The Art of Cappuccino

Frothy and rich, cappuccino is one of the most popular coffee drinks to date. Its story starts somewhere you might not expect.

Why is it called cappuccino?

In Italian, cappuccino literally means "little hood." Legend has it that the drink takes its name from the Capuchin friars, who wore hooded robes. Their humble attire was a distinctive reddish-brown, close to the hue espresso takes when milk is added.

Where did cappuccino begin?

Not in Italy. The world's first cappuccino was born in Vienna, Austria, and served in coffee houses throughout the 1700s. Known as kapuziner, it was made not with milk but with cream and sugar. Today, that style of coffee is called Viennese coffee.

Italy's first mention of cappuccino didn't come until the 1930s, and it was still Viennese-style: coffee topped with whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon and chocolate.

How Italy makes it now

Since then, the drink has evolved. Today a cappuccino in Italy is made with one shot of espresso and hot foamed milk, and on occasion a dash of cocoa powder. It is almost always served in one size of cup — no small, medium or large.

When Italians drink it

Italians typically enjoy cappuccino in the morning, as part of breakfast. Order one after 11 a.m. and you'll likely get a strange look: the milk-based drink is considered too heavy to enjoy after a large meal. Stick to espresso instead.