Cappuccino

Cappuccino — The 1:1:1 Classic

For a long time, cappuccino was thought of as a café-only drink — something you order at the counter, not something you brew at home. The truth is, the magic lies in the beans and in the balance, not in the machine.

With a moka pot for the base and a little care in warming, frothing, and pouring milk, you can recreate that classic 1:1:1 right in your kitchen. Smooth, bold, and finished with silky foam, a cappuccino is less a barista’s secret and more a home brewer’s reward. Brew it with Classico Misto for an easy daily cup, or Tosto Intenso if you prefer a darker edge.

SOP for Your First Cappuccino

Step 1: Brew the base
Use your moka pot to brew a concentrated cup. That’s your foundation for balance.

Step 2: Warm the milk
Heat fresh milk gently — hot to the touch but never boiling. Around 65–70°C if you’re using a thermometer. At this point, milk is naturally sweet and ready to froth.

Step 3: Froth the milk


Froth until the texture is glossy with tiny bubbles, like wet paint.

  • With a frother: stop when it looks silky, not stiff.
  • Without a frother: whisk briskly, pump in a French press, or shake in a jar.

Step 4: Build the 1:1:1
In your cup, think of three equal layers:

  • Coffee at the base
  • Warm milk in the middle
  • Foam on top

What to Expect

  • Look: A smooth cap of glossy foam that blends gently with the milk below.

  • Taste: Bold coffee balanced by creamy milk, finished with a light sweetness from the foam. Not too strong, not too milky — just right.

Don’ts (Common Mistakes)

  • Don’t boil the milk — it tastes flat and won’t froth.
  • Don’t whip the foam until it’s stiff — it should pour, not sit like meringue.
  • Don’t skip balance — if you overload with milk, it becomes a latte, not a cappuccino.

Roaster’s Tip

Practice the pour — coffee first, milk second, foam last. With time, you’ll see how the layers merge into that classic café texture. If you’re just starting out, use a weigh scale to keep the 1:1:1 ratio precise until your eye is trained.

👉 Recommended Beans: Classico Misto (smooth daily cup) or Tosto Intenso (dark and bold).

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