Make a Cappuccino with a French Press

Did you ever want to make a cappuccino but didn't have an Espresso Machine or a Steam Wand? A perfect cappuccino starts with a rich, velvety espresso and is topped with a delicate froth of steamed milk. But, did you know that you can still make one at home with a French Press? This simple pleasure is easy to make.

Ingredients

  • Espresso / coffee
  • Milk
  • Sugar or sweetener - to taste
  • (Optional) cocoa powder / chocolate flakes / cinnamon and/or ground nutmeg

Steps

  1. Measure the amount of milk needed by filling the mug halfway with milk.
  2. Pour this milk into a small pot and heat. It is not necessary to boil the milk. Skip this step if a cold cappuccino is desired.
  3. Make espresso using either the French press or stove-top kettle. Espresso is richer in taste than coffee made in a coffee maker. Make what you prefer.
  4. Pour espresso/coffee into the mug making sure not to exceed the halfway point. The stronger the coffee, the less you'll need.
  5. Clean the French press.
  6. Pour the milk into the French press.
  7. Cover with the top/filter and pump up and down. The froth is created by pumping down into the milk and pumping up out of the milk while holding the top down.
  8. Continue pumping until desired froth is reached.
  9. Pour frothy milk over the espresso/coffee.
  10. Sprinkle cocoa powder / chocolate shavings / cinnamon and/or ground nutmeg.



Tips

  • Cold skim milk froths best. It's perfect for cooling scalding hot tea but will overly cool a cappuccino.
  • Try using the French press to froth milk to be used in other recipes. It will add a lighter texture.
  • Add vanilla extract to the milk for a delicious vanilla-flavored cappuccino.
  • Cocoa powder is traditionally used in all of Italy. Chocolate shavings add a gourmet touch. Cinnamon is commonly used in America. Try adding a hint of ground nutmeg for extra spice.
  • Soy milk goes well with the vanilla tea and can also be substituted for the cappuccino.
  • Espresso is best and is traditionally used in a cappuccino. If it is too strong for your taste, feel free to use regular coffee.
  • Try using vanilla tea for a delicious drink that tastes like ice-cream. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Try a mug of frothed warm milk with vanilla or almond extract for a delicious bed-time drink.

Warnings

  • Pump up and down lightly at first.
  • Hot milk can splash out and burn you.
  • Do not overfill the mug with espresso/coffee. Espresso should take up about 25% of the mug; Regular coffee should take up no more than 50% of the mug. More espresso/coffee will make a stronger cappuccino.
  • Less espresso/coffee will make a latte which in Italy is served to children.
  • If you overfill the French press, froth the top part of the milk; pour that first part of frothed milk into the mug and continue frothing the rest.
  • Do not boil the milk. Lightly heating the milk will allow you to drink the cappuccino without having to cool it first.

Things You'll Need

  • French Press
  • Coffee Mug
  • Small Pot
  • Tea-spoon

Related Articles