How to make a cappuccino

Who doesn’t love the rich, creamy indulgence of a well-crafted cappuccino?

While a trip to a local cafe is always an option, there’s something special about making a delicious cappuccino in the comfort of your own home. And then, I don’t know, curl up with a cozy mystery?

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to making the perfect cappuccino. And you can find more in our full drinks archive.

What is a cappuccino? It is an espresso drink made from steamed milk froth. I think it’s the softer cousin of a coffee with milk.

Related: Learn how to make other classic coffee drinks like a Affogato, Iced mochaOr Whipped coffee.

Ingredients and equipment

• Espresso – made with an espresso machine or cooking method (see below)
• Milk – steamed or heated and frothed using a frothing wand or other method

Heat/froth milk: If your espresso machine does not have a foam wand, you can use a milk frother, milk foam wandor even do it in a saucepan on the stove to heat the milk, then froth it by hand using a whisk.

Directions

If you use a espresso machine, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for brewing. Aim for a double shot of espresso (about 2 ounces) as the base for your cappuccino.

The frothy, velvety milk is what sets a cappuccino apart. Pour the desired amount of milk into a stainless steel pitcherfilling it by about a third to allow room for expansion.

Place the steam nozzle of your espresso machine just below the surface of the milk and turn on the steam. Gradually lower the pitcher as the milk expands and continues to heat. Aim for a shiny, creamy texture with micromousse.

Pour the espresso into your cup, then the steamed milk, retaining the foam with a spoon. As you near the top of the cup, add a dollop of mousse to create a distinct layered look. For added flair, you can sprinkle cocoa powder, cinnamon, or nutmeg on top.

Home Espresso machines

We’ve tried many espresso machines over the years, and here are our favorites at different price points and skill levels:

• Coffee automatic espresso machine – My current machine. It uses whole beans, so if you use high quality beans you will get high quality espresso. It brews espressos automatically (no barista skills required) and includes a milk frothing wand to heat and froth milk. We’ve used this machine almost every day since we got it eight months ago and we love it! It exists in three colors.

• stovetop espresso – This is the cheapest way to make espresso at home. It’s more labor intensive and you’ll also need a way to grind your beans for best results. But, it’s a classic method that works great when done right.

• Breville Barista Touche – We bought this for a good friend as a wedding gift once and they said they loved it. It’s a high-end machine that you’ll need barista skills for, but it’s a great home espresso maker.

• Vertuo Nespresso – For those who want an espresso machine that uses pods, this is my favorite. Depending on the pod you use, it can make espresso or coffee.

Making a delicious cappuccino at home is an art anyone can master with a little practice.

By selecting quality coffee beans, mastering the shot of espresso, and achieving the perfect milk texture, you can treat yourself to a heavenly cup of cappuccino without leaving your kitchen.