Did you come to the foam altar to pray? I hope so, because we're talking about how to make a bone-dry cappuccino and spoiler: there's a lot of foam.
Like wine, humor, or a drunken mouth, a cappuccino can turn dry. A 2016 Starbucks blog post explains the differences between wet cappuccino, dry cappuccino and regular cappuccino, with a helpful chart showing the visual differences between the three. As shown in the picture, a standard cappuccino has an even layer of espresso, milk, and foam. A wet cappuccino is closer to a latte than a standard cappuccino, with more milk and less foam. And dry cappuccino? Say it with me, the key is in the bubble.
So, what exactly is a dry cappuccino? It's an espresso shot with just milk foam on top. That's it. No milk, just espresso and foam.
Now, if you're wondering " Why is cappuccino dry?" I don't have the answer for you. Some of us like our coffee with sugar and cream. Others prefer black. Others still defy logic and reason and dare to ask for a bubble bath-like drink. Is he a genius? Is this blasphemy? Would you consider ordering? Do all three agree?
You don't have to dig too deep to find that bone-dry cappuccino is one of those drinks baristas hate making. If you order a bone-dry cappuccino, you're likely to get a look, or at least a confused look. Major coffee chains like Starbucks don't have them on their menus, and they don't appear to be very common in the United States or around the world.
For those who are not intimidated by discomfort and want to order a dry cappuccino, make sure not to ask for milk substitute. As one barista on Twitter pointed out, dry cappuccinos cannot be made with non-dairy milk. At least not easily, since non-dairy milk doesn't froth as easily as regular milk. If you want to try it at home, though, obviously oat milk and coconut milk are the best non-dairy foams.
If, against all odds, it just makes you crave a dry cappuccino more, here's how you can make it at home:
- First, you need a milk frother to create the froth. For a helpful guide, watch this video on how to steam milk.
- Next, you'll prepare the espresso. This is easier if you have an espresso machine, although there are some really good instant espressos that will do the trick as well.
- Then, when the foam reaches your preferred foaminess, pour it over the espresso.
- Finally, revel in your choice.
A dry cappuccino is best paired with another controversial item, like a handful of cilantro or a cinnamon-raisin bagel with smoked salmon.
