
Few drinks hit the way a perfectly pulled cappuccino does — that rich, bold espresso balanced by velvety steamed milk and a thick crown of foam is one of life's simple pleasures. The good news is that both espresso and whole milk are naturally free of gluten, so this classic café drink is completely safe to enjoy without any substitutions or workarounds. No specialty flours, no label-reading, no compromise — just two honest ingredients doing exactly what they're meant to do. The technique here is what separates a great cappuccino from a mediocre one. Pre-warming the cup, nailing that 25–30 second extraction, and steaming the milk to a smooth, glossy finish without large bubbles all come together to create something that genuinely rivals your favorite coffee shop. That equal-thirds ratio of espresso, steamed milk, and dense foam is the sweet spot, and once you get the hang of it, you'll wonder why you ever paid someone else to make it. Serve it immediately while the crema is still intact and the foam is at its peak — this is not a drink that waits around.
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Run a short flush of hot water through the espresso machine's group head to bring it to temperature, then discard the water. Fill the portafilter with 18–20 g of finely ground espresso, tamp firmly and evenly, and lock it into the group head.
Pre-warm a 6 oz ceramic cappuccino cup by filling it with hot water from the machine's steam wand or hot-water spout for 30 seconds, then discard the water.
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