Cappuccino

Cappuccino is a coffee drink made with Espresso, steamed milk, and a layer of milk foam. It is known for its balanced coffee and milk flavor. Unlike a latte, cappuccino foam is thicker and drier. Cappuccinos are one of the main canvases for latte art—those leaf (rosetta), heart, and tulip patterns you see are made by pouring steamed milk into espresso just right.

Modern cappuccinos only became possible after espresso machines were invented in the early 1900s. Before that, the drink didn’t exist in its current form. In Italy, ordering a cappuccino after about 11 a.m. is considered unusual. Locals typically switch to straight espresso later in the day. “Cappuccino” is inspired by the robes of Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (Capuchin monks). The drink’s color—a mix of espresso and milk—resembled their brown robes with lighter hoods.