It's an old saying, but when it comes to cappuccinos it's true. Size really does matter. I posted a bit about this earlier yet I didn't want to detract too much from the review. A single shot of espresso is typically 1.5 - 2 ozs. in size and is brewed in 20-30 secs. depending upon the espresso bean or if you cut it early (ristretto). 25 secs. seems to be a good estimate for most beans. Granted, you should always calibrate your grinder and machine to the bean to ensure the proper pull. With each new type of espresso we always run at least two shots through to get it "just right." Sometimes it takes more than that, sometimes we can get it in one shot.
For a cappuccino you have to think in thirds. One third is the espresso. Another third is the steamed milk. The last third is the foam (microfoam, that is). They should be as equal as possible. When you add it up you should come to about 5-6 ozs. Now, I'm not saying you should bust out a scale and weigh it all. That's a little too crazy. But the idea is that if you go into a cafe and they only have a 12 ozs. cappuccino, you are not really getting a cappuccino. Instead you're being served something closer to a latte. 8 ozs. is obviously still considered "too much" yet much better than 12 ozs. Once you start hitting the higher ounce drinks it becomes nearly impossible to have the right proportion of milk, foam, and espresso blended together in the correct way. Again, this is all fine and dandy if you want a latte...or a cafe mocha...or some other higher milk-to-espresso ratio drink. Yet if you're going for a cappuccino then go as small as you can. There are some places in Bend (I know Thump is one, I think Backporch and Bellatazza do too, have to check) that will serve a 6-8 ozs. cappuccino. Keep in mind that I haven't seen a 6 ozs. to-go-cup for coffee drinks other than the ones at Starbucks for that chocolate drink they serve(d). If you order in, which I highly recommend anyways as the paper cup taste ruins a good cuppa, then you can get the small cups that hold the proper amount. I have seen the 8 ozs. sized paper cups, yet again...paper makes it taste like crap.
So size does matter. There are no "venti's," or "grande's" in Italy and while this isn't Italy, we should remember that they know how to "do" espresso right. And honestly, if you want good coffee and to truly experience it, then get it made properly. A good espresso doesn't have to be covered up by a ton of milk, or caramel sauce, or mocha powder. I think we're so used to espresso tasting like acid because up until recently there hasn't been a whole lot of good places pulling perfect shots. That is, thankfully, changing. So get out there--ask for the right size if your favorite cafe doesn't already serve it--and if they don't serve it, ask them to change that. Or go somewhere else.
3 comments:
I seem to remember that the last time I went to Sparrow they served my cappuccino in a cup similar to the ones at thump... and that it was mighty tasty with my ocean roll. Yummm...
I guess I never really thought about the sizing, but it makes sense. I loved cappuccino in little European cafes, but gave up on years ago, because nothing ever matched that taste.
I always forget that Sparrow Bakery serves Stumptown coffee. Not sure if the cups are the small size as it was hard for me to tell last time I was in there. I need to actual sit down, have an Ocean Roll, and drink one of their cappuccinos.
Wendy, the larger sizes definitely ruin the strength and taste of the espresso. I wish more places served them in the 5-6 ozs. sized cups. That would really make my cappuccino loving heart happy!
Post a Comment