However, by the 20th Century, the contracted Kapuziner simply meant a coffee with a little bit of milk. In 1790, there is a recorded example of a 'Capuzinerkaffee', a type of coffee where the espresso is mixed with cream, sugar and spice before being poured over an egg. Though an Italian word, there is enough evidence around to suggest that the Germans adopted and then adapted it. It is from this that the word cappuccino originates as the espresso is served ‘cloaked’ in milk. One of the first uses of this term is in the first part of Dante’s Divine Comedy, Inferno, and was used by the poet to describe a group of reformist friars who opted to cover themselves from head-to-toe in brown fabric. However, its etymology goes even further back and comes from the word ‘cappuccio’.

The Cappuccino is believed to have been first invented in Italy in the early 1900s, with the first recorded referencing being cited as appearing in the 1930s. As the foam begins to form move the jug slightly higher and begin to pour through. To get the foam for the cappuccino, give the milk jug a final quick spin before pouring it from a low height to the cup with a slight wiggle. This is done because we want the resulting milk to be tightly compacted with a smooth, glossy finish. Whilst the espresso is pouring, lightly swirl the milk in order to force some liquid around. Now it is time to turn your attention to the espresso. Turn the steam arm off before the milk gets too hot and begins to spoil, purge the arm and place the milk to one side, giving the base of the jug a gentle tap to remove any large bubbles. This subtle movement will begin to spin the milk, layering it in the process. Give the steam wand a quick purge, place the tip just underneath the surface of the milk and then turn the steam arm on.Ī sucking and ‘chirping’ noise should be noticeable as air the hot air gets drawn into the milk.Īs the milk begins to heat up gradually lower the wand and position it so that it is close to the jug’s side. This is because there needs to be enough milk present to be able to instigate the correct foaming motion, but, on the other hand, too much and the contents are likely to overflow once the milk begins to expand. As a rule of thumb we suggest you only 1/3 fill the milk jug.

Cappuccino machine