How to Make a Cappuccino with a French Press

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Last Updated: October 17, 2023

Did you ever want to make a cappuccino but didn't have an Espresso Machine or a Steam Wand? A perfect cappuccino starts with a rich, velvety espresso and is topped with a delicate froth of steamed milk. But, did you know that you can still make one at home with a French Press? This simple pleasure is easy to make.

Ingredients

Espresso / coffee
Milk
Sugar or sweetener - to taste
(Optional) cocoa powder / chocolate flakes / cinnamon and/or ground nutmeg

Steps

It is not necessary to boil the milk. Skip this step if a cold cappuccino is desired.
Espresso is richer in taste than coffee made in a coffee maker. Make what you prefer.
The stronger the coffee, the less you'll need.
The froth is created by pumping down into the milk and pumping up out of the milk while holding the top down.
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Question

Can children drink it?

Community Answer

Coffee is not very good for children, it can cause hyperactivity, sleeplessness, and anxiety, and most kids will probably not like the taste of cappuccino. That being said, it's not a whole lot worse than giving them soda, so use your discretion.

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Tips

Cold skim milk froths best. It's perfect for cooling scalding hot tea but will overly cool a cappuccino.

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Add vanilla extract to the milk for a delicious vanilla-flavored cappuccino.

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Try using the French press to froth milk to be used in other recipes. It will add a lighter texture.

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Warnings

Do not overfill the mug with espresso/coffee. Espresso should take up about 25% of the mug; Regular coffee should take up no more than 50% of the mug. More espresso/coffee will make a stronger cappuccino.

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Hot milk can splash out and burn you.

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Pump up and down lightly at first.

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If you overfill the French press, froth the top part of the milk; pour that first part of frothed milk into the mug and continue frothing the rest.

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Less espresso/coffee will make a latte which in Italy is served to children.

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Do not boil the milk. Lightly heating the milk will allow you to drink the cappuccino without having to cool it first.

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