuccino.

In some regions, the cappuccino coffee may be dusted with cinnamon or cocoa before it is served. Baristas may also turn the drink into a work of art by carefully controlling the pour of milk, creating designs which can include leaves, swirls, and so forth, depending on the skill of the barista. Traditionally, the cappuccino is served at breakfast, although many regions have abandoned this tradition, offering the drink at all hours.

Cappuccino is often dusted with cinnamon before it.
Cappuccino is often dusted with cinnamon before it.

The origins of the cappuccino appear to lie in Italy, widely regarded as the home of complex coffee drinks. The drink is named for the Capuchin order of friars, who traditionally wore brown habits which resemble a cappuccino in color. A variation on the drink known as a cappuccino fredo is made with chilled milk, creating a cool drink. Other variations include the wet or white cappuccino and the dry or dark cappuccino coffee, named for the varying ratios of milk and coffee in the drink.

Making espresso is the first part of crafting a cappuccino.
Making espresso is the first part of crafting a cappuccino.

Many coffee houses and cafes will produce cappuccinos in a variety of sizes. Consumers should be wary of these drinks, as they typically skew the traditional ratio of milk and coffee, creating a milky drink without a strong coffee flavor. It is also difficult to accomplish the desired velvety froth when steaming the milk in the case of a large drink, with the froth becoming chunky or dry rather than delicate. Asking for a “short” cappuccino coffee in cafes which list the drink by size may yield a more traditional version of this coffee drink.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon359357

Should be one third each of coffee, foam and steamed milk.

anon176013

I am not a big coffee drinker but when I do I like a cappuccino. I find that this varies considerably form place to place. It is generally better when served in a small cup, when it seems easier to get the proportions correct.

However, although I steer clear of them generally, I occasionally find myself in 'Starbucks' who, it appears, think that a cappuccino is a small espresso topped up with froth, regardless of the size you ask for! It has not mattered where in the world I have been in a 'Starbucks' the result is the same. I have to ask for the milk to be added and it leads to a 'scene' where I'm left feeling guilty for just wanting what I asked for. I have made it my mission in life to get 'Starbucks' to realize there is more to a cappuccino than froth and to stop short-changing their customers!

beeX

I often order a cappuccino if I'm in a coffee house, and I didn't know that they were meant to be served in a small cup. I knew that an espresso coffee is a small measure, but I suppose that a cappuccino is meant to be bigger than that if there is milk in there as well.

Next time I'm out, I'll order a small one and see if I notice the difference.

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    • A cappuccino.
      A cappuccino.
    • Cappuccino is often dusted with cinnamon before it.
      By: Natika
      Cappuccino is often dusted with cinnamon before it.
    • Making espresso is the first part of crafting a cappuccino.
      By: Alessandro Capuzzo
      Making espresso is the first part of crafting a cappuccino.
    • Espresso is traditionally served in small, demitasse-style cups while cappuccino requires a larger cup due to the added milk.
      By: pressmaster
      Espresso is traditionally served in small, demitasse-style cups while cappuccino requires a larger cup due to the added milk.
    • Traditionally cappuccino was served with breakfast, though many people now enjoy the drink all times of day.
      By: Subbotina Anna
      Traditionally cappuccino was served with breakfast, though many people now enjoy the drink all times of day.