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Preparing Cappuccino at Home:
Tips & Tricks

The cappuccino – an Italian classic, renowned worldwide for its irresistible combination of espresso and creamy milk foam. However, preparing it at home is often more challenging than it seems. With Nespresso, you can master the art of crafting the perfect cappuccino, from selecting the ideal coffee capsule to exploring the finesse of latte art.

Cappuccino: The perfect blend of coffee, milk, and foam

What exactly is a cappuccino? According to the Istituto Nazionale Espresso Italiano s.r.l. Benefit, based on experimental research, the following definition is provided: A high-quality cappuccino traditionally consists of 25 ml of espresso and 100 ml of steamed milk. Outside of Italy, it is common to serve an espresso with 40 ml. Based on this, a Nespresso cappuccino is made with 40 ml of espresso and 100 ml of steamed milk. The right cappuccino ratio is essential for preparation. It's all about the harmony between intense espresso and creamy milk foam.

Brief Step-by-Step Guide

The Perfect Cappuccino Preparation with Nespresso

With Nespresso, preparing a cappuccino is a breeze. Thanks to perfectly tailored coffee capsules and the innovative technology of the machines, you can achieve barista-quality results in no time. In traditional Italian preparation, the milk foam is almost liquid when poured, free of visible air bubbles, and resembles the consistency of lightly whipped cream.

Research by the Istituto Nazionale Espresso Italiano shows that milk for a certified Italian cappuccino should be fresh and have a minimum protein content of 3.2% and a minimum fat content of 3.5%. This ensures a high-quality sensory profile.

However, the choice of milk (including alternatives) and fat content is a matter of personal taste and can best be customized through experimentation. When frothing, milk should not be heated above 70°C, as the foam might become too stiff and the cappuccino could take on the taste of boiled milk.

The widely popular “third rule” (one-third espresso, one-third milk, one-third milk foam) is not practical, as milk and foam are added together into the cup. Under the white-brown top layer, milk and foam separate after a short time, leaving a good cappuccino with a foam layer of about 1 to 2 cm.

Christian Bonk – Coffee Ambassador Nespresso

“The classic Italian blend has an Arabica/Robusta ratio of 60/40. In the modern coffee world, Arabica beans are increasingly used. They are crucial for the nuances when combined with milk and are also better suited for latte art. Essentially, there is no right or wrong bean—the choice of bean is a matter of personal taste.”
Christian Bonk

The History of Cappuccino

“Cappuccino” derives from the Italian word “cappuccio,” meaning “hood.” The name references the color of the robes worn by Capuchin monks, reminiscent of the drink’s brown hue. Unfortunately, this led to the historical misconception that a cappuccino must be served with a pointed “hood” of firm milk foam.

Due to a lack of espresso machines and knowledge, cappuccino was originally made using filter coffee with whipped cream and sometimes even cocoa powder to disguise poor foam quality. In Austria, the “Kapuziner” is still served today—with (whipped) cream!

The cappuccino likely originated when Austrian soldiers stationed in Italy wanted to continue drinking their familiar Kapuziner. Over time, this evolved into the modern Italian coffee beverage, which bears little resemblance to its original form. In Austria, both the cappuccino and Kapuziner coexist equally. Fun fact: The Duden lists the plural form as “Cappuccinos,” treating it as a borrowed German word, while the Italian plural is “Cappuccini.”

Difference Between Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato, and Milk Coffee

Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato, and milk coffee – three milk-based coffee classics that are often easily confused. But what’s the difference? The preparation and composition of each drink offer insights.

For cappuccino, the milk foam is poured directly into the espresso, forming a creamy layer. The difference between cappuccino and Latte Macchiato is that in Latte Macchiato, espresso, hot milk, and milk foam are layered separately. The espresso is poured last into the tall glass, gradually blending with the milk and foam.

And what’s the difference between milk coffee and cappuccino? Milk coffee is the simplest of the three classics: hot coffee is mixed with warm milk, often topped with a bit of milk foam. The difference compared to cappuccino lies in the milk ratio: milk coffee contains significantly more milk and less milk foam than cappuccino.

Milk Coffee

Cappucino

Latte Macchiato

Nespresso Capsules for Your Cappuccino: Recommendations for Perfect Flavor

Selecting the right Nespresso capsule is crucial for the taste of your cappuccino. Nespresso offers a diverse range of capsules perfectly suited for preparing Nespresso cappuccinos—both from the ORIGINAL coffee selection and the VERTUO range.

Recommondations for the perfekt ORIGINAL Cappuccino

Chiaro: This coffee develops its flavor with milk. A light and smooth coffee with rounded aromas. Ideal for those who prefer a mild Latte Macchiato.

Scuro: A dark and intense coffee with strong flavor. Perfect for lovers of a full-bodied Cappuccino.

Corto: A short and intense espresso that withstands the high milk content in Cappuccino and ensures an intense coffee experience.

Tip: Flavored variants like Nespresso Nocciola (hazelnut) are excellent for milk-based coffee specialties. Discover the various flavors in the Barista Creations range for milk recipes.

Recommondations for the ideal VERTUO Cappuccino

You’ll also find capsules in the VERTUO line that are perfect for preparing cappuccinos:

Bianco Piccolo: Dark roasted, specifically developed for milk.

Orafio: A blend of Latin American Arabicas with a hint of Ugandan Robusta, featuring a light body, minimal bitterness, and a delightful touch of acidity.

Il Caffè: Perfect for a richly roasted cappuccino.

Recipes for Cappuccino Variations

Is the classic cappuccino too dull for your taste? Why not try out one of the many cappuccino variations! With Nespresso, you can unleash your creativity and experience flavor explosions.

Nocciola Lemon & Agave Cappuccino

Cooking time 1 min Recipe difficulty Einfach

Geeister Cappuccino

Cooking time 2 min Recipe difficulty Einfach

Latte Art with Nespresso: Decorate Your Coffee with Cappuccino Art

Latte art is the skill of guiding milk foam during pouring to create patterns on the coffee surface. The designs emerge in their purest form solely through the blending of crema and milk foam—without adding cocoa or other ingredients. This makes your cappuccino not just a treat but also a visual delight!

Achieving beautiful latte art depends on the consistency of the milk foam. It should be fine-textured and creamy to allow for clear, well-defined patterns. You can also experiment with latte art using our Creatista machines. Start with simple designs like hearts or leaves, and gradually advance to more complex motifs such as tulips, butterflies, or dragons.

Fun Fact

“Latte Art” – the name says it all! “Latte” actually means “milk.” Ironically, however, latte art is most often practiced on a cappuccino.

Did you know that there are numerous national and international competitions in the discipline of latte art every year, showcasing the skills of baristas? Perhaps you’ll discover your own talent for cappuccino art!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cappuccino

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