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How to Make Cappuccino

How to make cappuccino

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5 from 3 reviews

Here’s how to make a cappuccino at home! This popular espresso drink is creamy with just the right touch of foamed milk.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 espresso shots (2 ounces)
  • 4 ounces (1/2 cup) fresh whole milk*

Instructions

  1. Make the espresso: Use an espresso machine to make two shots of espresso and pour it into a mug (or try my Aeropress Espresso).
  2. Steaming method (espresso machine): Place the milk in a pitcher. Hold the steaming wand just below the surface of the milk until it doubles in size and is very foamy. Lower the steaming wand slightly until the milk reaches 150°F (use a thermometer or judge by when your hand can’t hold the pitcher for more than a few seconds).
  3. OR, heat the milk to scalding and foam it (without an espresso machine): Heat the milk to 150°F, which is hot to the touch but not simmering. Measure with a food thermometer, or you can approximate by testing with your finger. Use a milk frotherFrench press, or whisk to froth the milk until it’s very foamy. For a cappuccino, you’ll want a good amount of froth: you’re going for 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 foam. I highly recommend reading How to Froth Milk if this is your first time frothing. For the French press method, note that it’s useful to have at least 1 cup to have more milk to work with: this makes enough for 2 drinks.
  4. Serve: Swirl the milk container a few times. Pour milk and foam into center of the espresso.

Notes

*Whole milk works best — milk that is a few weeks old may not froth. You can also use oat milk for a vegan cappuccino. The milk frother works well; for the French press, pump vigorously until frothy, about 25 times. Do not overwhip, as the foam will deflate!

I love this espresso machine, but you can easily make the drink using a French press or milk frother.