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What is a cappuccino and how to make it?

What is a Cappuccino?

The cappuccino is easily one of the most recognisable popular types of coffee drinks - a perfectly balanced beverage 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 across the globe. Let's take a dive into the rich history of this famous coffee.

What is a Cappuccino?

One of the favourite and most popular coffees around the world, a cappuccino is the perfect balance of espresso, steamed milk and foam. Originating in Italy, the cappuccino is all about the structure and the even splitting of all elements into equal thirds. This is the main differentiator between a cappuccino and a coffee. 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.

Ingredients to make a cappuccino at home

  • 2 heaped teaspoons NESCAFÉ Gold Instant Coffee
  • Water heated to 80 degrees Celsius
  • Milk of your choice
  • Sugar to taste (optional)

How to make a Cappuccino at home

Create It!

Step 1
Step 1

Heat your water to 80º Celsius, or 175º Fahrenheit. There's no need to heat the water until it's boiling - this uses more energy than is necessary, and heats the water up too much. 80º Celsius (or 175º Fahrenheit) is the perfect temperature for the perfect cup of instant coffee.

Step 2
Step 2

Add 2 heaped teaspoons of your favourite NESCAFÉ instant coffee into a mug and add sugar to taste.Once the water has heated up, pour 2 tablespoons of hot water over the instant coffee and stir until the grounds have dissolved.

Step 3
Step 3

Now it's time to add the iconic milk froth on top. Warm the milk slightly in a pot or in a microwave, and carefully froth it using a whisk, electric whisk, or milk frother.

NESCAFÉ tip

Not all milk types froth equally. Dairy milk froths the easiest, but you might find that plant-based alternatives don't froth as well. This is because many plant-based milks have water as a base, and water just won't froth. You can use an empty jar to froth your milk - make sure the lid is on tight to prevent messes. A coffee plunger is another easy way to achieve that perfect milk froth. Put your milk or dairy alternative into an empty coffee plunger, and pump the plunger up and down until the milk or dairy alternative is foamy and frothy before adding it to your cappuccino.

Try our NESCAFÉ Instant Cappuccino today with NESCAFÉ Gold

Origin of the Cappuccino

Legend has it that the humble cappuccino was created in Italy as far back as the 17th century – that’s almost 400 years ago! Named after the order of monks whose robes were a similar colour, the Capuchin monks were known for their Capuchin­ ­– the hoods they wore to cover their heads. The Cappuccino is a combination of strong black coffee topped with a thick layer of steamed, frothed milk, almost like the coffee is wearing a hood of milk; a Capuchin. Perfect for an Italian-style breakfast of coffee and pastries and a great template for foam art, it’s a well-loved drink with a long history, having arrived in America in 1980 and becoming a firm favourite among coffee drinkers everywhere.

Explore the history of NESCAFÉ

Macchiato vs. cappuccino – what’s the difference?

If you’re wondering which of our recipes to try at home next, 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. It's customary in many places to serve a cappuccino with a light dusting of chocolate powder.

Now you know everything there is to know about the cappuccino, and all the information you need for your next macchiato vs. cappuccino debate. Looking for a slightly stronger option? Follow our guide and discover all you need to know about the Americano.

Discover more about macchiato here
 

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can you drink cappuccino every day?

The short answer - yes, you can. However, everything - even coffee - should be enjoyed in moderation. Drinking coffee on a daily basis offers many health benefits, like more energy, and more focus. Coffee is also rich in antioxidants, which are important to help your cells functioning healthily. We'd recommend talking to a health professional for more accurate, personalised advice.

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.