Cappuccino Recipe

Inspired by The Monica

Time8m

Serves1

Make Cappuccino Recipe in just 8m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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1
Preheat equipment
Turn on your espresso machine and allow it to reach operating temperature. Run a short burst of water through the group head into the serving cup to warm the cup and group head.
2
Brew the espresso
Pull a double shot of espresso (approximately 60 ml). Use a dose of about 18–20 g finely ground espresso, tamp evenly, and extract to yield ~60 ml over roughly 25–30 seconds. Pour the freshly brewed espresso into the warmed cappuccino cup.

3
Prepare milk and pitcher
Pour 150 ml cold whole milk into a stainless-steel steaming pitcher. Cold milk gives you better control while texturing.
4
Purge and position steam wand
Purge the steam wand briefly to clear condensation. Position the wand tip just below the milk surface at a slight angle so you can both introduce air and create a whirlpool.
5
Texture the milk
Start steaming with the tip just below the surface for 2–4 seconds to introduce air (you should hear a soft hissing). Then lower the pitcher slightly so the tip is deeper and create a steady whirlpool to incorporate air and heat evenly. Continue until the pitcher feels warm and the milk reaches 60–65°C (140–149°F) — about 20–30 seconds total steaming. Aim for smooth, velvety microfoam with small, uniform bubbles and a foam layer roughly one-third of the final milk volume.
6
Polish milk
Tap the pitcher on the counter to break any large bubbles, then swirl the milk to integrate foam and liquid, creating a glossy, pourable texture.

7
Hold back the foam with a spoon and pour the textured milk (liquid portion) into the espresso, filling the cup to approximately two-thirds. This integrates the espresso and steamed milk.
8
Finish by adding the remaining microfoam on top with the pitcher or a spoon so the drink ends up roughly 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 foam. For latte art, bring the pitcher spout close to the surface and use controlled wrist motions to create a simple heart or rosette.
9
Add optional sweetener or garnish: stir in up to 1 tsp granulated sugar if desired. Lightly dust the foam with up to 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder or 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, according to taste.
10
Serve immediately on a saucer with a spoon. Enjoy while the foam is fresh and the drink is hot.