Cappuccino

   

    A cappuccino is an Italian coffee drink prepared with espresso, hot milk, and steamed-milk foam.

    A cappuccino is traditionally served in a porcelain cup, which has far better heat-retention characteristics than glass or paper. The foam on top of the cappuccino acts as an insulator and helps retain the heat of the liquid, allowing it to stay hot longer. If you like, you can sprinkle powder on top of it (usually: cinnamon, cocoa or chocolate).

    A cappuccino is similar to a latte, the main difference being that the cappuccino is made with much more less steamed (or foam) milk than a latte. Secondly, cappuccinos feature a distinctive layer of foam on top, which is lesser or absent in lattes. 

    The first espresso machines that used to make cappuccino were introduced at the beginning of the 20th century, and were invented by Luigi Bezzera in 1901. The cappuccino was first introduced in Italy, but it's popularity grew with the development of the steam-pressured espresso machines. The cappuccino began to look like the way it looks now since the early 50s.

    Besides a shot of espresso, the most important element in preparing a cappuccino is the texture and temperature of the milk. When a barista steams the milk for a cappuccino, microfoam is created by introducing very tiny bubbles of air into the milk, giving the milk a velvety texture and sweetness. The traditional cappuccino consists of an espresso, on which the barista pours the hot foamed milk, resulting in a 2cm thick milk foam on top.

    Iced cappuccino (or Cappuccino Freddo) is the cold version of a cappuccino in which a bit of iced milk is poured on top of it. This drink is widely available in Italy, where it is not served with ice.