A cappuccino is a popular espresso-based coffee drink that originated in Italy. It is traditionally made with equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. Here’s how it’s typically prepared:

  1. Espresso: A shot of espresso forms the base of a cappuccino. Espresso is a concentrated coffee brewed by forcing a small amount of nearly boiling water through finely-ground coffee beans.
  2. Steamed Milk: Steamed milk, usually about equal in volume to the espresso, is poured over the espresso. Steamed milk is created by heating and frothing milk with a steam wand on an espresso machine.
  3. Milk Foam: The cappuccino is then topped with a thick layer of milk foam. This foam is made by frothing the milk, incorporating air to create a creamy, velvety texture.

The traditional cappuccino has a strong, bold flavor from the espresso, balanced by the creamy texture of the steamed milk and foam. It’s usually served in a small cup, typically 5 to 6 ounces (150 to 180 milliliters), and often garnished with a sprinkle of cocoa powder, cinnamon, or grated chocolate on top of the foam.In many places around the world, cappuccinos are enjoyed as a breakfast or morning coffee due to their strong flavor and the boost of caffeine they provide. It’s worth noting that in Italy, it’s a common belief that cappuccinos should only be consumed in the morning, not in the afternoon or evening. This cultural norm, however, is not widely observed in other countries.

Image from Wikipedia