How to make a cappuccino

A drink named after a monk

Like the delicious drink that bears its name, the word cappuccino comes from Italy, and derives from the Capuchin friars. The Capuchins are members of the larger Franciscan order of monks founded in 16^th century Italy.

The Capuchins were known to dress in simple brown robes. When the drink was invented in Italy, it is thought that the colour of coffee mixed with frothed milk was similar to the colour of the Capuchin robe, which is how the drink came to get its name.

The Capuchin monks were well known for their austerity, and they also leant their name to a number of Italian sayings, such as “to dine al cappuccino” (to make but a sorry meal) and “to travel al cappuccino” (to journey on foot).*

How to make a cappuccino with your Keurig® coffee maker

A great cappuccino starts with great coffee and milk at the perfect temperature. A Keurig® coffee maker and milk frother make this drink easy to perfect.

Get to know your cappuccino

A traditional cappuccino is made up of 1/3 coffee, 1/3 steamed milk and 1/3 foam, however there are a number of variations on this versatile drink. Here are a few examples:

A wet cappuccino or cappuccino chiaro is made by adding slightly more hot milk and less foam than the traditional ratio. They are creamier, much like a latte with a bit of foam on top.

The dry cappuccino or cappuccino scurro has less milk than the traditional ratio. It includes a few drops of steamed milk, but more foamed milk layered on top of the drink. The taste of coffee is stronger in this drink, and it is darker in colour.

An iced cappuccino or cappuccino freddo is a cold version of the traditional hot cappuccino, perfect when served in summer. You can create this version by adding cold frothed milk to chilled coffee, or simply blend a hot cappuccino with crushed ice.

Flavoured cappuccinos are also very popular. Typically, flavoured syrups are added to the coffee before adding the milk. Popular flavoured syrups include chocolate, caramel, vanilla, and peppermint.

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