U.S. #5572
2021 55¢ Espresso Drinks – Cappuccino
Issue Date: April 9, 2021
First Day City: Seattle, WA
Type of Stamp: Commemorative
Printed by: Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd.
Printing Method: Offset
Format: Double-sided booklet of 20
Self-Adhesive
Quantity Printed: 200,000,000
Of all espresso drinks, perhaps the most famous is the cappuccino. In America, many of us remember the instant cappucino (and hot chocolate) machines at ball games or in school cafeterias. However, the real deal is quite different and has an interesting history.
The cappuccino has existed for hundreds of years, though its name did not appear in the history books until the 20th century. Like many espresso drinks, it originated in Italy, where it was named after the Capuchin friars. In Italian, cappucino means "little hood," as the drink matched the color of the hoods (robes) the friars wore.
In comparison to other espresso drinks, the cappucino is quite similar to the caffè latte. It does, however, have several key differences. The cappucino is generally smaller, has more foam, and a higher ratio of espresso to steamed milk. There should be roughly equal parts foam and milk. The layer of foam can be up to an inch thick at some espresso bars.
Like the caffè latte, a talented barista can create intricate, beautiful designs on top of a cappucino with the foam. Though, a traditional Italian cappucino is generally left plain on top. Regardless of how it looks, a cappucino is a little piece of Italian culture wherever you are. It makes any morning an extra bit better.