How to Make a Cappuccino at Home With and Without an Espresso Machine

Liputan6.com, Jakarta If you enjoy a cup of coffee every morning, you need to learn how to make a cappuccino at home.  This popular drink is loved all around the world, and many people want to learn how to prepare it for themselves without having to go out.

A cappuccino is a classic Italian coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. It is well known for its rich taste and creamy texture. If you compare it to a latte, the cappuccino has a stronger flavor, while a latte is milkier and sweeter.

If you want to learn how to make a cappuccino at home so you don't have to go to your favorite cafe, you are in the right place. In this article, we will share our guide to make the best cup of cappuccino at home, with and without an espresso machine. So stay tuned and check this out.

Making a cappuccino with an espresso machine is the most authentic way. This method helps you create a rich espresso shot and creamy milk foam just like professional baristas.

Ingredients:

- 1 shot of espresso (about 30 ml)

- ½ cup of fresh milk

Instructions:

1. Start by brewing one shot of espresso using your espresso machine. Use freshly ground coffee beans for the best flavor. Let the shot flow into a warm cup to keep the drink hot.

2. Pour fresh milk into a stainless steel jug. Place the steam wand just below the surface of the milk and turn it on. As the milk heats up, move the jug slightly down to create foam. Continue steaming until the milk reaches around 65°C (150°F).

3. Once ready, tap the jug lightly on the counter to remove large bubbles and swirl it to make the milk smooth and creamy.

4. Pour the steamed milk slowly over the espresso. Aim to first add liquid milk, then top the drink with the foam. This creates the traditional cappuccino structure: one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third foam.

5. If you like, sprinkle some cocoa powder or cinnamon on top for extra flavor.

If you don't have an espresso machine at home, don't worry. Here is how to make a cappuccino at home without an espresso machine:

Ingredients:

- ½ cup strong-brewed coffee or moka pot coffee

- ½ cup of fresh milk

Instructions:

1. Brew a strong cup of coffee using a moka pot, French press, or drip coffee maker. Try to make it as concentrated as possible so it tastes close to espresso.

2. Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Do not let it boil. Once hot, remove from the heat.

3. Froth the milk by using a hand whisk, a milk frother, or even shaking it in a jar with a lid. Whisk or shake until you see a thick foam forming.

4. Pour the strong coffee into a cup, then add the hot milk. Spoon the foam on top until the cup is full.

5. Finish by sprinkling cocoa powder or cinnamon if you like. Your homemade cappuccino is ready to enjoy.

After learning how to make a cappuccino with and without an espresso machine, there are some additional tips that are also very helpful. These tips will help you master the art of making cappuccino at home.

1. Preheat Your Cup: Warm your coffee cup with hot water before making the drink. This helps keep the cappuccino hot for longer and prevents the milk and espresso from cooling too quickly.

2. Measure Your Ingredients: Use a small kitchen scale or measuring cup to get the right ratio of coffee to milk. This ensures your cappuccino has the classic balance instead of being too weak or too strong.

3. Clean the Steam Wand Immediately: After steaming milk, wipe and purge the steam wand right away. This prevents dried milk from blocking it and keeps the flavor of your next cup clean and fresh.

4. Use a Small Jug for Frothing: A smaller stainless steel jug helps you control the milk better while frothing. It makes it easier to create smooth foam without wasting milk or making too many bubbles.

5. Swirl the Milk Before Pouring: Give your milk jug a gentle swirl after frothing. This mixes the foam with the steamed milk, making it silky and easier to pour smoothly over the espresso.

6. Practice Your Pouring: When pouring the milk, aim for a steady and slow pour. First, let the liquid milk mix with the espresso, then finish with foam. This keeps the layers even and creates a café-style texture.

When discussing cappuccino, one question often arises: "Can you drink a cappuccino in the afternoon?" The answer is, technically yes, but culturally no.

In Italy, there is a custom to not order or drink cappuccino past 11 AM, but why? According to the Dreambeans Coffee website, the Italians see cappuccino as a morning drink. The drink has a creamy and rich flavor that pairs well with a sweet breakfast, such as pastries and croissants.

After 11 AM, Italians usually switch to a stronger coffee, like espresso or macchiato, say the website. These drinks are not consumed with extra milk or sugar, and are made to be sipped and savored rather than gulped.