What Makes a Great Cappuccino?
Cappuccino, which traces its origins to Italy, has a smooth thick texture and an unmistakable taste and scent. It is a brown chocolate color and is characterized by its frothy creamy dollop on top. It is this uniqueness that makes the cappuccino one of the most popular and well recognized drinks in the world. Just about every coffee shop will sell cappuccino, so if you haven’t tried one yet then you should head out and do so!
Italians typically drink cappuccino at breakfast, but in English speaking countries cappuccino is a popular lunch or evening drink. Italians prefer espresso at dinner time. Croissants are commonly served with cappuccino as they compliment each other nicely.
You can find cappuccino at Starbucks but don’t expect mass coffee chains to produce the same quality coffee you can get at an Italian corner café. Generally American cafes will overdo the froth and drown out the coffee taste while Europeans are more inclined to just add a dab of froth with more emphasis on the coffee itself.
So why does Italian cappuccino taste so much better than a Starbucks one? It is all in the preparation and ingredients.A barista in Italy will prepare his cappuccino differently than is done so in America. The general ratios are 1/3 espresso, 1/3 milk froth and 1/3 steamed milk. Commonly American baristas will tweak the ratios to increase the milk ratios and decrease the espresso amount.
The coffee bean flavor is unmistakable in authentic Italian cappuccinos. The result of topping the drink off with the foam is that it becomes a less filing drink which is ideal at breakfast time.
The quality of the espresso itself can really make or break the taste of the cappuccino. If cheap and nasty espresso is used then nothing can save that drink! If on the other hand a superior quality espresso is used, then you will no doubt have a sensational cappuccino on your hands.
Talented baristas can even shape the froth and espresso into various shapes like hearts or flowers! This is perfect for special occasions. In addition, corporations even hunt down baristas who can skillfully create company logos in the cappuccino. What a fantastic way to impress clients at a meeting!
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