National Cappuccino Day

A cozy coffee shop with a barista pouring steamed milk into a cup, creating a beautiful cappuccino masterpiece. Classic coffee shop atmosphere, autumn vibes, plaid shirts, and warm smiles.. — National cappuccino day illustration

Okay, let's froth things up a bit and talk about a day that celebrates Italy's gift to coffee lovers around the world -- National Cappuccino Day! Oh yes, that steaming cup of espresso, hot milk, and foam that warms your heart one sip at a time. The nation fell in love with cappuccino around the same time some of us first exchanged beanie babies and couldn't get enough!

When is Cappuccino Day?

It's national cappuccino day on the 8th November.

From Italy to the World

As far as our internet trackers can tell, National Cappuccino Day started making a major froth-quake online around 2003. However, the history of the cappuccino itself extends way back to 17th century Italy. Italians have been starting their day with this delightful treat for centuries and now, we all get to share in the tradition!

Here's to Cappuccino!

The largest digital celebration we've seen was on November 8, 2016, a day when 3579 people chatted, tweeted, snapped, and posted about the joys of Cappuccino Day. From people sharing their decorative cappuccino art, to novices attempting to create the perfect foam heart, the internet was abuzz - caffeine style. And rightly so!

How to Celebrate?

It's straightforward, really. Brew your favorite cappuccino at home, or head to your go-to café to enjoy this delicious drink. And while you're there, don't forget to toast to the barista who makes you that perfectly balanced cup every day. Trust me, they appreciate it - especially since this pro-foam-ance takes skill!

Join the Online Buzz

Whether you're an advanced cappuccino drinker, a beginner, or someone who just enjoys watching latte art videos on YouTube - dive in! It's your day to share your love for cappuccino, hopefully alongside a lovely pastry too! Participate online - show off your favorite cup, your at-home barista skills, or simply use the day as a reason to enjoy a cup (or two) of your favorite coffee.

History behind the term 'Cappuccino'

17th century

The Origins of Coffee

In the 17th century, coffeehouses began to emerge as popular gathering places in Italy, especially in cities like Venice and Turin. These coffeehouses quickly became social hubs where people would gather to enjoy the newly introduced beverage, coffee. The popularity of coffee in Italy eventually led to the creation of various coffee-based drinks.

18th century

The Birth of the Cappuccino

The term 'cappuccino' first appeared in the 18th century in Vienna, Austria. It referred to a variant of coffee made with equal parts of coffee, cream, and sugar. This version of the cappuccino was quite different from what we know today, as it was closer to a multi-layered dessert rather than a traditional coffee drink.

20th century

Cappuccino Reimagined in Italy

It wasn't until the 20th century that the cappuccino, as we know it today, was born in Italy. Italian baristas began to experiment with different ratios of coffee, milk, and foam to create a more balanced and visually appealing drink. The final result was a beverage with equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and a thick layer of creamy foam on top. This new and improved cappuccino became immensely popular in Italy and started to gain global recognition.

1980s

Cappuccino Goes Global

In the 1980s, the art of making cappuccinos spread beyond Italy and reached international fame. Coffee chains like Starbucks played a significant role in popularizing cappuccinos worldwide. The drink became synonymous with Italian coffee culture and was no longer limited to traditional coffeehouses. With the rise of specialty coffee shops and baristas, cappuccinos became a staple in cafes all around the world.

Did you know?

Did you know that 'Cappuccino' gets its name from the Capuchin monks, known for their 'pointy' hoods which resemble the color of the foam on top of the coffee? Yes, sometimes you've got to 'dress' your coffee right!