If you’re a fan of good Italian coffee or just good coffee in general, you’re probably already well acquainted with the cappuccino.
In case this is the first you’re hearing of this delicious little drink, however, allow us to introduce you.
MEET THE CAPPUCCINO
The cappuccino was born in Italy and named after the country’s Capuchin friars, as the 6-ounce drinks were the same tan color as their robes.
This drink is made up of three equal parts: it’s one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third milk foam, with the latter being the classic beverage’s claim to fame.
Though it had been around for centuries prior, the cappuccino didn’t begin to make its way across the United States until the 1980s. It really rose in popularity in the 1990s, thanks to the introduction of coffee shop culture. Now, cappuccinos can be found on menus everywhere, and coffee-lovers can enjoy it with flavors like caramel or French vanilla, and order it as a hot coffee drink or sip it ice cold.
These bad boys are addictive, and once you get hooked on them, the cost will quickly begin to add up. But don’t fret; there’s no need to give up cappuccinos cold turkey. Save a couple of bucks by making them at home, and we’re going to teach you how to do just that.
MAKE A FRENCH VANILLA CAPPUCCINO AT HOME
YOU’LL NEED:
- 3/4 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract OR 1/2 vanilla bean
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- Cinnamon
- A saucepan
- Blender or milk frother
THE RECIPE:
Step 1:
Begin by pouring the milk and vanilla into a saucepan and let it heat on the stove until it begins to bubble. While your liquid is heating, you’ll want to stir continuously to keep it from burning. We used two percent milk, but feel free to use your favorite non-dairy milk of choice, too.
Step 2:
Remove the vanilla and milk from heat and add sugar, stirring until it dissolves. Our recipe calls for half a teaspoon, but that’s just a suggestion; use more or less depending on your personal preference.
Step 3:
Use a blender or milk frother to froth the milk mixture until it’s foamy. Gently spoon the fluffy top layer of milk foam off and set it aside in a small bowl or cup; you’ll need it later on in the recipe.
Step 4:
Next, fill a mug with brewed coffee or a shot of espresso, and pour the frothy, hot milk over it. Now, we’ll come back to the milk foam you saved in the previous step; use a spoon to shovel it on top of your drink. Finish off the recipe by topping the cappuccino with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
View our Google web story here.
ENJOY!
Now that you’ve followed a few simple instructions, all that’s left to do is enjoy your take on the beloved coffee drink.
Happy Caffeinating!
Simple French Vanilla Cappuccino
A tasty and sweet Italian brewed coffee. Easy for people new to the coffee game and simple enough to be customized!
Ingredients
- ¾ cup 2% milk
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or ½ vanilla bean
- ½ teaspoon of sugar (more or less to taste)
- Cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine milk and vanilla on the stovetop over medium heat until the mixture starts to bubble. Continuously stir when your mixture is on this heat.
- Remove from heat and add in sugar, stirring until it dissolves.
- Using a frothing method (blender, hand frother, mason jar shaking), froth the milk mixture until foamy.
- Fill a mug halfway with coffee and then add milk mixture on top. Use a spoon to keep frothy milk for the top.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy!
