It’s National Cappuccino Day!

November 8, 2023

It’s National Cappuccino Day! Sunday, I met a friend at The Spark Coffee on Main St Speedway (shop local!) and had a wonderful Pumpkin Pie Cappuccino. I’m sure this seasonal beverage wasn’t on the Capuchin friar’s menu, the first to make cappuccino. Interesting side note: cappuccino loosely means hood or “something that covers the head.”

A New Machine 

In 1945, Achille Gaggia’s invention of the modern espresso machine played a pivotal role in popularizing the cappuccino. During the mid-1990s, cappuccinos became more readily available to North Americans as upscale coffee houses increased. The late 1990s and early 2000s witnessed the rise of cappuccinos in the United States, aligning with the boom in the American coffee industry.

As we entered the 21st century, a simplified, expedited version of the cappuccino began to grace the menus of fast-food chains. Crafting the perfect cappuccino involves close attention to achieving the correct foam ratio while steaming the milk, making it one of the more challenging espresso-based beverages to prepare properly. A skilled barista will even showcase their artistry by creating intricate designs while pouring milk atop the espresso.

Celebrating National Cappuccino Day

As I said, I began my celebration on Sunday. We can’t limit the celebration of this marvelous beverage to one day, can we? To celebrate National Cappuccino Day, visit your favorite coffee shop and savor a steaming cup of this delightful coffee. While there, remember to recognize them on social media with the hashtag #CappuccinoDay.

There’s More than One Way to Cup a Cappuccino

Cappuccino is made using espresso, steamed milk, and often with added flavors like my Pumpkin Pie treat. Did you know there are several variations of cappuccino? I’m ready to try a couple of these, you?

Dry cappuccino – This variation has less steamed milk and more foam, giving it a drier texture

Wet cappuccino – This variation has more steamed milk and less foam, giving it a creamier texture.

Flavored cappuccino – (Like Pumpkin Pie!) You can add various flavors to your cappuccino, such as vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut.

Iced cappuccino: This variation is made by pouring espresso over ice and adding cold milk and foam.

Mocha cappuccino: This variation adds chocolate syrup or powder to the espresso before adding steamed milk and foam.

Do You Own an Espresso Machine?

If you own a machine, you know they’re costly. If you want to add to your espresso maker’s longevity and keep up its consistent flavor, it’s essential to keep it clean.

Bar Keepers Friend can help you keep your coffee maker in tip-top shape for a refreshing brew every time. Here’s how.

Step 1. Remove the disposable filter, then empty the reservoir and carafe.

Step 2. Fill your carafe with cold water. (It’s a good idea to wear protective gloves.)

Step 3. Using one ounce of Bar Keepers Friend Coffee Maker Cleaner for every eight ounces of cold water, fill the carafe.

Step 4. Pour the contents of the carafe into the reservoir and then begin the brew cycle. Once the brew cycle is complete, leave the cleaning solution in the carafe for three to five minutes (up to 30 minutes if the carafe is badly stained), then empty and rinse the carafe.

Step 5. Fill the carafe with cold water, pour into the reservoir, and restart the brew cycle to rinse away any remaining cleaning solution. When the brew cycle is complete, dump the contents of the carafe.

Pro Tip One: You can use BKF Coffee Maker Cleaner to clean your Keurig as well.

Pro Tip Two: Use Bar Keepers Friend Coffee Maker Descaler and Bar Keepers Friend Coffee Maker Cleaner at least once every three months. If you have hard water, you’ll want to do it more often.

For me, every day is National Cappuccino Day! What’s your favorite Cappuccino brew?