Cappuccino facts for kids
A cappuccino served in the appropriate cup
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| Country of origin | Italy |
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| Introduced | Late 18th century |
| Color | Light brown, dark brown, beige, white, black |
A Cappuccino is a popular coffee drink that many people enjoy around the world. It's made with espresso coffee, hot steamed milk, and a lovely layer of milk foam on top.
Sometimes, people add flavors like cocoa powder or cinnamon. You might also find versions made with cream or plant-based milks. The name "Cappuccino" comes from the Capuchin friars, who were monks. Their brown robes were a similar color to the coffee drink when milk was added. This delicious drink has a long history, starting in places like Vienna and northern Italy. Over time, it changed into the cappuccino we know today.
Contents
What is a Cappuccino?
A cappuccino is a special coffee drink made with three main parts. First, there's a shot of strong coffee called espresso. Then, hot, steamed milk is added. Finally, a layer of foamed milk sits on top. Most cappuccinos are made using an espresso machine. This machine helps to make the espresso and also heats and foams the milk. You might see cappuccinos topped with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate. In many parts of Europe, a traditional cappuccino is served in a small cup. It usually holds about 150 to 180 milliliters. This is smaller than a caffè latte, which has more milk and is often served in a larger glass. Did you know there's a World Barista Championship? Baristas (coffee experts) compete to make the best drinks. For a cappuccino, they must use one shot of espresso, textured milk, and at least 1 centimeter of foam. The total drink should be between 150 and 180 milliliters.
Where Does the Name Come From?
The word "cappuccino" comes from the Italian word cappuccio, which means "hood." So, "cappuccino" means "small hood." But the drink isn't named after a hood itself! It's named after the color of the robes worn by Capuchin friars. These friars are part of a religious group. Their robes were a distinctive reddish-brown color. In the 1600s, this color was often called "capuchin." When milk is added to dark coffee, it creates a similar reddish-brown color. That's how this delicious drink got its name!
The Story of Cappuccino
Coffee has been enjoyed in Europe for a very long time. In the 1700s, people started adding milk to their coffee. An early version of the cappuccino was called Kapuziner in Vienna, Austria. It appeared on coffee shop menus in the late 1700s. This drink was made with coffee and a few drops of cream, giving it a color like the Capuchin friars' robes.
The Kapuziner coffee became popular across Central Europe. The city of Trieste, a major port, helped spread this coffee style. Over time, the drink changed. Fresh milk became more common in coffee shops in the 1900s, thanks to better refrigeration. The modern Italian cappuccino, with its steamed milk and foam, really started to develop in the 19th and 20th centuries. A big change came with the invention of espresso machines in the early 1900s. These machines could make stronger coffee with a special creamy top layer called "crema." After World War II, cappuccino became very popular in the United Kingdom. People there liked drinking coffee with milk. In the United States, cappuccino spread through Italian-American communities. Famous coffee shops like Caffe Reggio in New York City (opened in 1927) and Caffe Trieste in San Francisco (opened in 1956) helped introduce it.
When Do People Drink Cappuccino?
In Italy and many parts of Europe, people usually drink cappuccino in the morning. It's often part of their breakfast, enjoyed with a pastry. Italians typically don't drink cappuccino after 11:00 AM. They believe it's too heavy because of the milk. Instead, they might have a small espresso after lunch or dinner. In North America, cappuccino became very popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It's also a favorite in countries like South Korea. Traditional cappuccinos are served in small cups, holding about 150 to 180 milliliters. However, some coffee shops now offer much larger sizes.
Making Your Own Cappuccino
Traditional Cappuccino Recipe
Making a traditional cappuccino involves three equal parts. You need 1⁄3 espresso, 1⁄3 steamed milk, and 1⁄3 milk foam. First, the espresso goes into the cup. Then, the hot steamed milk is poured in. Finally, a thick layer of milk foam is added on top. Sometimes, people sprinkle chocolate or cocoa powder on top for extra flavor.
Cold Cappuccino: The Freddo
In Greece and Cyprus, there's a popular cold version called freddo cappuccino. This drink is made differently from a hot cappuccino. It starts with espresso poured over ice. Then, a special cold milk foam, called afrógala, is added. This foam is made by blending cold milk with an electric frother. Freddo cappuccino and freddo espresso were created in Greece in 1991. They are especially popular during the warm summer months.
Other Coffee Drinks to Explore
There are many other delicious coffee and milk drinks similar to a cappuccino:
- Macchiato is a smaller drink. It's espresso with just a tiny bit of milk.
- Cortado is a Spanish drink. It has espresso mixed with milk, usually in equal parts, and no foam on top.
- Flat white is popular in Australia and New Zealand. It's like a latte but served in a smaller cup, with less foam and often pretty latte art.
- Latte (short for "caffè latte") is a larger drink. It has the same amount of espresso as a cappuccino but much more steamed milk, often with latte art.
- Steamer (or babycino) is a warm drink without coffee. It's just frothed milk. In some places, it has flavored syrup, and in others, it's topped with cocoa powder.
See also
In Spanish: Capuchino (café) para niños
- List of coffee drinks
