Learn how to make a cappuccino at home (2023)

You know there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in the morning. And as a coffee lover, you also know that there are endless ways to brew a perfect cup of joe. One of my absolute go-to coffees is a delicious, relaxing cappuccino. Why? well, for me, it has got it all – steamy, frothy milk mingling with smooth espresso, a perfect balance of taste and texture. So read on and I’ll share everything you need to know about cappuccino. Including the taste, the best coffee beans to use, and how to make a cappuccino for yourself.

What is a cappuccino?

Like many of the great coffees, a cappuccino starts with espresso. It’s made with a ratio of one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third milk foam. The espresso is the foundation of the drink, giving it a strong and bold flavor, while the steamed milk and foam balance the bitterness with velvety sweetness and smooth texture. 

What’s the taste of cappuccino?

The taste of a cappuccino is truly unique. Even though, like many coffees, it starts with espresso and milk. The proportions of each separate it from other great coffees like lattes, flat white’s and macchiatos.

So the pleasant bitterness of a double shot of espresso is mellowed by sweet, rich creamy steamed milk and a velvety foam. On top of the flavors, you get amazing aromas from the coffee.

It’s important to choose milk that will give a rich creaminess, and foams well. I like to use either 2% cows milk or barista oat milk. But there are many different choices. For some inspiration, check out my guide to best dairy milks and best non-dairy milks. Then you can pick your best milk for cappuccino. I know I wrote these for making latte’s, but a cappuccino uses the same types of milk and it’s steamed or frothed in the same ways.

But you can’t make great cappuccino without great coffee. So I have put together a list of my current favorite coffee beans.

The best coffee beans for cappuccino

As with all coffees. You should use the best coffee you can get, and use it fresh. Plus if you grind your beans, grind it just before you need to use it. That way you get to drink the coffee at its best.

A classic Italian cappuccino (Cappuccino comes from Italy), so I have included a classic italian roast espresso. But, you know there are times when you want a sfoter more gentle cappuccino. So I’ve included a range of coffee beans including medium roast and even blonde roast.

illy Classico medium roast

Delicious tastes and aromas of caramel and chocolate.

San Francisco Bay Coffee – French Roast

A deeply intense experience of dark roast coffee with notes of chocolate and spices.

Intelligentsia House, light roast whole bean coffee.

So good you may even think you are drinking milk chocolate and citrus flavored coffee.

Starbucks Italian dark roast coffee beans

This amazing coffee has notes of dark chocolate and even toasted marshmallow. Plus, if you love some pleasant bitterness in your cappuccino, you are in for a treat.

Starbucks Blonde Roast Veranda Blend

As a light roast, this allows the flavors of the coffee to come through with very little bitterness. The veranda blend has flavor notes of milk chocolate and malt.

How to make a cappuccino

Equipment

• espresso machine or coffee maker
• Jug
• Blender/Steamer
• cappuccino cup/mug
• spoon

Ingredients

You really can make a great cappuccino with just 2 ingredients. But I’ve added some optional ones that will take your cappuccino from great to unforgettable!

• 1-2 shots espresso
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• 1-2 tsp sugar (optional)
• 1/4 tsp chocolate powder (optional)

Method

• Brew 1-2 shots of espresso, using an espresso machine, or coffee maker – whichever you have available. If you don’t have an espresso machine, check out my guide to How to make espresso without a machine.
• While the espresso is brewing, heat the milk.
• Add the vanilla extract to the milk (optional).
• Froth the heated milk with the tools you have available.
• Pour the espresso into a cappuccino cup or an 8-ounce coffee mug.
• Add 1-2 teaspoons of sugar to the espresso and stir (optional).
• Slowly pour the heated milk into the mug, holding back the foam to layer on top.
• Remember: you are aiming for a ratio of 1/3 coffee + 1/2 Milk + 1/3 Foam.
• For some added luxury, dust with chocolate powder(optional).
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Top tips

• If you have an espresso machine or coffee maker brew 1-2 shots of espresso. Otherwise, you can simply make a 1/3 cup of strong coffee, you can use whatever milk you prefer. If it helps, check out my guide to all the ways to make an espresso without a machine.
• If I am using dairy milk, I normally go for whole milk or 2% because both foam well and taste good. 1% and skim milk still foam but their lighter flavour will be overpowered by the cinnamon and espresso. I’ve reviewed dairy milks in my guide to the Best dairy milks. I wrote this for lattes, but the way the milk works is the same when making cappuccino.
• If I feel like non-dairy, my first choice is always oat milk. It’s creamy, foams easily and tastes so good with the cinnamon and coffee. I have also reviewed the Best non-dairy milks. Again, I wrote this for lattes, but the way the milk works is the same when making cappuccino.
• Sugar (or another sweetener) is not essential but helps to bring out the flavors of the milk and espresso. Even if you don’t normally have it in your coffee, it works well in cappuccinos.
• Dusting of chocolate powder – it’s decorative but really finishes the look of your cappuccino. And I like the smell it makes when it heats up and mingles with the creamy milk foam and deep espresso.

Other great espresso-based coffees you will enjoy 

If you enjoy cappuccino, you will likely enjoy other espresso-based beverages. Some other popular choices include:

• Latte – similar to cappuccino, but with more steamed milk and less foam.
• Americano – an espresso shot with hot water added.
• Macchiato – an espresso shot with a small amount of steamed milk and foam.

The bottom line

Cappuccino is like a warm comfy blanket. It has a big , bold warmth of flavor and aromas and you just want to relax with it.

You can enjoy at any time of the day. And with any coffee maker, some good coffee and moilk coffee you can make your perfect cappuccino at home. So sit back, relax, and indulge in the ultimate coffee experience with a delicious homemade cappuccino. No barista (or high coffee shop price) needed!

FAQs

What is a Cappuccino?

It’s an Italian espresso-based coffee drink that is normally made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk. The foam is often flavored with a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder. It is usually served in a ceramic cup or mug.

What are some variations of traditional Cappuccino?

Over the last few years, lots of variations on the classic cappuccino have been developed.

Some popular variants include adding flavored syrups, such as almond, hazelnut, or coconut. Alternatively, why not substitute dairy milk with non-dairy choices, including soy, almond, or oat milk? Or how about even adding an indulgent dollop or spray of whipped cream on top.

What is the difference between Latte and Cappuccino?

While both latte and cappuccino both start with espresso combined with steamed milk, the main difference lies in the amount of milk and foam topping each drink provides.

Cappucino ratio 1/3 espresso + 1/3 steamed milk + 1/3 milk foam

Latte ratio: !/3 espresso + 2/3 steamed milk +1cm milk foam

So as you can see. A cappuccino has equal amounts of all 3 parts. While a latte has more milk than espresso and just a small layer of foam on top.

Beyond that, lattes often also come with flavored syrups, which are not usually found in cappucinos. If you now feel the need for a latte, take a look at my list of the very best lattes and my guide to the best flavored syrups you can make at home.

What is the origin of Cappuccino?

Cappuccino was first developed in Italy, and the name comes from the Capuchin Order of Franciscan friars. It is believed that cappuccinos resembled the color of their hooded robes. Cappuccino literally means “small hood”.

How does milk temperature affect how a cappuccino tastes?

Temperature plays an important role in how a cappuccino will taste. If the milk is too hot or too cold, it can drastically alter its flavor. Ideally, steamed milk should be heated to between 155°F-165°F (68-74°C) for optimal flavor and texture.