Welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: November 8th, 2022. Its funny today is National Cappuccino Day as we had went to run errands this morning and all Charlie did was ask for Starbucks or McDonalds. Do you think Charlie got either of these? He didn’t we went to Dunkin Donuts and he got a Cappuccino there.
NATIONAL CAPPUCCINO DAY
Enjoy CAPPUCCINO on November 8th as we celebrate National Cappuccino Day! Or in other words Double Espresso, steamed Milk and foam. It’s amazing that these simple ingredients can make us so happy! Start the day with Cappuccino, or wind down after dinner with a CAPPUCCINO alongside a rich dessert.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CAPPUCCINO DAY
Before we delve into the history of Cappuccino; let’s go through some basics. Espresso Coffee forms the base from which Cappuccinos are made. Espresso results from a highly-pressurized process which forces hot Water through dense, tightly-packed grounds resulting in less than an ounce of an incredibly strong brew with an Earthy taste and rich aroma. Cappuccinos are made from Espresso, hot Milk and lots of foam.
There’s an unverified legend that a 17th Century Monk named Marco d’Aviano first created the Cappuccino after the Battle of Vienna in 1683. Many historians conclude that Cappuccinos do originate with a subset of the Catholic Church’s Friars, the Capuchin Monks around that same time. Coffee being the global drink that it is, has always found a place in Vienna. By 1805, an early version of the Cappuccino, also known as the “Kapuziner,” starts to appear in Viennese Coffee houses. These drinks were “Coffee with Cream and Sugar.” Cappuccino, is descriptive. Cappuccino refers to the deep, brown color of the hooded frocks or “cappuccini,” worn by 17th Century Capuchin Monks in Italy.
Later, in 1901, Italian inventor, Luigi Bezzera, filed the first patent for an Espresso Machine. That created wide demand for the delicious drink but only a few restaurants could make Cappuccinos because the machines were bulky and not easy to use. However, after WWII, technical improvements made Espresso machines easier to use and their popularity spread throughout Italy and other parts of Europe and the world. The rest is frothy, Espresso-infused history.
In the United States, Cappuccino reached the zenith of its popularity due in large part to Seattle and Starbucks. Although we honor National Cappuccino Day, no organization or person has stepped up to claim its creation. Still, we appreciate a wonderful part of our morning routine.
NATIONAL CAPPUCCINO DAY ACTIVITIES
- If you have time today invite a friend to Coffee. Catch up on life as you sip your daily dose of Coffee from a warm mug.
- Don’t let the fancy name fool you. Cappuccinos are simple to make with the right equipment. Purchase a Espresso Maker and start enjoying your favorite Caffeinated beverage at home, any time you want one.
- Share your creation on Social Media because it you don’t share it, did it really happen? With Baristas creating custom masterpieces in the foam, Cappuccino is like art. Post your foamy artwork with the hashtag #NationalCappuccinoDay for the world to admire.
4 ALTERNATIVES FOR CAPPUCCINO ENTHUSIAST
- Lattes have the same amount of Espresso as a Cappuccino, but more Milk, requiring them to be served in a larger cup. Add a flavored Syrup to change the flavor up!
- Flat Whites are prepared with a milder, double shot of Espresso and Milk with very little foam.
- Macchiatos are a great fit for the Espresso lover, as they match Cappuccinos in their Espresso measurement, but contain less Milk.
- For a slightly richer flavor, enjoy this Spanish hybrid with its equal parts of Espresso and condensed Milk, without foam.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL CAPPUCCINO DAY
- To honor this beloved Espresso let’s indulge in an extra foamy Cappuccino. Every Coffee Shop and a number of restaurants make Cappuccino. Order up a Cappuccino alongside your breakfast to cap off the day.
- The concept of Cappuccinos dates back to the 1700s, stretching across Europe under a number of different names. The modern day version was dubbed “Cappuccino” after the color of the Monks’ robes of the Capuchin order. That’s hundreds of years of history brewed into one steamy mug!
- Sharing Coffee has a way of bringing people together. Whether it’s shared across a conference table or from a Coffee Shop with friends, a warm cup of Cappuccino has a way of drawing a crowd. Purchasing a Cappuccino for a friend is a love language all its own!
- Capuccino was invented in Italy and this beverage was first patented by a man named Luigi Bezzera in 1901. Cappucinos is a derived from the Italian word “cappuccio,” which means “hood.”
- Cappucino became very popular during and after World War II. During this time, Cappuccino machines were improved and many restaurants began serving Cappuccio. By the 1950s, Cappuccino had evolved into its present form. Cappuccino is now widely available in convenience stores and restaurants worldwide.
- In Italy, Cappuccino is traditionally consumed once a day with breakfast.
- The steamed foam served with Capuccino serves as an insulator and allows the liquid to retain its heat for a longer period of time.
- Capuccino is rumored to have been named after Marco d’Aviano: a Friar who led the resistance to the Turkish siege of Vienna in 1683. This rumor has not been supported by any historical evidence.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates