Ever visited a cafe just because of its awesome cappuccino coffee, which tastes exactly like velvet in a cup? But the same cup, if reciprocated at home, feels like it missed an audition? The same question lingers is something wrong with the machine, is it the barista with the magical hands or the coffee sachet which is like sand? Some say it’s the milk that has whispered the secret or the coffee that is imported straight from Ethiopia. In reality, we can actually recreate this cafe-style cappuccino cup at home with nothing but a pan and some love. Let’s dive into the mysterious steps and unravel the art of coffee making without any fancy barista or equipment.
What Makes a Cappuccino… a Cappuccino?
Before we dive into coffee frothiness, let’s stop for a moment and think what makes cappuccino different from other teas or milk beverages? Why call it cappuccino coffee and live life as it is?
The classic rule that a cappuccino cup follows is simple and neat in its foam. ⅓ espresso plus ⅓ steamed milk and ⅓ milk foam is what a genius named a cappuccino cup. If you want to make the exact same thing at home, this ratio is what you need to follow as per the rules. Can you make this order right without any fancy espresso maker, and will it have the same flavour or texture you enjoy in the cafe? The answer is yes, you can!
Read more about – Dubai Food Guide
Step 1: Can You Make Espresso Without a Machine?
You can easily make a cafe-style espresso cup at home without any fancy equipment. And you can also get it close enough to your favourite ones. Here are some simple ways to do so:
Option 1 – by using instant coffee sachets available everywhere.
Any coffee person’s addiction starts at home with simple sachets that can land them in cappuccino land. Make a strong coffee concentrate that works surprisingly well and gives a similar base to a Nescafé cappuccino.
For this take-
⅕ instant coffee + 2 tablespoons hot water and mix it well and stir it well till it becomes syrupy.
Option 2 – by using a moka pot if you have one.
If you have a stovetop moka pot at home, you can easily recreate rich coffee that is the same as its espresso cousin. And it is best for a delightful hot cappuccino cup.
Step 2: The Magic Frothing Milk Without Any Machine
The second step is adding the milk to achieve that frothy, foamy liquid. Ask yourself what makes cappuccino feel so good and luxurious? Is it the right milk choice, the foam which is silky and airy, or the patience to let it sit for a few minutes like a gentle snowcap? But how to create that airy foam with no steam wand?
There are three simple ways to do so:
- The jar shake method – In this, you have to use lukewarm milk, not the scalding hot, in any jar, be it glass or plastic. Leave some space; don’t fill it to the brim to let it expand when it aerates. Lastly, shake the jar for one minute or so to create that foamy liquid of your cappuccino.
- The whisk method – In this, you just have to heat milk and shake it vigorously in circles in the pot to create foam.
- The immersion blender method – You just have to heat some milk and blend it for a few seconds with a blender to create a thick and frothy liquid.
Hence, to get the right foam, the right milk concoction is necessary. Get your favourite mug and top it with your foamy liquid that steals the show.
Step 3: Bringing It All Together Assembly
Lastly, you have to neatly organise the frothy liquid of the milk and coffee concoction in your little mug, which is the fun part. Just pour the coffee first and an equal amount of lukewarm milk into it. Stir it gently with a spoon to allow the foam to sit on the top like a crown. Yes, your dreamy cup of cappuccino will be ready in a few minutes without any delay. You don’t have to spend thousands or leave the comfort of your home without any machines.
What If You Want an Iced Twist?
Coffees are not always enjoyed warm, but sometimes they are mixed with a little ice to make everything nice. That’s where iced cappuccino enters to tackle the rebellious cousin, the hot-brewing cappuccino cup. This is also simple; just replace the lukewarm milk with cold milk along with an extra layer of cold foam that you have to make separately in the jar. Pour little ice cubes of different shapes and sizes. And voila, your instant ice cappuccino is ready on a sizzling afternoon. While some might say this is an ice cap, the name also sounds so cool.
Where Do People Usually Go Wrong?
Strange question, right? But it’s important to understand what could go wrong in these simple steps.
Mistake 1 – you make the coffee part watery with too little coffee powder. A weak base ruins a good cappuccino cup. Stronger is the better option.
Mistake 2 – milk is scalding hot or icy cold. You have to take the milk at room temperature or lukewarm to get that perfect frothy taste. Boiling milk will not form foam, so choose a temperature around 60 to 65°C.
Mistake 3 – Lastly, you don’t make the foam that foamy. Whisking is important to let foam sit for a while. So, ensure it stays aerated enough and doesn’t settle.
Explore: Creamy Pasta Spots in Dubai
Conclusion
In this blog, we tried to answer your question whether we can really replicate the taste of cafe-style cappuccino cups at home. A homemade cup never fails to impress over a store-bought product. Whether you prefer classic coffee, iced cappuccino or a hot brew, everything can be made in a few simple steps at home. Little whisk, pour and done. In this moment, make yourself a barista and enjoy your cuppa like a king.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use skimmed milk to make a cappuccino cup?
Yes, you can use any type of milk depending on your dairy intake, but sometimes full-fat milk produces the best foam.
Can I use almond or oat milk to make coffee?
Yes, in fact these two are the best options to get that perfect texture and frothiness.
Why is my homemade coffee different from the store-bought one?
This happens because in our homes, we use simple ways to reproduce a cappuccino cup, but in hotels, there are fancy, high-pressure machines to produce that foam and thus the velvet texture.
What is the perfect ratio of milk and coffee?
The perfect ratio for recreating a cappuccino cup is 1:1:1. Everything should be equal to each other.
Can I add sweetener to my cappuccino cup rather than leaving it bitter?
Yes, to make it a little sweet, you can add sugar, honey and caramel, or even better. As for coffee, your rules.