THE Cappuccino has become a ubiquitous part of our modern world. For the sake of efficiency, we will define the Cappuccino as:
- 1/3rd Milk Foam
- 1/3rd Steamed Milk
- 1/3rd Espresso Shot
(a latte being half and half with no foam)
The Drink
A proper cappuccino is served in a small porcelain cup thus allowing for better heat retention that elongates the pleasurable experience. Note in the above definition the absence of cocoa powder, cinnamon, or whipped cream. These abominable additives are no more part of a cappuccino than an autopsy is in a football game.
The drink, so legend has it, was named after the Capuchin monks, whose brown ‘capuccio’ or hood, was often beset on their white hair.
The cappuccino is one of the most difficult espresso-based beverages to execute properly, as care must be taken to ensure that the milk is steamed in such a way that a “microfoam” is created during the steaming process that lends a properly made cappuccino a velvety texture and sweetness (for more information as well as a step-by-step guide we at The Young Gentlemen’s Guide recommend: http://www.coffeegeek.com/guides/frothingguide/steamguide)
Traditionally Cappuccinos are consumed over breakfast with the typical continental selection of viennoiseries (croissants etcetera) or toast should that be more to a Gentleman’s liking); a standard espresso is consumed after meals thereafter. Although it is now not considered uncouth to consume a cappuccino after lunch or in the afternoon and we recommend that The Young Gentleman can indulge in a cappuccino prior to 3PM. After that, before dinner, a Macchiato may be better suited to the setting sun and never order a cappuccino after dinner—this is rather a better time for an espresso and a grappa should Italian libation be the theme of the evening.
For the perfect cappuccino at home The Young Gentlemen’s Guide endorses:
The Nespresso: Citiz&milk C120 RE
The Machine: This elegant machine produces an outstanding cappuccino with little to no effort.
Circa Alejandro 