
Few drinks hit the way a properly made cappuccino does — that balance of bold espresso, silky steamed milk, and thick, velvety foam is genuinely hard to beat. This recipe walks you through the whole process from flushing the group head to spooning that final layer of dense foam on top, so every step is intentional and nothing is left to guesswork. The technique of keeping the steam wand near the surface to build volume before submerging it is the real secret to getting that smooth, glossy microfoam rather than a cup full of big, airy bubbles. Pre-warming the ceramic cup is a small detail that makes a noticeable difference, keeping the espresso from cooling too fast before you even take your first sip. With just finely ground espresso and cold whole milk, there are no hidden additives, flavored syrups, or nut-based creamers to worry about — just two clean ingredients doing exactly what they're supposed to do. The goal is equal thirds of espresso, steamed milk, and foam, and once you nail that ratio, you'll wonder why you ever paid café prices.
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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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