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
- Measure the amount of milk needed by filling the mug halfway with milk.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pour espresso/coffee into the mug making sure not to exceed the halfway point. The stronger the coffee, the less you'll need.
- Clean the French press.
- Pour the milk into the French press.
- 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.
- Continue pumping until desired froth is reached.
- Pour frothy milk over the espresso/coffee.
- 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
