Cappuccinos have been around since at least the early 1700s, and like most things, they’ve evolved quite a lot since then. Two distinct varieties have emerged — the dry cappuccino and the wet cappuccino — and pushing these preferences to their extremes gives us the bone dry and the super wet. But what do these terms actually mean, and how do they change your cup?
Wet vs. Dry: Understanding the Spectrum
A standard cappuccino is composed of a single espresso shot and hot milk, with the surface topped with foamed milk. The “wet” and “dry” distinction comes down to the ratio of liquid milk to foam.
- Wet cappuccino — prepared with less foam and more liquid (steamed) milk. The result is a smoother, sweeter brew.
- Dry cappuccino — prepared with extra foamed milk and less liquid milk. Dry cappuccinos tend to have a punchier, slightly more bitter taste.
- Super wet cappuccino — contains barely any foam and is similar to a latte.
- Bone dry cappuccino — the opposite extreme: no liquid milk at all, just a big foam layer atop the espresso.
How to Make a Bone Dry Cappuccino at Home
If you own an espresso machine (or an espresso/Moka pot), some milk, and a whisk, you can make a bone dry cappuccino without ever leaving the house.
Step 1: Steam the Milk
Pour some milk into a saucepan and bring it to a mild simmer. Use low heat until tiny bubbles begin appearing close to the edges. Take the saucepan off the heat once the bubbles start to form.
Step 2: Froth the Milk
Use a whisk or mixer to froth the milk. Once foam begins forming, whisk faster to increase volume. Continue whisking until a sufficient amount of airy, thick foam is present.
Step 3: Brew the Espresso
Grind your beans and pull an espresso shot. If you don’t own an espresso machine, a Moka pot works as a substitute.
Step 4: Combine
Pour the espresso into a mug, filling about two-thirds of it. Fill the remaining third with foam — and foam only. No liquid milk goes in.
That’s it. You can now relax and sip on your bone dry cappuccino. The intense espresso flavor shines through the airy foam, giving you a completely different experience from a traditional cappuccino.