Yields: 1 drink

Prep time: 3-5 minutes

Brew time: 25-30 seconds (for espresso)

Ingredients & Equipment:

Espresso Machine: With a steam wand

Espresso Beans: Freshly roasted is best

Coffee Grinder: A burr grinder for a fine espresso grind

Milk: Whole milk is recommended for the best foam

Small Pitcher: For steaming milk

Espresso Cup or small mug (5-6 oz capacity)

Key Parameters:

The Golden Ratio: The perfect cappuccino is built on a simple 1:1:1 ratio. This means one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third milk foam.

Steamed Milk: The milk should be steamed to a creamy, velvety texture with very few bubbles. It should have a sweet, warm flavor, not a scalded taste.

Foam: The foam should be thick, airy, and stable enough to hold its shape. A classic cappuccino has a prominent dome of foam.

Temperature: The ideal temperature for steamed milk is between 140°F and 150°F (60°C to 65°C).

Instructions:

Pull Your Espresso Shot: Grind your espresso beans and pull a fresh shot. A good shot should take about 25-30 seconds to extract. Pour the espresso into your cup.

Steam the Milk: Fill your steaming pitcher with cold milk, about one-third full. Purge the steam wand to release any water.

Create the Foam: Submerge the tip of the steam wand just below the surface of the milk. Angle the pitcher to create a whirlpool motion. You will hear a soft "hissing" sound as air is introduced, which creates the foam. Keep the tip at the surface until the milk has increased in volume by about one-third.

Heat the Milk: Submerge the steam wand deeper into the milk to stop introducing air. Continue steaming until the pitcher is too hot to touch (or until it reaches your desired temperature on a thermometer). Tap the pitcher on the counter to pop any large bubbles, then swirl the milk to create a smooth, glossy texture.

Combine and Serve: Pour the steamed milk directly over the espresso. Use a spoon to hold back the thick foam initially, then spoon the remaining foam on top to create the classic domed appearance.

Enjoy: A cappuccino is best enjoyed immediately while the foam is fresh and the drink is hot.

Tips for Success:

Whole Milk: Whole milk's fat content creates a more stable, creamier foam.

Use a Cold Pitcher: A cold pitcher gives you more time to steam the milk to perfection before it gets too hot.

Don't Oversteam: Oversteaming can "cook" the milk, giving it a scalded flavor and destroying the creamy texture.

Practice Makes Perfect: Steaming milk takes practice! Don't be discouraged if your first few attempts aren't perfect.