What is cappuccino? Many people mistake this coffee drink for a caffe latte, another form of Italian coffee found in most coffee shops in the United States. The main difference between the two is that a latte has twice the milk (usually whole milk, but can be ordered with 2 percent or even skim) and no milk froth.

In fact, the milk foam that floats on top of a cappuccino is what sets it apart from most other coffee drinks. Traditionally served in a porcelain mug, the foam acts as an insulator and keeps the drink warm for longer. Additionally, porcelain acts as another heat retainer. Paper and glass cups tend to allow heat to seep through faster.

A cappuccino begins with a shot of espresso. The barista then steams the milk, which is the second most important ingredient. If the texture and temperature of the milk are wrong, the drink will not be as good as it should be.

When the milk is properly steamed, it will be velvety and sweet. The barista will then float an inch of the frothy milk on top of the espresso. If one prefers that their cappuccino has more or less milk, the order would be for a wet or dry cappuccino, respectively.

Until the mid-1990s, Americans did not enjoy cappuccino very much. It is not known if it was because people did not know what the drink was or because it was not cold enough to drink. However, when fancy coffee shops started to sprout up in droves, more and more people began to order the drink.

Traditionally, cappuccinos in Italy are served with breakfast. Normally, Italians drink them exclusively in the morning, although in other countries it is customary to drink them after dinner. Hopefully, now that you have learned the “what is cappuccino” question, you will be able to impress your friends with the new knowledge you have gained.