Cappuccino has become my morning ritual, offering the perfect blend of bold espresso and creamy milk to kickstart my day. I’ve found it helps me wake up a little easier, especially since I can’t quite handle the intense bitterness of straight-up coffee.
Contents
Simple Cappuccino recipe
Cappuccino is renowned for its rich flavor and creamy texture. This Italian drink consists of equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk. The combination of these elements creates a harmonious balance of bold coffee and velvety foam.
Its name is derived from the Capuchin friars, whose brown robes resemble the color of the drink. In the early 20th century, with the invention of espresso machines and the development of coffee culture in Italy, the drink became popular around the world. It even owns a National Day – November 8.
What I love about this coffee is the delicate patterns on its surface. Those mesmerizing latte art designs—be it a heart, rosetta, tulip, or swan—are crafted with steamed milk. I’m not good at this, I’ll stick to the basic one, instead of the one with latte art.
Since I didn’t have a coffee maker, I used the French press to make the coffee brew. If you have one, skip to the making espresso step. Here’s how to make a cappuccino at home.
Traditional Cappucchino
Equipment
- 1 French press
- 1 milk frother
- 1 saucepan
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup of coarsely ground coffee
- 1 cup water just below boiling
- 1/2 cup of milk whole milk, skim milk, or a non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk
- 1 tbsp of sugar adjust to taste
- Cocoa powder or cinnamon for garnish optional
Instructions
making hot brewed coffee
- Boil 1 cup of water. Allow it to cool slightly for a moment after boiling to around 200°F (93°C). Water that’s too hot can scald the coffee grounds.
- Place the coarsely ground coffee into the French press.
- Pour the hot water over the coffee grounds. Ensure that all the grounds are saturated. Give it a gentle stir with a wooden or plastic spoon to make sure all the coffee is evenly soaked.
- Place the lid on the French press with the plunger pulled all the way up. Let the coffee steep for about 4 minutes. Adjust the steeping time to your taste preferences—longer for a stronger brew.
- After the steeping time, slowly press down the plunger. Apply steady pressure to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid.
- Pour the brewed coffee into your mug
making cappuccino
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling. You can also heat the milk in the microwave for about 1 minute.
- If you have a milk frother, froth the hot milk until it becomes creamy and has a good amount of foam on top. If you don’t have a frother, you can vigorously shake the hot milk in a sealed jar for a similar effect.
- Pour the brewed coffee into your mug. Gently pour the frothed milk over the coffee, holding back the foam with a spoon until you've added most of the liquid.
- Spoon the remaining foam on top.
- Add sugar to your liking. Stir well to dissolve.
- Sprinkle a pinch of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top for a little extra flavor and decoration.
- Grab a comfy chair, take a sip, and savor the homemade goodness of your easy cappuccino!
Nutrition
How to pair
This coffee drink can be enjoyed in numerous ways:
1. Small Cookies/Biscuits provide a sweet contrast
- Cranberry cookies
- Biscotti
- Rock cakes
- Pizzelle (waffle cookies)
- Butter cookies
2. Sweet Breakfast Pastries
- Croissants
- Italian cornettos, plain or filled
- Brioche
- Sfogliatelle (shell-shaped pastries)
3. Other baked goods
- Danish pastries
- Scones
- Muffins
- French macarons
- Coffee cake
- Cappuccino brownies or cakes
- Tiramisu
4. Light Breakfast Items
- Fruits offer a refreshing balance: fresh berries or citrus slices
- Yogurt parfait
- Breakfast bars
- Savory bites create a unique twist
- Cheese pastries
- Egg-based breakfast dishes
variations
While the traditional recipe remains a classic, there are numerous variations to suit different tastes. Some popular variations include:
1. Dry Cappuccino: For those who prefer a more robust coffee flavor, a dry version has less steamed milk and more froth.
2. Wet Cappuccino: On the other side, a wet version has more steamed milk and less froth, resulting in a creamier texture.
3. Frozen Version: This version is made by blending cooled espresso, ice cubes, a splash of milk, and a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Pour into a glass, top with whipped cream, and sprinkle with cocoa powder.
4. Flavored variation: Add a dash of creativity by incorporating flavored syrups like vanilla (Vanilla cappuccino), caramel, blueberry lavender, or hazelnut for a sweet twist.
5. Iced Cappuccino: Perfect for warm days, this variation involves pouring espresso over ice and topping it with cold frothed milk.
6. Chocolate version: This is perfect for chocolate lovers. Indulge your sweet tooth by adding chocolate syrup or cocoa powder to your cappuccino for a mocha-like experience.
Whether you savor the classic blend or experiment with different variations, the drink offers a delightful combination of bold espresso and creamy goodness. So, what type do you like?
