Cappuccino has been around for many years, but its exact date and time of invention remains unknown for the majority of us unlike other inventions that exist today. There are mixed stories about cappuccino’s invention.
For some, it all started with the Capuchin monks who used to wear brown robes, matching the color of a cappuccino cup. In Italy, this cape is called cappuccino.
Meanwhile, there is another version of the story. From the late 18th century until the 1920, a drink called Kapuziner was known in an Austrian territory that belonged to Italy. This beverage was referred to as a coffee with cream and sugar. After a century, it became popular in many cafes across Europe.
But then, other sources claimed that true cappuccino only existed in 1901, and it was when Luigi Bezzera received his patent for the first ever espresso machine. Many noted that this had started it all for the cappuccino drink, which is mainly of milk and espresso composition.
This drink is served in a cup of porcelain or stone material that is preheated and that has a thick wall. In Italy, where it originated, people drink it at breakfast (more drinking rules later).
In the recent times, cappuccino is emerging as one of the most popular coffees around the world. Learn more in the following.
- The 9 Best Cappuccino Machines of 2021
- The 8 Best Coffee Grinders for Making Espresso 2021
- The 5 Best Manual Espresso Machines 2021
I. What Makes a Cappuccino?
To show you that this beverage is really popular, the World Barista Championships have been organized since 2000. One the highlight is cappuccino dispensing that has been joined by baristas and coffee experts.
Part of the rules and regulations, as per the WBC, cappuccino is a milk drink that must produce that perfect and harmonious balance of sweet milk and rich espresso. This beverage is prepared using textured milk, foam and of course, our favorite single shot of espresso. And also part of the rules, the foam depth must be one centimeter, and the final result should be cappuccino with a size between 150 ml and 180 ml.
II. How to make a cappuccino with a machine
If you love this specialty coffee drink, you should remember certain things on how to prepare that perfect dose with a machine. Here is what you need to know.
1. Select your coffee beans and grind them finely
[You don’t have to do it, however, if you choose using pre ground espresso beans.]The coffee used to make espresso is usually dark roasted or simply roasted. But for the best results, you must use it within the four weeks or one month after roasting. On the market, you can find variants made of 100% Arabica coffee beans.
But then, some people prefer using a mix of Arabica and Robusta coffee beans at a ratio of 7:3 or 8:2. You can choose your own ratio if desired, though. When done with the bean selection, you can start grinding them. Again, skip this step if you preferred using pre ground beans.
If grinding, we recommended using a burr grinder that can help turning the coffee beans into finely ground level, which is what you need for espresso.
2. Prepare an espresso with double the water amount
You don’t have to do much work if you have an espresso machine, though, because many are preprogrammed to help you create an espresso perfectly. [Check out the later section for how to prepare cappuccino without a machine].
Put the steamed milk in the cappuccino. Take note – the ratio is 1/3 espresso, 1/3 foamed milk and 1/3 steamed milk. As you notice, much of the cappuccino is milk. So if you love this kind of coffee drink, you can appreciate this mixture.
3. Prepare foamed milk
Get a cup that you can use in storing the fresh milk. Place the cup into the spout. All you need to do is to insert the nozzle in the milk, and then start blowing the milk in a circular manner. Next, you have to dip it in deeper.
Do it until the volume of the milk doubles and its temperature is between 65 and 75 degrees Celsius.
Be sure to release the large air bubbles by swirling it gently. To do it properly, you can tap the jug of the milk to the counter to get rid of the large bubble. When done, you can start pouring the milk over the espresso in order to create your fabulous cappuccino drink.
When you’re almost nearing a full capacity of the cup, you can then decorate and form a shape, such as a heart or a smiley on top of the cappuccino. Don’t worry if you cannot form that perfect shape just yet. It takes a little practice to draw in a cappuccino cup. You will get by soon.
4. Sprinkle with cocoa powder or cinnamon powder
We’re almost done! For the final touches, you can sprinkle some cocoa or cinnamon powder on top of your cup.
That’s it! You have just created that lovely and tasty cup of cappuccino. Next time, you will be able to do it better with practice and serve to a number of people. Just remember these steps, and you will be just fine. Enjoy!
III. How to make cappuccino without a machine
1. Prepare an espresso with double the water amount
Check out how to make espresso without a machine here.
2.Prepare foamed milk
Pour milk into a pot, and then put it in the stove. Boil. Take out from heat once you noticed bubbling.
Pour the boiled milked in a sealable container or jar. You should fill your container halfway. Seal your container and then start shaking it for about 20 seconds until you see froth forming.
Pour the milk into a coffee mug, and then add it into your coffee before scooping and adding the foamed milk on your coffee.
3. For the final additions, sprinkle cocoa, nutmeg or cinnamon on top of the froth.
There you have your cappuccino! Does it look good? Well, you can easily make cappuccino even without a machine. All you need is a little practice, and you’re good to go. The next time you’re thinking about preparing cappuccino without a machine, just go back to these steps and proceed.
IV. Cappuccino for Italians
At the very least, coffee for Italians is espresso. It is almost always a part of their morning routine. Preparing espresso using finely ground beans, roasted or dark roasted, is the norm.
How is espresso made? For Italians, the right way of doing it is pressing and forcing hot water under a very high pressure so that it will flow through the finely ground coffee beans in order to create a creamy coffee oil layer.
And for the many of them, cappuccino is synonymous to good vibes apart from espresso especially among those that want a less strong variant to their favorite espresso drink. More than 60 million Italians regarded drinking cappuccino and having a platter of biscuits/croissants is the best way and standard of starting a day.
It is to say that you should not order cappuccino or any other coffee-based coffees after breakfast or at 11 am. You should order it in the café early but not too late in the morning. Many Italians suggest not ordering them in the afternoon or right after a meal.
But to make tourists happy, many cafes in Italy accommodate an order of cappuccino anytime of the day. However, if you want to abide by the coffee drinking customs when in this country, you might want to drink it in the morning only.
What is the reason behind it? Italians regarded milk as only a morning drink because it’s too heavy for after meal or afternoon drinking. It makes sense, though, because it is quite heavy.
So in the afternoon, Italians choose espresso instead. For Italians, though, espresso is just caffe or coffee, not really calling it espresso. [Caffe is the beverage and espresso is its technical term in Italy.]
There you have certain tidbits about the coffee drinking culture in Italy. If you’re traveling to it soon, you now know the rules. Enjoy your trip!
V. Conclusion
There are quite a few versions regarding the origins of cappuccino. However, it doesn’t matter for many. Whether it came from Vienna, Austria or Italy, we’re sure more excited for the drink itself. After all, what matters for the many of us is how to make a perfect cup of cappuccino and how to enjoy it anytime of the day (right in the comforts of our home).
Who should drink cappuccino? It is for the coffee lovers out there who would rather drink a milk-based coffee that is filling and comforting than a strong coffee. It is also for those that want to have their breakfast with a platter of croissants or biscuits when in one of the cafes in Italy. Nevertheless, cappuccino is for you if you love to enjoy a warm and filling cup of coffee but without the too strong taste of espresso.
Now if you want to make cappuccino right at home, you can! For a guide, you can get back to our guide earlier on how to make it with and without a machine. Either way, you can have your enjoyable cup of cappuccino anytime. Just follow the simple steps we’ve outlined above, and remember to use only finely grounded beans for the best results.
If you don’t have a coffee bean grinder, you can also use pre ground coffee beans sold on the market. Choose Arabica beans or a combination of Robusta or Arabica, depending on your preference. After all, it’s your satisfaction that matters.
Enjoy the great taste of your warm, filling and fragrant cappuccino today!
