The Italian Way to Enjoy a Cappuccino
Do you know how to drink a cappuccino like an Italian and what makes a good one? The best way to start your day is with a perfect cup of cappuccino in hand. Keep reading to learn more about this beloved Italian coffee and discover how to enjoy it like a local.
Join Local Aromas Foodie Sisters, Valeria and Benedetta, as they visit a top coffee shop in Rome to explain what makes a perfect cappuccino.
What is a Cappuccino?
A true Italian cappuccino is crafted with espresso coffee topped with foamed milk to achieve a creamy texture and a robust caffeine hit. While it’s claimed as an Italian invention, some sources suggest the cappuccino actually originated in Vienna, where the ‘Kapuziner’ coffee was served in the 1700s. The name “cappuccino” comes from the Capuchin order of hooded monks, whose brown robes resemble the color of coffee with added milk. In Italy, the term ‘cappuccino’ in reference to coffee first appeared in the 1930s, gaining popularity in the northern regions.
Today, cappuccino is one of the most beloved and widely consumed types of coffee. Italians have perfected the art of making it: a shot of rich espresso topped with hot, frothy milk, creating a creamy and delicious beverage. In Italy, it’s typically served hot but not boiling, allowing it to be enjoyed immediately. Expert baristas often add a touch of artistry with latte art, creating beautiful designs in the foam.
When to Drink Cappuccino
While cappuccino is enjoyed at any time of day in many places, Italians follow strict rules about when it should be consumed. Generally, cappuccino is considered a morning drink, best enjoyed before noon. Italians are particular about digestion, and warm milk is thought to interfere with digestion after a large meal. Thus, cappuccino is typically paired with a morning cornetto (an Italian pastry) or as a mid-morning pick-me-up.
Ordering a cappuccino after lunch is usually frowned upon in Italy. Italians believe adding a cappuccino on top of a meal can disrupt digestion. Don’t be surprised if ordering a cappuccino after a meal is met with confusion, derision, or even refusal—they’re just looking out for your digestive health!
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