Thank the Capuchin Friars for our favorite cappuccino drink and the celebration today of National cappuccino day.
The word cappuccino comes from the Capuchin friars and is the diminutive form of cappuccio in Italian, meaning hood or something that covers the head. This popular coffee beverage got its name not from the hood on their habits but from the color of the hooded robes that the friars wore. (The Capuchin friars is an Order of friars in the Catholic Church, among the chief offshoots of the Franciscans.)
In 1945 Achille Gaggia invented the modern espresso machine which further popularized the cappuccino.
The Mid 1990s – Cappuccino was made more widely available to North Americans as upscale coffee houses sprang up.
Late 1990′s to Early 2000′s – Cappuccinos became popular in the United States concurrent with the boom in the American coffee industry.
The start of 21st Century – A modified short-cut version of the cappuccino started being served at fast-food chains.
While steaming the milk you must pay close attention to attain the correct ratio of foam, thus making the cappuccino one of the most difficult espresso-based beverages to make properly.
A skilled barista may create artistic shapes while he/she is pouring milk on top of the espresso coffee.
What’s your favorite place for a cappuccino? Let’s enjoy a few today…
Chris Edwards Napa 2017
Chris Edwards Author, Mentor/Executive Coach & Political Consultant 