National Cappuccino Day
Enjoy a cup of foamy deliciousness on November 8 as we celebrate National Cappuccino Day! Double espresso, steamed milk and foam. It’s amazing that these simple ingredients can make us so happy! Start the day with a steaming mug of frothy cappuccino, or wind down after dinner with a hot, relaxing cup alongside a rich dessert.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CAPPUCCINO DAY
Before we delve into the history of that fantastic morning wake-me-up, the cappuccino; let’s go through some basics. Espresso coffee forms the base from which cappuccinos are made. Espresso results from a highly-pressurized process which forces hot water through dense, tightly-packed grounds resulting in less than an ounce of an incredibly strong brew with an earthy taste and rich aroma. Cappuccinos are made from espresso, hot milk and lots of foam.
There’s an unverified legend that a 17th century monk named Marco d’Aviano first created the cappuccino after the Battle of Vienna in 1683. Many historians conclude that cappuccinos do originate with a subset of the Catholic Church’s friars, the Capuchin monks around that same time. But coffee being the global drink that it is, has always found a place in Vienna. By 1805, an early version of the cappuccino, also known as the “kapuziner,” starts to appear in Viennese coffee houses. These drinks were “coffee with cream and sugar.” But the name, cappuccino, is descriptive. It refers to the deep, brown color of the hooded frocks or “cappuccini,” worn by 17th century Capuchin monks in Italy.
Later, in 1901, Italian inventor, Luigi Bezzera, filed the first patent for an espresso machine. That created wide demand for the delicious drink but only a few restaurants could make cappuccinos because the machines were bulky and not easy to use. However, after WWII, technical improvements made espresso machines easier to use and their popularity spread throughout Italy and other parts of Europe and the world. The rest is frothy, espresso-infused history.
In the United States, cappuccino reached the zenith of its popularity due in large part to Seattle and Starbucks. Although we honor National Cappuccino Day, no organization or person has stepped up to claim its creation. Still, we appreciate a wonderful part of our morning routine. Enjoy!
NATIONAL CAPPUCCINO DAY ACTIVITIES
1.Drink up!
Phone a friend and invite them to coffee. Catch up on life as you sip your daily dose of caffeine from a warm mug. What could be better? A second cappuccino!
2.Buy an espresso maker
Don’t let the fancy name fool you. Cappuccinos are simple to make with the right equipment. Buy an espresso maker and start enjoying your favorite caffeinated beverage at home, any time you want one.
3.Share it on social media
If you don’t share it, did it really happen? With so many baristas creating custom masterpieces in the foam, cappuccino is like art. Post your foamy artwork with the hashtag #NationalCappuccinoDay for the world to admire.
4 DELICIOUS ALTERNATIVES FOR THE CAPPUCCINO ENTHUSIAST
1.Try a Latte
Lattes have the same amount of espresso as a cappuccino, but more milk, requiring them to be served in a larger cup. Add a flavored syrup to change it up!
2.Sip a Flat White
Flat whites are prepared with a milder, double shot of espresso and milk with very little foam.
3.Sample a Macchiato
Macchiatos are a great fit for the espresso lover, as they match cappuccinos in their espresso measurement, but contain less milk.
4.Venture out with a Cortado
For a slightly richer flavor, enjoy this Spanish hybrid with its equal parts of espresso and condensed milk, sans foam.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL CAPPUCCINO DAY
A. We sip all the cappuccino our hearts desire
Sip away! To honor this beloved espresso beverage, let’s indulge in an extra foamy cappuccino. Every coffee shop and a number of restaurants make them. Order up a cappuccino alongside your breakfast or dessert to cap off the day.
B. We celebrate the rich history behind this beverage
The concept of cappuccinos dates back to the 1700s, stretching across Europe under a number of different names. The modern day version was dubbed “cappuccino” after the color of the monks’ robes of the Capuchin order. That’s hundreds of years of history brewed into one steamy mug!
C. It brings people together
Sharing coffee has a way of bringing people together. Whether it’s shared across a conference table or from a cozy coffee shop nook with good friends, a warm cup of cappuccino has a way of drawing a crowd. Buying someone a cappuccino is a love language all its own!
References:
“National Cappuccino Day” │ https://nationaltoday.com/national-cappuccino-day/