A cappuccino (Italian meaning “Capuchin” or literally “small cap”) is an Italian coffee drink prepared with espresso, hot milk, and steamed-milk foam. The name comes from the Capuchin friars, referring to the colour (and possibly the shape) of their habits.

Recipe: Classic Cappuccino

Summary: espresso with steamed milk and a frothy cap

Classic Cappuccino

Ingredients

• Espresso (# of shots ordered)
• Milk

Instructions

1. Extract espresso into cup.
2. Slowly add steamed milk and froth to create a layering effect.
3. Garnish with chocolate, cinnamon or nutmeg sprinkles.

Recipe by Recipe by MyCoffeePro.
Microformatting by hRecipe.

Besides a shot of espresso, the most important factor in preparing a cappuccino is the texture and temperature of the milk. When a barista steams the milk for a cappuccino, microfoam is created by introducing very tiny bubbles of air into the milk, giving the milk a velvety texture. The traditional cappuccino consists of an espresso, on which the barista pours the hot foamed milk, resulting in a 2 cm (¾ inch) thick milk foam on top. Variations of the mixtures are usually called cappuccino chiaro (white cappuccino, also known as a wet cappuccino) with more milk than normal, and cappuccino scuro (dark cappuccino, also known as a dry cappuccino) with less steamed milk than normal.