A cappuccino is a traditional Italian espresso-based coffee drink made with equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. Typically, it consists of one shot of espresso (about 25 ml), followed by an equal amount of hot steamed milk, and topped with a thick layer of foamed milk, making the total volume around 150 to 180 ml (5 to 6 ounces)
. The drink is known for its balanced flavor, combining the strong, rich taste of espresso with the creamy texture and slight sweetness of milk and foam. It is usually served in a small cup with a handle. Sometimes, cappuccinos are garnished with cocoa or cinnamon powder, although this is less common in traditional barista circles because it can cause the foam to dissipate faster
. The name "cappuccino" derives from the Capuchin friars, referring to the color of their brown habits, which resembles the color of the coffee when milk is added to espresso
. The drink evolved from earlier coffee preparations like the Viennese "Kapuziner" and became popular in Italy in the early 20th century
. In summary, a cappuccino is:
- An espresso-based coffee drink
- Made with roughly equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam
- Served in a small cup (about 150-180 ml)
- Known for a strong espresso flavor balanced by creamy milk and foam
- Sometimes topped with cocoa or cinnamon powder
This distinguishes it from similar drinks like a latte, which has more steamed milk and less foam, resulting in a milder coffee flavor
