What is a Cappuccino?
The cappuccino is a balanced coffee that’s a true test of any barista’s skills. Known for the even distribution of coffee and milk and served in a large cup with a dusting of chocolate on top, a cappuccino is one of the most popular coffee types in the UK, seconded only to the latte. If you’re a true frothy coffee lover you may be wondering what is a cappuccino and where it comes from. Keep reading to find out all you need to know…
What is a cappuccino?
A cappuccino is the perfect balance of espresso, steamed milk and foam. This coffee is all about the structure and the even splitting of all elements into equal thirds. An expertly made cappuccino should be rich, but not acidic and have a mildly sweet flavouring from the milk. And, because the milk is not actually mixed in it gives the espresso a stronger flavour.
What a mocha is made of
Although a mocha is often interpreted differently across the world, the basis is that a shot of espresso is combined with a chocolate powder or syrup, followed by milk or cream. It is a variant of a latte, in the sense that it is often 1/3 espresso and 2/3 steamed milk. However, a chocolate flavour is added, and this can be milk or dark.
Cappuccino origins
The cappuccino first came to Europe and America in 1980, around a similar time to the latte. Originating in Italy (as most good coffee does), lots of coffee from there has a name that when translated literally means how it’s made or what it includes – but the cappuccino is a little different. Apparently, the colouring of the espresso and frothed milk bore similarities to the hue of the Capuchin friar robes, and so, the wonderful beverage was dubbed the “cappuccino”.
Macchiato vs. cappuccino – what’s the difference?
If you’re ordering in a coffee shop you may be thinking macchiato vs. cappuccino, what’s the difference and what should I go for? Well, firstly you should understand the differences between the two. The macchiato starts off with a base of steamed milk, two shots of espresso and then a thin layer of milk foam on top – providing a much higher ratio of coffee to milk. A cappuccino on the other hand starts with a shot of espresso, then steamed milk and finishes with milk foam on top, all in a perfectly balanced ratio.
Now you know what is a cappuccino and should have all the information you need for your next macchiato vs. cappuccino debate. Looking for a slightly stronger option? Discover our guide to what is an americano, next.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can you drink cappuccino every day?
The short answer - yes, you can. However, everything - even coffee - should be enjoyed in moderation.
Is cappuccino stronger than coffee?
It depends what type of coffee we are comparing against a cappuccino. A cappuccino and an espresso have the same caffeine content, so they would be similar in terms of strength. However, if the comparison is between a cappuccino and an americano, the americano would probably taste slightly stronger, but this is probably due to the lack of milk in an americano, which makes it taste much stronger than coffee with milk added.
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