Cappuccino Recipes for Espresso Machines from a Coffee Cat

So you have your new espresso maker and want delicious cappuccino recipes for your espresso machine? See below for several to sip and savor.

Traditional Cappuccino

We’ll start with basic cappuccino. Sometimes the classic is all you want.

Once you are familiar with using an espresso machine, you’ll be ready to go. On your machine, select the cappuccino setting. Choose whether to pull one shot or two shots of espresso into your cup. I prefer mine a little sweet so I put a teaspoon of sugar into my cup BEFORE the espresso pours in, to help it start melting.

Then I stir it BEFORE adding the steamed milk on top. Use your machine’s wand or milk frother, if it has one, to pour the hot steamed, frothed milk or cream on top of your espresso.

If your machine doesn’t come with a frother, you can purchase separate products to create frothed milk. One of the best is a little metal pitcher with a frother attachment. You can also get a battery-powered wand frother. For either of these you have to heat up your milk first, then froth and pour into your cup.

For an extra touch, sprinkle cinnamon on top.

Now on for my own cappuccino recipes for espresso machines.

Spiced Cappuccino

Take the spice a bit further. Following the basic instructions above, add a teaspoon of spice of your choice to the grounds before pulling the shot with your machine. Several of my favorites are ground cardamom, cinnamon, fennel, anise, allspice, cloves, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg. Use only one at a time.

Spiked Cappuccino

This is for adults only. Instead of adding your sugar or sweetener to the cup before the espresso pours in, instead add half a shot to a shot of your favorite liquor. Some delicious options are Grand Marnier, Kahlua, Irish Cream, Anisette, Godiva Chocolate or a flavored vodka such as orange.

Flavored Cappuccino

For a similar adventure which is non-alcoholic, use a favorite coffee syrup for sweetener. Try Almond, Hazelnut, Mocha, Lavender, Vanilla or Blueberry.

Another option, especially if you want sugar-free, is to use flavored liquid stevia, or any sweetener with regular baking flavorings like almond or vanilla.

Aztec Cappuccino

Okay, so the Aztecs didn’t drink cappuccino’s, but they did drink spiced sipping chocolate. Follow the basic cappuccino recipe above, but add a teaspoon or less of cocoa powder to the coffee grounds. Then sprinkle a pinch of chili powder on top of the espresso and/or the steamed milk on top. Or substitute cinnamon for the chili powder.

We’re just getting started

Stay tuned for more recipe posts from a Coffee Cat. And leave your favorites below in the comments!