Cafféccino Recipe

Preheat and dose

Warm your cup on the espresso machine or with hot water and discard the water. Weigh 18 g of freshly ground dark roast coffee for a double shot. Grind to an espresso-fine texture immediately before brewing.

Tamp and brew

Distribute the ground coffee evenly in the portafilter, tamp evenly and firmly. Lock portafilter into the machine and pull a double shot aiming for ~36 ml of espresso in 25–30 seconds. If using a stovetop espresso maker (moka), brew a strong 30–45 ml espresso-equivalent.

If you prefer sweetened Cafféccino, add 1 tsp granulated sugar or 1 tsp simple syrup to the hot espresso and stir to dissolve. Stir in 1/4 tsp vanilla extract if using.

Prepare milk

Pour 180 ml whole milk into a chilled milk pitcher. If you want extra foam or a drier texture for a classic cappuccino-like top, have the extra 30 ml ready.

Purge and position steam wand

Purge the steam wand briefly to remove condensation. Submerge the tip just below the milk surface and angle the pitcher slightly so the milk spins in a whirlpool.

Texturize milk

Turn on the steam and lower the pitcher until the wand tip is at the surface to introduce air for 3–6 seconds (for fine microfoam). Then raise the pitcher slightly so the tip is submerged and continue steaming to heat milk to 60–65°C (140–149°F). You should achieve silky microfoam with small, glossy bubbles. If you want more foam, allow a bit longer at the surface to incorporate more air, using the extra 30 ml if necessary.

Settle milk

Tap the pitcher on the counter and swirl to pop any large bubbles and create a smooth, glossy texture. Wipe the wand and purge briefly.

Pour

Pour the steamed milk into the espresso cup: start from about 6–8 cm high to integrate milk and espresso, then bring the pitcher close and finish with a controlled pour to create a small cap of foam on top. Aim for roughly equal parts espresso and milk/foam for a balanced Cafféccino.

Lightly dust cocoa powder over the foam using a small sifter for a decorative finish. Taste and add more sweetener if desired. Serve immediately.