You may be one of those people who don’t need a reason to have their favorite brew. National Cappuccino Day on November 8 is an added bonus for you, not a new occasion to start sipping coffee.
The traditional Italian coffee drink is made with espresso, hot milk and steamed milk foam. It was believed to have been originated in the 17th century. The name comes from the Capuchin friars and the colors of their habits, or more specifically, the hoods they wore, which inspired the name for the hot beverage.
The modern drink is made beginning with an espresso machine. It was first invented in 1884 in Turin, Italy, by Angelo Moriondo. Today’s machines can include a steam wand as used for the milk in the cappuccino. The actual drink served in the United States is approximately 12 fluid ounces, but was traditionally smaller, no more than 6 fluid ounces. The Italian word “cappuccino” is of 20th century origin, but is probably based on the German language word “kapuziner” that was mentioned in Austria in the 1700’s. That beverage consisted of coffee sugar, egg yolk and cream. It was popular during World War I were it had spread to parts of northern Italy.
Coffee in general grew by leaps and bounds in North America in the 1990’s with cappuccino showing up in upscale coffee houses. In continental Europe, and specifically Italy, it was served as a breakfast drink. Most Europeans still prefer to drink it then and not with other meals. In Western Europe it has begun to be served as an after dinner drink or with a dessert. The beverage has also appeared in a frozen form in the United States and Canada with growing popularity.
Regardless of what kind of form or size you prefer, or what time of day you like to drink it, don’t forget to have one on National Cappuccino Day.
