What is the history of a cappuccino?

The cappuccino. It’s one of the most recognised coffee-based drinks in the world, but how did it get here? This blog will go through the history of the cappuccino, including where it first originated and what led to its popularity.

What are the characteristics of a cappuccino?

A cappuccino can be recognised by its high concentration of foamed milk. This is added to an equal amount of freshly made espresso and steamed milk.These elements are distinctly layered, unlike in a latte where the coffee and milk get mixed together.Cappuccinos typically come with decorative features on the top of the drink such as foam patterns and chocolate powder.

In the UK, most coffee shops will serve cappuccinos well into the afternoon. However, if you go certain countries such as Italy, you’ll only be able to order a cappuccino in the morning. This is because it was a traditional workers’ drink.

Where did the cappuccino come from?

Before the cappuccino, coffee was prepared using a method where whole coffee beans were boiled, and the liquid syphoned off. This then evolved into the more popular European filter method. It was in the 1700’s that the term ‘Kapuziner’ came into use in some Viennese coffee houses. However, around this time this simply referred to coffee with cream and sugar.

The first cappuccino as we know it was thought to have appeared in Italy in the 1930’s, following the adoption of the espresso machine. Here, the culture of coffee houses spread around the country as operating these bulky machines was highly skill intensive. During this period, Cappuccino coffee was often topped with whipped cream, cinnamon and/or chocolate shavings.

The cappuccino would evolve again following the second world war. Advancements in European technology led to better quality and more accessible espresso machines. This efficient extraction allowed for crema to be present in the drink, along with the classic frothed milk. From here, the cappuccino would be adopted by countries all over the continent and then the world by the late 20th century. In fact, it was so popular in England that it was the cappuccino was the first form of espresso coffee that saw widespread consumption.

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