How to Make a Traditional Cappuccino
FLOATING CAPPUCCINO AND A VERY MODERN COFFEE MUG!
A traditional cappuccino is a layered drink. The bottom layer is steamed milk, the middle layer is the espresso and the third layer is the foam from the steamed milk. This hot espresso drink is also known as a floating cappuccino because the espresso floats between the steamed milk and the foam.
Your first step in making a floating cappuccino is to steam your milk and make sure that you have lots of foam. Did you know that the main difference between latte and a cappuccino is that the latte just has a small layer of foam (1/4 inch or so over the milk) and a cappuccino is half foam and half milk. You can let the steamed and foamed milk sit on the counter while you make your espresso in your stove top espresso maker or automatic espresso maker.
It’s more impressive if you make your traditional cappuccino in a clear class. A traditional glass mug is perfect. Although I do love the modern mug shown above where your cappuccino itself appears to suspended in air.
Now pour some of the steamed milk in the bottom of the clear coffee mug. Use a large spoon to keep the foam from falling out. Fill about the coffee mug until its about 40% full. Now use the large spoon to scoop out the foam and put it on top. Fill the mug almost to the top with the foam.
The last step is to GENTLY pour the espresso over the foam. If you are gentle enough it will sit on top of the milk.