National Cappuccino Day- What and Why We celebrate?

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November 8, 2022
National Cappuccino Day- What and Why We celebrate?

You might not have been aware, but the 8th of November is actually National Cappuccino Day! This is crucial information for any coffee lover, no matter the preferences, but especially if cappuccino is on your favourites list. How did we end up celebrating it? How did cappuccino originated? What does the word ”cappuccino” mean? All these questions will be answered, but first off, let's start with the basics.

What is cappuccino?

You most likely heard about it before, after all it is an insanely famous drink. But how is it actually prepared and what is the difference between it and a latte, for example? Well, mathematically, cappuccino is made up of 1/ 3 espresso, 1/ 3 steamed milk and 1/ 3 frothed milk. Therefore, espresso stays at the foundation of it.  Because of it, the taste is exceptionally rich and bold and the flavour is perfectly balanced by the milk. Of course, the times have changed and now you even have the opportunity to choose plant based milk if that is your preference or you just want to avoid some possible stomach issues. 

If you ever happen to have the privilege to drink a cappuccino in Italy, take care! Italians are quite strict when it comes to the acceptable hours of consuming a cappuccino, meaning that if you order one any time later than about 10 or 11 A.M. you will most likely be considered a bit weird. This is because they believe that too much milk, especially after a meal, will end up with an not-so-happy stomach. Therefore, the tradition in Italy is to drink your cappuccino in the morning only. 

How did it appear?

Espresso took a jump in popularity, especially in Europe, in 1903, when Luigi Bezzera invented the espresso machine. This made the drink a lot more accessible for many people, bringing the drink into the comfort of their own home. This way, cappuccino also gained popularity throughout Europe, especially Italy. Sometime between 1990 and 2000 the craze also got to America because of the sudden growth of the coffee industry there. 

The word ”cappuccino” itself also has a history, or a few different versions of history, so to say. One of them suggests that the name came from the color of the robes that were worn by The Order of Friars, as ”cappuccino” is derived from the Italian ”cappuccio”, which means ”hood”. 

The second version is also related to The Order and says that the original name of the brew was ”kapuziner” and it emerged in Vienna, around the 1800s. Back then, the measurements were not as exact. They just poured milk in espresso until the color matched the typical light brown robes of the Capuchin monks, who were an Order of Friars that came to visit the Emperor Leopold I, while also frequenting the first cafe that was opened there.

 From a third point of view, the name was inspired from the similarity of the way the milk mixed with the coffee and the ”haircut” of a Friar: a bald head surrounded by a ring of hair. Guess which one is our favourite!

Even so, it is believed that the cappuccino that we know today is the works of the Italian culture. You might not be too surprised to learn that they have The Italian National Espresso Institute, which has even delivered a definition of the perfect cappuccino, in their vision: ”The Certified Italian Cappuccino has a white colour, decorated with a brown border, more or less often in the classic cappuccino… The cream has narrow links with very fine or absent holes.”

How to celebrate?

Well, how any other way could you than savouring one? Either you are making one at home before you leave for work, or you order one from your favourite coffee shop. Another opportunity that you could take advantage of is that many shops have special discounts, offers, or even freebies! Make sure that the cappuccino doesn't get lonely and get him a fresh, savoury pastry friend! Also, share this special day with other coffee or cappuccino enthusiasts and make it a special day for yourselves.

So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead! Happy National Cappuccino Day!

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