A good cappuccino can make your morning complete, whether it’s for a calm start to the day or for a moment of relaxation after a busy afternoon. But how exactly do you make a cappuccino? What are the correct cappuccino proportions and should you add milk or coffee first? In this blog you will learn everything about making the perfect cappuccino, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned coffee lover.
What is a cappuccino?
A cappuccino is an Italian coffee made up of three main components: espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. The cappuccino ratio is usually 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 milk foam. The exact proportions of cappuccino can vary depending on personal preference, but the most important thing is that the taste and texture are balanced.
Making cappuccino: what do you need?
To make a delicious cappuccino, you will need the following ingredients and tools:
- Espresso : A strong, concentrated coffee, made from fresh coffee beans.
- Milk : Use whole milk for best results, as it froths better and gives a creamy texture.
- Milk frother or steam wand : This is essential to bring the milk to the right temperature and create the froth.
- Espresso Machine (optional) : If you want to make a good espresso, you'll need an espresso machine, although you can also make your own cappuccino with a coffee maker and a separate milk frother.
Step 1: Make the espresso
The basis of a good cappuccino is a strong espresso. So the first step in how to make a cappuccino is to make the espresso. Usually a cappuccino is made with one espresso shot of about 30 ml. Use freshly ground coffee and an espresso machine for the best result. If you don't have an espresso machine, you can also make a strong coffee with a French press or another brewing method, but the result will be slightly less intense.
Step 2: Heat and froth the milk
The next step is to make a cappuccino with a milk frother. This is where the magic of the cappuccino happens. You want to steam the milk to around 65-70°C (you can use a thermometer to measure this) and it should get a creamy froth. This is done by introducing air into the milk while you steam it. This gives the cappuccino its characteristic frothy texture.
The amount of ml of milk in a cappuccino depends on your personal preference and the size of your cup. For a standard cappuccino, 120-150 ml of milk is usually enough, including the foam. Be careful not to overheat the milk, as it will lose its creamy texture and flavor.
Step 3: Adding the milk foam
Now comes the art of making a cappuccino. First pour the espresso into your cup, then slowly add the steamed milk. Make sure to pour the foam on top of the milk to create that characteristic foam layer. This is where you can play with the cappuccino ratio. If you like a fluffier cappuccino, you can add more foam, but if you want a fuller texture, you can let the steamed milk dominate more.
Step 4: The finishing touch
To finish your cappuccino, you can visually enhance the foam layer by sprinkling small foam figures or a little cocoa or cinnamon over it with a spoon. If you want to take your own cappuccino making a step further, you can learn to draw with milk foam, a technique that baristas use for the most beautiful cappuccinos. For the best cappuccino, it is important that the foam is soft and creamy, with a velvety texture.
Cappuccino milk first or coffee first?
A common question is: cappuccino milk first or coffee? Traditionally, the espresso is made first and then the milk is added, but it is not strictly necessary to follow this order. For some people, it works to steam the milk first and then add the coffee, especially if they are using an automatic milk frother. This often comes down to personal preference, but the classic method is espresso first, then milk.
How many ml is a cappuccino?
The standard how many ml is a cappuccino varies, but a classic cappuccino is usually served in a cup that is between 150 ml and 180 ml. The how many ml espresso in a cappuccino is usually 30 ml, with the rest of the contents being made up of steamed milk and foam. This makes for a typical ratio of about 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 foamed milk.
The best cappuccino: tips for the perfect result
- Cappuccino ratio: The right balance of espresso, milk and foam is essential. Too much milk can dilute the taste, too little milk can make the cappuccino too strong.
- Milk Frother : Use a good milk frother for the best texture of your foam. A manual milk frother can also work well, but a steam wand often gives the best result.
- Coffee beans : Use freshly ground beans for the best espresso. The freshness of the coffee beans has a huge influence on the taste of your cappuccino coffee.
Now you know exactly how to make a cappuccino and the techniques you can use to make the perfect cup. With a little practice, you can make the best cappuccino at home, without having to go to a coffee shop. Experiment with the cappuccino ratios and the temperature of the milk to find your ideal cappuccino. Whether you prefer a creamy cappuccino or a fluffy cappuccino with a thick layer of foam, the most important thing is that you enjoy your own cappuccino making experience. So, what are you waiting for? Brew that espresso and steam that milk for the perfect cappuccino!
Make your own cappuccino
If you are looking for premium products for making a cappuccino, Georgie's Company is the perfect choice. With their high-quality coffee beans, you can make the best espresso as a base for your cappuccino. The Signature Arabica and Signature Robusta are ideal for a rich, full flavor that provides the perfect balance with the creamy milk. Want to try something special? The Single Origin Colombia or Single Origin Brazil give your cappuccino a unique and refined flavor that will take your coffee experience to the next level. At Georgie's Company, you will not only find the best coffee beans for your cappuccino, but also handy tools such as milk frothers that help you create the perfect foam. With the products of Georgie's Company, you can make cappuccino yourself like a real barista, with the right cappuccino ratio and the perfect milk texture. So if you want to make the best cappuccino, make sure you have the premium products of Georgie's Company at home for a tasteful and professional coffee experience.