Coffee Knowledge
Wet vs dry cappuccino - what’s the difference?
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Know your wet cappuccino from your dry cappuccino and what the differences are with Nescafé. A guide to ordering coffee with confidence. Read more.
What is a cappuccino?
A cappuccino is a traditional espresso-based drink, prepared with steamed milk and milk foam. Like many other coffee items, it’s all about ratios. Cappuccino is usually served as one part espresso, one part steamed milk, and one part milk foam. It is also usually served in a smaller cup than a latte. Cappuccinos are a perfect blend of delicious coffee and creamy milk, and you may even get a little sprinkle of chocolate on the top. But there are a few ways you can tailor your next cappuccino for your particular taste.
Wet vs dry cappuccino
When it comes to coffee, words and terminology matter. Descriptive terms can make or break your coffee order, especially when it comes to ordering a cappuccino. ‘Wet’ and ‘dry’ are two key terms you need to know when ordering your next cappuccino.
Wet cappuccino
This is the traditional cappuccino that contains less foam and is creamier because it has more steamed milk. So basically, you are asking for a cappuccino with less foam. This variation has a slightly sweeter and smoother flavour, since more steamed milk than usual dilutes the espresso. Generally speaking, a cappuccino is one-third espresso and two-thirds milk, in a wet cappuccino the same amount of milk is used, but they divide it so that only 25% is milk foam and 75% is milk, rather than the usual 50-50 split. It is still a very tasty cappuccino, just with a milkier flavour, smoother mouthfeel and a thinner layer of foam.
Dry cappuccino
Not everyone likes the strong creamy texture and flavour of regular cappuccino. For those that want a bit more coffee without going full-coffee, the dry cappuccino is the perfect balance. Essentially, you are asking for more foam, since the foam is considered ‘dry’ compared to the liquid steamed milk. The size of the beverage stays the same. The only change is the ratio of steamed milk to foam. This variation features a thick, dense foam that floats on top of the shot of espresso. With less liquid milk poured into the coffee, the espresso has a richer, more distinct taste. It’s still a cappuccino, just with a much punchier flavour and dense layer of foam.
What are the different flavours?
There is a difference in flavour between wet and dry cappuccinos, but it’s not as significant as you might think. There different flavour profiles and depth depend on the milk to espresso ratio. Cappuccinos range from being creamier and more diluted in taste, to stronger with more intense flavour. Some cappuccinos can be made cold with either cold milk or with blended ice, and can even have flavoured syrups incorporated in them too.
Wet Cappuccino flavour profile
Due to the high volume of steamed milk, the mix with the espresso results in a more blended and sweeter flavour profile. The espresso is balanced out by the liquid milk, which softens the bitter notes of dark espresso shot, but may mute the flavours of a lighter, more subtle roast. When making a wet cappuccino, there is less air introduced to the milk. Less foam results in less bubbles and a smoother texture of the milk and espresso combination.
Dry Cappuccino flavour profile
Due to the lower volume of steamed milk, the espresso flavours will be a lot stronger and richer than in the wet cappuccino. With the smaller amount of liquid milk added to the drink, there will also be less of that creamy dairy flavour overall. With the extra air added to the cappuccino while it is being stretched (making of the foam), the result can be very foamy, which keeps the espresso hot for longer.
What is a Bone-dry and super-wet Cappuccino?
While wet and dry are where most people stop with their cappuccinos, some prefer to go further! Bone-dry cappuccino quite simply has no milk and all foam. A bone-dry cappuccino is slightly similar to a macchiato, but with a little more foam. A super-wet cappuccino typically consists of no foam, and all steamed milk. This extra-liquid beverage starts to resemble a flat white more than a cappuccino. The ‘super-wet’ comes from the extra steamed milk that is added onto the already ‘wet’ cappuccino. This can dilute the taste of the espresso, essentially leaving the mug full of creamy smooth milk.
The wet and dry cappuccino terminology depends wholly on the proportion of steamed milk. The more steamed milk, the ‘wetter’ the cappuccino, and the reverse for a dry cappuccino. Also, every type of milk will have a different result when steamed or frothed before adding it to the espresso shot, but that’s not to say it won’t still be a delicious cappuccino!
Now you know the difference between wet and dry cappuccino, learn more about instant coffee next.
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