Cappuccino is one of the most popular and beloved coffees. People love relaxing in cafes as they nurse a cup of hot cappuccino. Let us learn today what is a cappuccino and how it came to be!
Origin Of Cappuccino
If you went to a cafe in Paris and ordered a café viennois, you will be served coffee topped with whipped cream. Back in the 1700s, a coffee beverage called the ‘kapuziner’ appeared in Viennese coffee houses. It was made by adding cream and sugar to coffee. Later, whipped cream was also used. When this coffee travelled outside Vienna, it came to be known as ‘Viennese Coffee’ or ‘Café Viennois’. But the official name of cappuccino actually comes from Italy.
When the Viennese coffee reached Italy, it was made with whipped cream and sprinkled with cinnamon. Steamed milk was later added to the recipe. It's said that the drink was first created to mimic the colour of the robes worn by the Capuchin friars, who were known for their simple, brown robes with a white hood. Capuchin friars are a group of ‘brothers’ in the catholic church who are devoted to religious lives.
So, the story goes that a barista wanted to create a coffee drink that would pay homage to these friars, and thus the cappuccino was born. And what a delicious creation it was! The cappuccino quickly became a hit in Italy and soon spread to other countries, becoming a staple in coffee shops and cafes around the world. With the spread of espresso machines, cappuccino became popular at cafes and restaurants. Today, it's one of the most popular coffee drinks, loved by millions of people for its bold flavour, creamy texture, and unbeatable combination of espresso and steamed milk.
What is a Cappuccino?
A cappuccino is made by brewing a rich shot of espresso. On top of the espresso, you pour an equal amount of steamed milk and then you top it off with an equal amount of milk foam. You can sprinkle the cup with chocolate powder before serving it. The flavour and richness of coffee is balanced with the smoothness of milk to give a frothy hot beverage.
How Does A Cappuccino Taste?
A well-brewed cappuccino is a harmonious blend of bold espresso, creamy steamed milk, and frothy milk foam. A first-time drinker can expect a satisfying balance of flavours and textures in every sip.
The espresso provides the base of the drink, lending a bold, rich flavour that is slightly bitter with a hint of sweetness. The steamed milk adds a smooth, creamy texture that tempers the bitterness of the espresso, while the frothy milk foam provides a light, airy layer that rounds out the flavours and gives the drink its signature smooth mouthfeel.
Overall, a well-made cappuccino should have a smooth and creamy texture, with a bold coffee flavour that is balanced by the sweetness of the steamed milk. A good cappuccino will also have a well-formed layer of foam on top, which adds an extra layer of texture and richness to the drink. It can also be made cold and is known as an iced cappuccino.
Conclusion
People used to start their drink with a cappuccino and it was generally considered as a morning drink. However, a hot cup of cappuccino can be enjoyed at any time and people have started relishing it in mornings, afternoons, evenings, and nights.
If you still haven’t tried a cappuccino, we urge you to visit our experience centre at Vikhroli and try a Bombay Island Coffee cappuccino made with artisanal coffee and love!