How to Make a Cappuccino

Who doesn’t love the rich, creamy indulgence of a well-crafted cappuccino?

While a trip to a local coffee shop is always an option, there’s something special about preparing a delicious cappuccino in the comfort of your own home. And then, I don’t know, curling up with a cozy mystery?

In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps to make a perfect cappuccino. And you can find more in our full drinks archive.

What is a cappuccino? It’s an espresso drink made with steamed milk foam. I think it as the fluffier cousin of a latte.

Related: Learn to make other classic coffee drinks like an Affogato, Iced Mocha, or Whipped Coffee.

Ingredients & Equipment

• Espresso – made with an espresso machine or stovetop method (see below)
• Milk – steamed or heated and frothed using a frothing wand or other method

On heating/frothing milk: If your espresso maker does not have a frothing wand, you can use a milk frother, milk frothing wand, or even do this in a pot on the stovetop to heat the milk, and then froth it by hand using a whisk.

Directions

If using an espresso machine, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for brewing. Aim for a double shot of espresso (approximately 2 ounces) as the base for your cappuccino.

The frothy, velvety milk is what sets a cappuccino apart. Pour the desired amount of milk into a stainless steel pitcher, filling it about a third of the way to allow room for expansion.

Place the steam wand of your espresso machine just below the surface of the milk and turn on the steam. Gradually lower the pitcher as the milk expands and continues to heat. Aim for a glossy, creamy texture with microfoam.

Pour the espresso into your cup, followed by the steamed milk, holding back the froth with a spoon. As you near the top of the cup, add a dollop of froth to create a distinct layered look. For added flair, you can sprinkle cocoa powder, cinnamon, or nutmeg on top.

Home Espresso Machines

We’ve tried many espresso makers over the years, and here are our favorites at different price points and skill levels:

• Cafe Automatic Espresso Machine – My current machine. It uses any whole beans, so if you use high quality beans you’ll get high quality espresso. It makes espresso shots automatically (no barista skills required) and includes a milk frothing wand to heat and froth milk. We’ve used this machine almost every day since we got it eight months ago and we love it! It comes in three colors.

• Stovetop Espresso – This is the cheapest way to make espresso at home. It’s more labor intensive and you will also need a way to grind your beans for best results. But, this is a classic method that works great when done well.

• Breville Barista Touch – We bought this for a good friend as a wedding gift once and they said they love it. It’s a higher end machine that you will need some barista skills to operate, but it’s an excellent home espresso maker.

• Nespresso Vertuo – For those who want an espresso maker that uses pods, this is my favorite. Depending what pod you use, it can make espresso or coffee.

Brewing a delicious cappuccino at home is an art that anyone can master with a bit of practice.

By selecting quality coffee beans, mastering the espresso shot, and achieving the perfect milk texture, you can indulge in a heavenly cup of cappuccino without leaving your kitchen.