Cappuccino, Americano, Macchiato-- What's the Difference?

5/31/17 New Word Wednesday-- Cappuccino

Have you ever wondered what makes a cappuccino different from all of the other drinks out there? Have you ever wondered if secretly all those fancy names are the same drink? 

Don't worry, they're not. 

Generally, a cappuccino will have equal parts steamed milk, espresso, and milk foam. The milk will be frothed with a froth machine into a fluffy, foamy, milky topping  and poured on top of the espresso. This beverage is best consumed shortly after ordering it because of the fickle tendency of the milk foam. Foam, which is one of the things that make cappuccinos unique, will quickly disappear as the temperature cools. If you wait too long to drink it the flavor will change and it will no longer be a cappuccino. 

Disclaimer: the milk foam ratio may vary slightly depending on where you are ordering from, but the beverage must contain espresso and foam to be considered a cappuccino