Cappuccino

What is Cappuccino?

A cappuccino is what you treat yourself to on a rainy day.  You know you love that special taste you only get from your cappuccino, but do you actually know what a cappuccino is? Did you know that the word cappuccino itself is used to describe two distinctly different beverages? Read on to learn the difference between traditional and the modern variations of cappuccinos.

Traditional Cappuccinos

Espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes are all traditional Italian coffee-like beverages with varying combinations of espresso and steamed milk.  Although the coffee beans and roasts are either the same or similar to that of American-style coffee, espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes are made with a special cappuccino machine.  Very hot water is infused with finely ground coffee to yield a robust concentrated kind of coffee.  Shots of espresso may be consumed without steamed milk for an eye-opening pep-you-up.  Cappuccinos consist of half frothy steamed milk, half espresso.  The milk is frothed from a special device usually attached to the espresso machine.  Hot air and water are swirled into cold milk until the right consistency of froth develops.  A latte contains one part steamed milk to three parts espresso.  All three beverages are traditionally served in small coffee cups. 

Modern Variations

Many Americans aren’t even familiar with traditional Italian-style cappuccinos.  The cappuccinos they have come to love are sweetened, flavored, and often made from a concentrated mix.  Special commercial machines make these delicious beverages on demand.  This modern variation still shares the same frothed milk component and coffee flavors as its European cousin.  Some of the most popular flavors include double mocha, white chocolate, hazelnut, and French vanilla.  Also popular now are iced cappuccinos.  These drinks have all the ingredients of the sweetened, hot beverages, but are often prepared and contained in slushy-style machines. The hot and cold options make the modern variations a great treat all year long.There’s no need to limit yourself to one kind of cappuccino.  Each variation has a place is the hearts and minds of people all over the world.  If you are serious about your coffee or serious about treating yourself in general, you’re going to want to want to treat yourself to a delicious cappuccino!