On those days you want a bit of sweetness to go with a strong espresso taste, reach for a cappuccino, the Italian specialty coffee drink that has conquered the world. It’s like a dessert that wakes you up!
Cappuccinos are made with a third of espresso, a third of hot milk and a third of frothy milk foam. Sometimes a cappuccino is topped with chocolate shavings, cinnamon, or sugar adding to its dessert-like character. Variations include cappuccino chiaro (white cappuccino, made with more milk) and cappuccino scuro (dark cappuccino, made with less milk)
While cappuccinos are usually served hot, there is a cold variety known as cappuccino freddo or iced cappuccino that is often served with a tiny dollop of cold frothed milk.
Two important components of cappuccino are espresso machines (first patented in Italy in 1901 by Luigi Bezzera) and a barista skilled in foaming milk correctly.