An expert guide to making an Italian cappuccino

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Prior to the inclusion of the word “espresso” in the dictionary, Italian lexicographer Alfredo Panzini’s dictionary first defined cappucino as “Black coffee mixed with a little milk. Everyday usage, derived probably from the similar colour to the habit of the Cappuccin friars”.

The cappucino now plays a huge role in Italian society and is traditionally enjoyed in the morning in Italy. Italian cappucinos are often served alongside something sweet, providing an enjoyable treat before the day begins. Enjoying a cappuccino the Italian way at home is achievable with authentic Italian coffee beans, equipment, and techniques.

Here, we take you through the process step-by-step, helping you achieve the perfect Italian cappucino.

What are the essential Ingredients for an authentic Italian cappuccino?

The foundation of a good cappuccino lies in the quality of the coffee beans. Authentic Italian cappuccinos use medium to dark roast coffee beans, which provide a rich, robust flavour that is essential for the drink’s distinctive taste. When selecting high-quality coffee beans, look for those that have been freshly roasted and consider grinding them just before brewing to preserve their flavour.

Read our complete guide to choosing Italian coffee beans here.

Should you use whole milk for an Italian cappucino?

Milk plays a crucial role in creating the perfect cappuccino. The traditional choice is whole milk because it produces a creamier texture and a thicker layer of froth. Whole milk's fat content allows it to create stable, velvety microfoam that enhances the overall experience. Milks with a higher fat content generally result in a fuller flavour and silkier beverage.

However, if you prefer a lighter option, skim milk can also be used, although it will produce a less creamy froth. For those who are dairy-free, almond milk is a popular alternative that froths well, though it may require some practice to achieve the perfect texture. Lipids are essential for holding the air bubbles in lactose, and extraction methods used in producing soy and nut milks can result in low lipid levels.

Frothing your milk for an Italian cappucino: Rules to remember

• Make sure the milk is fresh – the older the milk is, the more difficult it is to create your foam.

• The key to frothing the milk correctly is to tilt the jug slightly, texturing the milk until the milk becomes too hot to touch (source).

Achieving the right texture for your cappucino

The authentic Italian cappucino is known for its creamy texture. Achieving this texture requires the right balance between espresso and milk, along with proper frothing techniques and temperature control.

Read our guide to making a perfect Italian cappucino below:

Step-by-step guide to brewing the perfect cappuccino

Grinding coffee beans to perfection

To make a perfect cappuccino, start by grinding your coffee beans to the right consistency. For espresso, the grind should be fine, similar to table salt. A good quality grinder is essential to achieve a consistent grind size, which ensures that the coffee extracts evenly, resulting in a balanced flavour. Freshly ground coffee beans are key to a rich and aromatic espresso.

Shop our authentic Italian coffee beans here to bring the taste of Italy to your home.

Mastering the art of milk frothing

A cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, creating a thicker, frothier texture than an Italian latte. Italian cappucinos are often made in a 160-milliliter (5.4-ounce) cup. The texture should be thicker and foamier than an Italian latte and contain much less milk.

When milk frothing, start by pouring cold whole milk into a frothing pitcher. Insert the steam wand of your espresso machine just below the surface of the milk and turn it on. Allow air to be incorporated for a few seconds, creating a hissing sound. Then, submerge the wand slightly deeper to create a whirlpool effect, which heats the milk and forms microfoam. Although there is a common misconception that you should heat milk up to 60°C, aiming to heat the milk to no more than 60°C (150°F) can help to avoid scalding.

Once the milk is frothy and smooth, tap the pitcher on the counter to remove any large bubbles. Swirl the milk to ensure a consistent texture, then pour it over the espresso, Pour the steamed milk over the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon. Finish by spooning the foam on top, creating a perfect, layered cappuccino. The foam should make up about one third of the beverage.

“Aim for milk around the 60°C mark. Lactose is percieved as five times less sweet than regular sugar. Heating up milk increases lactose’s solubility and hence the sweetness you taste. Above 60, you start to denature the milk proteins and create lower-quality foam” -

Matthew Perger – World Champion Barista.

How does an Italian cappucino differ from a caffè latte?

For a caffè latte, more milk is steamed with less foam, creating a creamier and smoother texture. The steam wand is kept deeper in the milk for longer, producing minimal foam and resulting in a drink with a higher milk-to-coffee ratio and a thinner layer of foam compared to a cappuccino.

The role of equipment in making an Italian cappucino

Choosing the right espresso machine

The heart of any cappuccino is the quality of the espresso, so having a reliable espresso machine is vital. When choosing an espresso machine, consider one with a built-in steam wand, which is essential for milk frothing. Look for a machine that can maintain consistent pressure and temperature, as these factors greatly influence the quality of the espresso shot. Whether you opt for a manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic machine, ensure it has the features needed to brew a rich, flavourful espresso and froth milk to perfection. Alternatively, you can also enjoy invest in a Moka pot for a traditional, authentic Italian coffee experience.

Are you looking to make the perfect authentic Italian espresso? Read how to make an Italian espresso here.

The importance of using a high-quality coffee grinder

A high-quality grinder is just as important as the espresso machine itself. A burr grinder is recommended because it grinds the coffee beans uniformly, which is essential for extracting a balanced espresso shot. Avoid using blade grinders as they tend to produce uneven grind sizes, leading to over-extraction or under-extraction. A good grinder allows you to adjust the grind size according to your preferences and ensures that your coffee beans are ground to the perfect consistency for brewing.

Enjoying your cappucino the Italian way

When is the perfect time to savour a cappucino in Italy?

In Italy, cappuccinos are traditionally enjoyed in the morning, often paired with a light breakfast such as a pastry or biscotti. It’s uncommon for Italians to drink cappuccinos after 11 AM, as they believe the milk-based beverage is too heavy to consume later in the day. To truly savour your cappuccino the Italian way, enjoy it leisurely in the morning, perhaps at your favourite local coffee shop or in the comfort of your home. Read how to enjoy espresso the Italian way here.

Pair your cappuccino with Italian delicacies

A well-made cappuccino pairs beautifully with a variety of Italian delicacies. For a traditional experience, enjoy your cappuccino with a cornetto, an Italian croissant that comes filled with jam, cream, or simply dusted with sugar. For a more indulgent treat, pair it with biscotti or a slice of Panettone. The sweet taste of these delicacies complements the rich and creamy cappuccino, creating a perfect balance of flavours.

Shop our selection of Italian sweets and biscuits here.

Read more about the different types of coffees in Italy here.

Frequently asked questions

What makes Italian cappuccino different from other options?

An Italian cappuccino stands out for its perfect balance of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. Unlike other variations, an Italian cappuccino has a distinctive layer of frothed milk that is thick and creamy. The surface of the milk should have a silky sheen, which is achieved through proper milk frothing techniques using a steam wand. The use of whole milk and a precise espresso-to-milk ratio further distinguishes the Italian cappuccino, making it a unique and cherished coffee beverage.

Find out more about Italian coffee culture rules and traditions.

How do you order a cappucino in Italy?

Italians typically drink cappucinos in the morning, so you may want to order your cappucino before 11 to enjoy your drink the Italian way. To order a cappuccino in Italy, you can say "Un cappuccino, per favore". There are a few cappuccino variations in Italy, including Cappuccino Chiaro which has more hot milk and less foam, Cappuccino Secco made with just frothed milk, and Cappuccino Scuro which has less milk and more coffee than the others.

Are you visiting an Italian coffee bar? Read our guide to Italian coffee bar rules & the history of Italian coffee bars.

Bring authentic Italian coffee to your home with the Carluccio’s coffee range

At Carluccio’s, our focus on the detail, from bean to brew, reflects our deep respect for both people and produce, promising a coffee that's not just consumed but truly savoured. At Carluccio's, we're committed to delivering a memorable experience that celebrates the freshness, quality, and taste that Italian coffee is renowned for.

Our coffee beans are roasted in Italy, bringing the authentic Italian bar experience to your table. Choose between our sweet and refined Milano blend, our rich and lively Napoli blend, or our intense, creamy and full-bodied Roma blend.

Shop our full coffee and hot drink range here. For the perfect pairing with your coffee – explore our authentic Italian cakes and biscuits.

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