How to Make a Vanilla Cappuccino

A cappuccino is a delicious drink made from espresso, steamed milk and foam. If you're looking for a change from your typical morning coffee, a cappuccino may be a good choice. Each cup can be flavored in many different ways, including with vanilla, hazelnut or almond syrups. The easiest way to make a vanilla cappuccino is with an espresso machine that includes a steamer attachment. There are a number of affordable espresso machines on the market today.

Things You'll Need

• Milk
• Metal pitcher
• Espresso machine
• Freshly-ground espresso beans
• Espresso tamper
• Cold water
• Small espresso cup
• Small thermometer
• Cappuccino cup
• Sweetened vanilla syrup
• Spoon
• Cinnamon or cocoa

Instructions

1. Add 8 oz. of milk into a metal pitcher and place it in the refrigerator. Whole milk will make a better foam than reduced-fat or skim milk, but use what you prefer. Alternative milks, like soy or rice milks, can also be used.

2. Fill the portafilter on your machine with ground espresso beans. Since espresso machines vary, use the amount of grounds specified by your machine. Place an espresso tamper over the grounds and press down to pack the grounds tightly into the portafilter.

3. Replace the portafilter by pushing it up into the machine head and twisting to lock.

4. Fill the machine with cold water based on the amount specified by your espresso machine.

5. Turn the espresso machine on so it starts heating the water.

6. Place a small espresso cup under the portafilter. When the water is heated, press the "Start" button. After a few seconds, the espresso will start flowing into the small cup.

7. Remove your milk from the refrigerator and place the steamer attachment into the milk.

8. Turn the steamer on and place a small thermometer into the milk. Heat the milk until it reaches 140 degrees F.

9. Then move the steamer attachment so the steam is directed right at the surface of the milk to create foam. Continuing steaming the milk until it reaches 155 degrees F.

10. Pour the espresso into a cup and add 1 tbsp. of sweetened vanilla syrup.

11. Pour the milk into the cup, using a spoon to block the foam, until the cup is about two-thirds full.

12. Fill the rest of the cup with the milk foam and dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa.

13. Taste and add more vanilla syrup or sweetener if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• For a change of pace, trying adding different flavors to your cappuccino. Substitute 1 tbsp. chocolate syrup for the vanilla, or try sweetened hazelnut or almond syrup for a different flavor.

Resources

• CoffeeUniverse.com: History of Coffee and Espresso