Cappuccino

Cappuccino is an Italian coffee made with espresso and steam-foamed milk. It is believed that it developed from kapuziner—a coffee-based beverage that was enjoyed in Austrian coffee houses in the 18th century. The first mention of the word cappuccino in Italy dates back to the 1930s, but at the time the drink was topped with whipped cream, and later it gained its current form with the invention of the espresso machine.

Traditional Italian cappuccino is always served in small cups, which are occasionally pre-heated, and it is prepared by pulling a single or a double shot of espresso which is then topped with a light and frothy steamed milk. The recommended ratio in Italy is to have more froth than liquid.

Due to its popularity, outside of Italy, cappuccini can significantly differ from their original Italian version, and they can be enjoyed throughout the day, while the Italians would rarely drink them in the afternoon. Interestingly, it is said that the name cappuccino was inspired by the Capuchin friars, supposedly because the color combination of coffee and milk resembles those of Capuchin robes.