How To Make Cappuccino Coffee At Home. Perfect, Foamy And Without A Machine

Today we woke up to cloudy skies and a crisp air that certainly made it difficult for more than one person to get out of bed. Like me, you have probably convinced yourself that if you dared to leave the warm embrace of the sheets, You could reward yourself with a frothy and warm cappuccino coffee to beat the morning chill.

You don’t have to leave the house or go out into the cold street. Surprisingly, making cappuccino at home is easier than you think. And you don’t even need an expensive all-in-one coffee maker espresso and foamer (which are very expensive in Paris) to enjoy a frothy and soothing cup in no time.

But before we get into the recipe and tips, we need to answer a few questions:

What is cappuccino coffee?

A real cappuccino consists of equal parts espresso, steam and milk foam. It is also served in a smaller cup than latte coffee, usually 150 to 180 ml. The choice of cup size is crucial for the perfect balance between the taste of the espresso and the right amount of milk.

The magic of cappuccino: the texture of the foam

The foam in a cappuccino is the key element to a complete experience. The foam can have two different textures: dry or velvety. Dry foam has large, light, voluminous bubbles, while velvety foam (or microfoam) is characterized by barely noticeable bubbles.

And what is the difference between cappuccino, café con leche and café latte?

You may have asked yourself at some point Cappuccino is the same as a coffee with milk or a latte. This is a common doubt, and here we highlight the key differences.

Photo: Shutterstock

The coffee taste is more intense in a cappuccino than in a latte. Due to the smaller cup size, cappuccino has a stronger character and a higher acidity because the proportion of espresso to milk is higher. On the other hand, latte tends to be smoother and sweeter because the amount of espresso is diluted by a larger amount of milk.

Apart from that, latte coffee is considered the little brother of cappuccino. It’s also frothy but contains more coffee and milk. It’s also like coffee with milk, but more frothed.

Which milk is best for making cappuccino coffee?

If you make a delicious cappuccino coffee at home, The choice of milk is a key factor in getting the perfect texture and taste. especially when the undisputed protagonist is the foam. If you have always wondered what type of milk you can use to prepare an ideal cappuccino, we will explain it to you in detail here:

1. Whole milk (for a thick, creamy foam)

Whole milk is the preferred choice for cappuccino lovers. Its fat content ensures the formation of a dense, creamy foam, essential for a high-quality cappuccino.. If you’re looking for the authentic cappuccino experience, whole milk is your best choice.

2. Lactose-free milk, skim milk or light milk (an acceptable option)

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, lactose-free milk, skim milk or diet milk may work, but this is something to keep in mind The resulting foam will be less dense and creamy compared to whole milk. Still, it’s a sensible choice if you’d prefer to reduce the fat content in your cappuccino.

3. Plant milk (conditions apply)

For those who prefer dairy-free options, plant-based milk can be a satisfying choice, but it’s important to know that not all milks are created equal. The best ways to get a decent foam on your cappuccino are Almond milk and soy milk specifically developed for baristas (e.g. Soya Barista). This plant milk has the ability to create a pleasant foam and complement the taste of the espresso.

But also other plant milks such as coconut, macadamia, rice or oat milk, They do not have the necessary foam properties and can result in your cappuccino not having the characteristic foam structure. that’s what sets it apart. If you choose a dairy-free milk, be sure to choose a barista almond or soy milk to fully enjoy your cappuccino.

At the end of the day, Choosing milk for your cappuccino depends on your personal preferences and dietary needs. If you’re looking for the classic, authentic experience, whole milk is your first choice. For lighter alternatives, Lactose-free options or appropriate non-dairy milks can work as long as you choose wisely..

Methods for frothing your cappuccino at home

The foam in a cappuccino is the key element to a complete experience. / Photo: Shutterstock

Making a perfect cappuccino at home can be an art, and choosing how you froth your milk can make all the difference in your coffee experience. Here is a list of methods and tools you can use to froth your cappuccino conveniently at home:

Cappuccinatore o Automatic frother for fully automatic coffee machines: If you have a fully automatic coffee machine, it probably has one Cappuccino machine or built-in automatic frother. These machines do the work for you and produce milk foam easily and conveniently.
Steam pipe in fully automatic coffee machines or coffee machines with portafilter: Fully automatic coffee machines are usually equipped with a steam nozzle with which you can heat and froth the milk. You can also find this function on some conventional portafilter coffee machines.
Electric frother: Electric frothers are compact devices that automatically heat and froth milk. They are easy to use and a great option for high quality milk froth.
French press: Although the French press is primarily used for brewing filtered coffee, you can also use it for a thousand other things, such as heating and frothing milk. Simply heat the milk and use the press to pump air and create foam.
Other creative methods: If you don’t have access to the tools mentioned above, you can resort to them creative methods like the use of a manual kitchen broom, a hand blender or Shake hot milk vigorously in a glass with a lid Create foam. These methods may require more effort, but are still effective.

Now let’s get to the good part: