Posted on: JUN 4, 2024
Posted by: STOKES COFFEE
Wouldn’t it be great to be able to make your favourite coffee at home, just like in a coffee shop? Well now you can, by following our step-by-step guide to making a Cappuccino!
This article includes what a Cappuccino consists of the history of the Cappuccino, plus what you will need to make a Cappuccino at home, how to make it and answers to some frequently asked questions.
I – The History of the Cappuccino
II – What You Will Need to Make a Cappuccino
III- Step-By-Step Guide to Making a Cappuccino
IV- FAQ’s
The History of the Cappuccino
The cappuccino dates all the way back to around the 18th century, where in Vienna there was an order of monks called the Capuchin monks or friars. These monks had coffee-coloured robes, which included a hood and when they pulled the hood back, they revealed a tuft of white hair. So, in reference to the monks, a coffee drink was made with whipped cream on the top, which had the same coffee colour on the outer-edge and the cream in the middle.
As the Italian’s invented the coffee machine, the Cappuccino developed and rather than using whipped cream, whipped milk was added to the espresso. Still keeping the nice halo of coffee around the outer edge of the cup.
What You Will Need to Make a Cappuccino
Ingredients:
-14 – 15g of ground espresso beans (we recommend our Full Of Beans)
-6oz of whole milk or your preferred milk alternative
Equipment:
-A coffee grinder
-A coffee machine with a steam arm
-A jug to froth your milk in (450ml)
-8oz ceramic coffee cup
-A thermometer for the milk jug
If you don’t have all of the things you need, you can shop for coffee equipment on our online shop.
Step-By-Step Guide to Making a Cappuccino
Step 1 – Warm up your cup by filling it with hot water.
Step 2 – Prep your milk by pouring it into your jug, it should be just under half way, so there is plenty of room to whip the milk.
Step 3 –Next add your ground coffee to the basket, tamp it, then pull it at about 55ml of water, which should produce around 2oz in your cup.
Step 4 – While the espresso is brewing (make sure your espresso isn’t waiting for your milk), heat up the milk. Purge the steam arm first. Then aerate and heat up the milk, starting with the steam arm in the milk and gently lowering the jug as you go. The temperature of the milk should sit between 60 -70°C.
Step 5 – Tap your milk jug on a surface, if there are any big bubble in it. Agitate the milk by gently swirling it around, until it’s a nice glossy colour.
Step 6 – Swirl your espresso around the cup, then pour your milk directly into the centre of the espresso, starting low and pulling away slightly.
FAQ’s
Can I make a Cappuccino without an espresso machine?
Yes, although it’s ideally made with an espresso machine, you can make a cappuccino without. We recommend using a Moka pot to brew your coffee, as it will make something quite strong, similar to an espresso. Then for your milk, you can use a French Press! Heat up the milk to the current temperature, then pump the milk in the Fresh Press to foam it up. You can then pour this milk onto your coffee to make something similar to a cappuccino.
Why does a Cappuccino sometimes come with chocolate on top?
Traditionally, a Cappuccino wouldn’t have come with chocolate on top. However, back when coffee was originally being developed, in particular espresso coffee, it would have been dark roasted, and the milk might not have been heated correctly to taste sweet. Therefore, chocolate may have been added to the Cappuccino to add an element of sweetness.
How do I make sure I don’t burn the milk?
If you want the tastiest Cappuccino, heating the milk is important, particularly the temperature of the milk. When the milk goes over a certain temperature, it can lose its’ sweetness. So, we recommend always using a thermometer when heating your milk.
Conclusion
We hope you found this step-by-step guide helpful, and we would love to see your results! Please tag us on social media: Facebook @Stokes Instagram @stokescoffee