One of the greatest things about coffee drinks is there are so many ways to enjoy them. From cold brew and drip coffee to simple espresso shots, there’s no shortage of variety. But one of the most enduring and traditional coffee drink styles is the cappuccino.
But what is in this famous beverage? Are the coffee beans unique? And how does it differ from other popular espresso-based drinks? The answer might be simpler than you think.
Cappuccino Origins
We may think of cappuccino as an inherently Italian coffee drink, its history is a bit more continental. In fact, the traditional cappuccino was first invented as the “kapuziner” in Vienna in the 1700s. This beverage was later perfected by the Italians in the early 1900s.
The timing of this perfection is not exactly random, though. Shortly before, in the late 1800s, the espresso machine was invented. And with the espresso machine came the perfection on what the Viennese had invented. Namely, a perfect balance of coffee, cream, and sugar.
What is in a Cappuccino
So, we know coffee, cream, and sugar go in a cappuccino. It’s been that way for centuries, it would seem. But specifically, how is it prepared that makes it different from other coffee drinks?
If you are wondering what is the difference between a latte and a cappuccino, the answer’s simple. The details are in the beverage’s ratios. A cappuccino beverage should feature even distributions of its signature layers. Specifically:
- 1/3 espresso
- 1/3 steamed milk
- 1/3 milk foam
Compare that to a caffè latte, which features one part espresso to three parts milk. In truth, the two drinks seem similar, but they really aren’t. At least, not when tasting is involved.
This balance is what gives cappuccino its delectable quality. And it’s not far from what the Viennese first crafted centuries ago.
Cappuccino Variations
You may have read about variations of this popular coffee beverage, such as a dry cappuccino. The answer to what is a dry cappuccino comes down to the balance between milk and foam. Specifically:
- In a wet cappuccino, there’s more milk than foam
- In a dry cappuccino, there’s more foam than milk
There are lots of ways to play with a cappuccino’s taste. A coffee drinker is smart to try lots of varieties to find their favorite.
Discover Your Favorite Cappuccino at Ellianos
We’re no strangers to great Italian coffee. That’s because, at each Ellianos coffee shop location, we serve Italian Quality at America’s Pace. Find an Ellianos Near You and find your next cappuccino obsession.
