What is a cappuccino? How it's made and how to order one right
A cappuccino is made of espresso and slightly foamy steamed milk in a small cup. Compared to other milk drinks, it has a concentrated coffee flavor balanced by the natural sweetness of dairy — and a texture that differs significantly from a latte.
Defining the cappuccino
A cappuccino coffee drink is an espresso-based beverage traditionally made with equal thirds of espresso, steamed milk, and airy milk foam. It is served in a five-to-eight-ounce cup, which creates a concentrated coffee flavor balanced by the natural sweetness of the dairy.
What goes into a cappuccino
As noted by Perfect Daily Grind, the definition of a cappuccino can be wildly variable from region to region and shop to shop, The traditional recipe begins with a double shot of espresso. The remaining volume of the cup is filled with a layer of liquid steamed milk followed by a layer of stiff, frothy foam.
In modern specialty coffee shops, the espresso is still sometimes foamier than a latte, but it is most often fully poured and integrated into the espresso, not scooped to have distinct separate layers. That’s why most cappuccinos now just look like smaller lattes.
Wet vs dry cappuccino
When ordering at a specialty café, you may hear the terms wet or dry. These descriptions refer to the ratio of steamed milk to foam within the drink.
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Wet cappuccino: This contains more liquid steamed milk and less foam, making it identical in texture to a small latte or flat white.
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Dry cappuccino: This version features more foam and very little liquid milk. It provides a more intense coffee taste because the espresso is less diluted.
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Bone dry cappuccino: If you prefer a drink with almost no liquid milk, you might ask for this version, which is often made by creating a lot of airy milk foam and scooping it onto espresso.
Cappuccino vs latte vs flat white
The primary cappuccino vs latte difference is the ratio of milk to coffee and the texture of that milk. A latte is usually a larger drink, typically eight to 12 ounces, and uses a large amount of steamed milk with only a thin layer of foam. This makes a latte milkier than a cappuccino.
A flat white is also a smaller drink, usually five to eight ounces, but it uses thinner microfoam instead of the more airy foam found in a cappuccino. That said, these rules aren’t hard and fast, and in many specialty cafes these drinks will be very similar.
The Italian rules — and when to ignore them
In Italy, the cappuccino is traditionally a breakfast drink. Many avoid ordering it after 11 in the morning to avoid negative effects on digestion later in the day.
While these traditional guidelines are respected in many European cafés, modern coffee culture has made the drink popular at any hour. The most important rule to follow is using fresh beans that can stand up to the foam. You can browse espresso beans and blends on Trade to find the right base for your morning cup.
How to make a cappuccino at home
Creating a café-quality cappuccino at home requires an espresso machine and the ability to steam milk into a thick froth.
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Pull a double shot of espresso into a six ounce cup.
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Steam four ounces of whole milk, allowing the steam tip to stay near the surface slightly longer than you would for a latte to create extra foam.
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Once the milk is hot and the foam is thick, pour the liquid milk into the center of the espresso.
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If you’re looking for an extra dry cappuccino, keep the steam tip near the surface even longer and scoop some of the foam onto your beverage instead of pouring it all.
For the best flavor, ensure your coffee is fresh. Trade's espresso collection is chosen by in-house coffee pros from independent roasters. To find a bean that matches your home setup, take the taste quiz and receive a personalized match.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a cappuccino and a latte?
A cappuccino is smaller and has more foam than a latte. While a latte is mostly steamed milk, a traditional cappuccino is divided into equal thirds of espresso, milk, and foam, though most modern coffee shops don’t adhere to this traditional thirds-based structure.
What is a dry cappuccino?
A dry cappuccino is a version of the drink made with more foam and less liquid steamed milk. This results in a stronger coffee flavor because the espresso is not diluted by as much liquid.
How many shots of espresso are in a cappuccino?
Most specialty cafés use a double shot of espresso as the base for a standard six ounce cappuccino. This ensures the coffee flavor remains prominent despite the milk and foam.
What size is a cappuccino?
A traditional cappuccino is served in a five-to-8-ounce cup. If a drink is served in a 12-or-16-ounce cup, it is closer to latte.
How to choose the best coffee for a cappuccino
A cappuccino rewards good espresso — the smaller volume means there is nowhere to hide. Trade's espresso collection is chosen by in-house coffee pros from independent roasters, all roasted to order.
