You may have heard other nearby patrons order their after-dessert cappuccino a little differently. If you’ve always wanted to know but didn’t feel comfortable asking your local coffee shop owner, I’ve got you covered.
When it comes to coffee, the words you use can make or break your drink order—especially when it comes to cappuccino drinks.
Learning a few key phrases for ordering your cappuccino can make the difference between discovering a new favorite drink and tossing a costly one in the trash. Experiment with a coffee drink that you truly understand.
Let’s take a look at what a bone dry cappuccino is and how it compares to other types of this popular drink, as well as how to make a bone dry cappuccino at home.
So, the next time you have a coffee party, wow your guests with your up-to-the-minute espresso skills and prepare a delicious bone dry cappuccino like a pro barista.
Let’s start with the art of making a decent cappuccino.
What Counts As A Classic Cappuccino?
Cappuccino, the classic espresso-based coffee drink, is a synonym for coffee. It will always be on the menu, whether it’s early in the morning at your local cafe or late at night in a high-end restaurant.
The classic cappuccino is made of equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk. The word “cappuccino” comes from Italian, and it refers to a “little cap,” which is fitting since the head of foamed milk that sits on top of the drink’s espresso base is small. It is a popular Italian coffee drink that originated in Italy and was named for the Capuchin monks, whose light-brown robes resembled the drink.
Cappuccinos are a wonderful balance of delicious coffee tastes and creamy milk—a well-balanced, artistic drink. Thus, altering that balance can be challenging, but people continue to do it anyhow, which has resulted in some surprisingly delicious cappuccino variants.
Cappuccino Variants
Over time, creative and daring baristas have experimented with the basic cappuccino to create a few variations.
Dry Cappuccino
Before you go into the intricacies that make bone dry special, you should become familiar with a dry cappuccino.
A “dry cappuccino” is made with one shot of espresso and a lesser amount of milk than a classic cappuccino, which is then topped off with a generous layer of milk foam. You may also add two espresso shots; as long as you use the right amount of milk, your cappuccino will still be considered dry. The dry cappuccino is simply known as such because it has less milk than the wet or traditional cappuccino.
The espresso is more dominant in this style and is not weakened so much by the steamed milk. The thick layer of foam also keeps the rest of your drink nice and hot.
Who will love it?
For those who want to test a foamy mustache before growing their own, a dry cappuccino is a way to go. It’s also great for individuals seeking a macchiato foam with a bigger dollop of airy foam.
Wet Cappuccino
In case it isn’t obvious, a wet cappuccino is simply a little more “wet.” The drink has more milk in it, hence the name.
The wet cappuccino starts with the usual shot of espresso, followed by a generous addition of steamed milk, in comparison to your run-of-the-mill cappuccino. There is a thin layer of foam across the top but the same size cup.
The liquid milk balances out the stronger flavor profile of a darker espresso shot while also muting the nuances of a lighter, more complex roast.
The flavor of this wet capp is more creamy, smooth, and rich. You may think you’re drinking the smaller sibling of the popular lattes. Since full-fat milk is best for creating an even more velvety and smooth experience, it’s better for the wet cappuccino, which emphasizes its creamy texture and flavor.
Who will love it?
A wet cappuccino is ideal for individuals who enjoy lattes but want something with less milk. It’s also great for flat white fans who desire a bit more foam and texture in their drink. Or a drink that allows the flavors of espresso to shine through more without losing texture.
Bone Dry Cappuccino
Okay, so far, so good? Great. So what exactly is a “bone dry cappuccino?”
To make a bone-dry cappuccino, you start with a shot of espresso and then add a thick layer of milk foam on top of the espresso, filling the cup up to or over the top of the rim. That’s all there is to it. The absence of milk is what causes this drink to be “bone dry.” To put it another way, no milk, and all foam!
A bone dry cappuccino will take a long time to make and will require a lot of milk, owing to the large amount of foam that needs to be created.
It has a heaped milky foam that almost wiggles in the cup.
The thick milky foam gives it a more velvety mouthfeel while still letting the flavors of the espresso shine through. A thick milk foam pillow also insulates the espresso, keeping your cappuccino warm for longer.
A bone-dry cappuccino is right up your alley to have a great shot of espresso with a fun foam texture without smoothing out the taste with a bunch of steamed milk.
Anyone for an Everest of foam?
Who will love it?
With its punchy flavors and an airy texture, a bone-dry cappuccino is perfect for you if you want the mouthfeel and texture of your espresso without changing its flavor.
Super Wet Cappuccino
The super-wet cappuccino is on the other side of the spectrum from the bone dry. This implies that a cup of super wet shouldn’t have any foam at all and should instead contain a generous amount of steamed milk. The extra milk will give this cappuccino a somewhat closer flavor to that of a latte or flat white, with the espresso taste coming through more subtly than usual.
Who will love it?
If you are a fan of espresso, but can’t quite reconcile yourself to a straight shot or macchiato then perhaps a super wet cappuccino will do the trick. You’ll still get all that rich caffeine flavor while complementing it with the sweetness and creaminess of the steamed milk.
How to Brew Your Own Perfect Bone Dry Cappuccino At Home
The process of preparing a bone-dry cappuccino is quite simple. One of the key steps in making a bone-dry cappuccino is perfecting your milk frothing skills. It takes a while and will require a lot of milk to produce a larger amount of milk foam than a normal cappuccino does.
In fact, before you pull your espresso shot, froth the milk first. This is because during the time it takes to froth your milk, your espresso will not only lose heat but also the rich espresso crema that gives your coffee its unique flavor and aroma.
Here’s how to make a bone dry cappuccino that states like it’s straight out of an Italian café.
Sprinkle it with cinnamon or cocoa powder and get creative!
Wrapping Up
The bone dry cappuccino is undoubtedly a novel addition to the world of coffee making. If you order one, you’ll be facing in any cafe or coffee shop, as their distinct taste, form, and brewing method guarantee that you will stand out.
A strong cup of bone dry cappuccino in the mornings is certain to provide you with the caffeine boost you need to start your day.
A blend of espresso and foam, this rich beverage will have you wanting more!
Give it a try at home and as always,
Happy Caffeinating!
Taimoor followed his passion to become a coffee connoisseur and now travels the world to visit the most popular coffee shops. His cupboard is also stocked with a collection of brewing gadgets. He loves to drink Death Wish Coffee’s dark roast and highly caffeinated coffee grounds when he needs a boost of energy.
