How to Make Cappuccino Foam

Sucking the foam from the surface of a fresh cup of coffee is one of the most enjoyable parts of drinking cappuccino. Depending on the barista who made your cappuccino foam, this sip might make you say, "Ah, this hits the spot!" or it could make you regret spending your money. If you learn to make your own cappuccino foam consistently, you're guaranteed a pleasant taste and sensation.

Things You'll Need

• Milk
• Stainless steel pitcher
• Plastic pitcher
• Clean rag
• Espresso machine with steam valve
• Thermometer that clips to the pitcher

Instructions

1. Pour cold milk into the stainless steel pitcher, filling it from 1/4 to 1/2 full, and set it aside. Grab a plastic pitcher and place it over the steam wand. Clear excess water from the steam wand, using the plastic pitcher to shield you from the hot water that comes out. You could also use a sterilized cloth, but this doesn't offer as much protection.

2. Lift the milk container up to make the steam wand go into the milk. Turn the steam on, as stronger steam makes better cappuccino foam. Keep the steam wand in the milk so that you avoid making a mess. Tilt the pitcher so that the steam wand is pointing to the edge of the pitcher's bottom. This will automatically stir your milk.

3. Gradually lower your milk container, but keep the steam wand's end in the milk. You have to keep the milk moving around the milk container's edge. Wait till you hear a loud pneumatic "whoosh" sound. Continue getting the milk to flow around the inside edges of the pitcher.

4. Stop this process before the milk reaches 145 degrees F. Use a clean thermometer clipped to the pitcher to let you know when you reach this temperature.

5. Pour the foam on top of your cappuccino. Repeat the previous steps for making cappuccino foam if your milk gets too hot. Thoroughly clean the steam wand when you're done.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also make cappuccino foam without a steam wand. Pour warm milk into a blender, turn it on and then shut it off when you get the foam quality you're looking for.

• Follow espresso machine operation safety instructions first before making cappuccino foam.

Resources

• Espresso Machine Parts
• Triz Journal explains the science behind great cappuccino foam.