What is a Cappuccino?

Cappuccino originated in Italy and comes from the word "Capuchin" which literally translates to "small cap." True to their translated name, a cappuccino is often a small serving made with espresso, hot milk and steamed-milk foam. Sometimes sugar, cinnamon, or shaved chocolate are sprinkled on the top of the drink, or even "latte art" is added, which is a drawing made into the milk foam.

To make a cappuccino, you need an espresso machine, as espresso is the first ingredient needed to make a cappuccino. Then, hot milk is added, usually of equivalent amount to the espresso. Then the milk foam is added to the top. A traditional serving is approximately anywhere from 150 mL to 180 mL, however if you order one in the United States, you'll probably receive about 360 mL of the drink (after all, everything is bigger in the states!).

Cappuccinos are considered trickier coffee beverages to make correctly, as it is a bit difficult to create the same ratio of foam to the espresso when steaming the milk. If you add too much milk, it would be considered a cappuccino chiaro, also known as a white or wet cappuccino. Too little milk would result in a cappuccino scuro, aka dark or dry cappuccino.

Regardless of how you make it, cappuccino is a delicious and historical coffee drink popular for breakfast, after a meal, and at weddings! Give out cappuccino favors or create a cappuccino bar at your wedding to provide your guests with a taste of the delicious beverage. You can even hire a skilled barista (that's Italian for "bartender") to create pretty latte art on top of your guests' drinks.

You can even check out our coffee, tea and beverage favors for other great ideas for your wedding, like personalized cappuccino mix for instant cappuccino or espresso sets as your wedding favors.

© September 22, 2011, Kelsey Bowen, Little Things Favors

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