A cappuccino is one of the most well-known and iconic espresso drinks in the world.
It’s beloved by coffee enthusiasts all over for its unique and delicious flavor profile.
But what is a cappuccino exactly?
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about what a cappuccino is and how to make one yourself.
What is a cappuccino?
A cappuccino is a hot caffeinated beverage that is beloved by many coffee enthusiasts all over the world.
Its made of a single shot of espresso, hot milk and is topped off with foamy, frothy milk. A cappuccino is a ⅓ espresso, ⅓ steamed milk, and ⅓ milk foam.
Cappuccinos will often have a design or artistic drawing made with the frothy topping that’s known as latte art.
You can also customize your cappuccino by using different milk alternatives like cream or non-dairy milk and adding different syrups or spices to add flavor to your drink.
How to make a cappuccino
Making a cappuccino can be done in a few easy steps. To make a cappuccino at home, you will need:
- Espresso machine
- Milk steamer or a handheld frother, french press or whisk
- Milk pitcher
- 16.5 grounds of espresso coffee
- 3-4 ounces of milk
Once you gather all of your tools & ingredients, it’s time to make your beverage.
Here’s how you can make a cappuccino at home.
- Make the espresso – using the espresso machine, pull your shot of espresso.
- Steam the milk – hold the steaming wand just below the surface of the milk until it becomes foamy and doubles in size. Keep warming the milk until it reaches 150 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have an espresso machine to steam your milk with, you can use a handheld milk frother, a whisk, or a french press.
- Pour the milk – gently pour the frothed milk into the espresso.
- Serve – enjoy your homemade cappuccino!
How much caffeine is in a cappuccino?
A cappuccino is made with one shot of espresso which is where a cappuccino gets its caffeine from.
A cappuccino will contain around 80 mg of caffeine per serving which is about 6 ounces.
It’s important to keep in mind the volume of the cappuccino when looking at the caffeine content of your drink.
If you ask for a cappuccino with a double shot of espresso, there will be 160mg of caffeine in the cappuccino.
How many calories are in a cappuccino?
If you’re looking for a low-calorie coffee drink, you may want to stick to espresso or black coffee.
A cappuccino is a very filling, creamy beverage that is often enjoyed by many with a croissant or pastry. A 6 oz serving of cappuccino has around 55 – 60 calories.
As the serving sizes go up, so will the calories.
Cappuccino vs Frappuccino
If you’ve ever been to Starbucks, you’ve probably heard of a frappuccino before. Although they sound quite similar, a cappuccino and frappuccino are two very different drinks.
A cappuccino is an espresso-based drink with steamed milk and is typically served hot.
A frappuccino, on the other hand, is a Starbucks trademarked, coffee-based drink that is typically served cold with a lot of sugar and with whipped cream on top.
A frappuccino has much more sugar than a typical cappuccino.
Starbucks sells a variety of different flavors of frappuccino including caramel, white chocolate mocha, peppermint white chocolate mocha, green tea, and so many more.
Cappuccino vs Latte
A cappuccino and latte are both made of the same ingredients but are made differently.
A cappuccino has an even ratio of espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk.
A latte has more steamed milk and less foam than a cappuccino.
A cappuccino is layered, while in a latte, the espresso and the steam milk are mixed together.
What is a dry cappuccino? (bone dry cappuccino)
If you enjoy a cappuccino with less steamed milk, you might want to dry a dry cappuccino.
A dry cappuccino has less steamed milk and more foam than a regular cappuccino.
A bone dry cappuccino is a cappuccino that has no steam milk and is topped with frothed milk.
Final thoughts on the cappuccino
The cappuccino is a delicious coffee beverage that can be enjoyed at home or in a cafe.
It is made with espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk, and can be customized with various flavors and toppings.
The caffeine content of a cappuccino varies depending on the size of the drink, but it typically contains 80 mg per cup. Cappuccinos also vary in terms of calorie count, but they are generally around 55-60 calories per serving.
Now that you know all there is to know about cappuccinos, you’re ready to order a cappuccino like a pro.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try making a cappuccino at home.
With a bit of practice and time, you’ll be serving delicious cappuccinos at home in no time.
