Tuesday, September 6, 2011

What is a Cappuccino?

Drink made and Photo Taken by Jacque Desmarais

"Cappuccino" is a fairly common drink to order at your local coffee shop,
but what is a REAL cappuccino?

It is...

...unlike most gas stations would have you believe.
"Cappuccino" literally means "a small cap" in Italian.
The traditional Italian drink is made with:




This is very similar to a latte.
The main difference is that a cappuccino is served cooler, has more foam, and higher milk to espresso ratio.
In other words, this little 6 oz. drink has a kick.


Crafting the perfect cappuccino is no easy task.
Temperature is important.
The espresso shot is paramount.
The amount of foam is crucial.
And the presentation seals the deal.

One way to test a "perfect cappuccino" is the spoon test.
Lightly, scoop the spoon over the foam.
This should reveal about 1 cm of foam..
...if it is perfect!


Traditional cappuccinos, or cappes, are definitely my favorite drink.
Mine are usually gone in an instant!


Good luck to your coffee endeavors!

-Beth

Cappuccino made and photos taken by Bethany Parry at The Coffee Ethic in AG Headquarters.
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6 comments:

  1. You mean, this isn't a real cappuccino?! http://blogs.citypages.com/food/SuperAmericaCapp2.JPG

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  2. Upon reading this post I think that I may never have had a proper cappuccino. I must remedy this as soon as possible. Great post!

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  3. @Chris Hehe...no that is not a "real" cappuccino.

    @Jay... you should! They are so yummy. :)

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  4. Thanks for the explanation! I've never understood the difference latte v. cappuccino. Great blog!

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  5. Trying to get more into coffee and I found your website very helpful. :) Thanks!

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  6. This is what I always want, but end up with too much milk!

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