87% of Americans have admitted to consuming at least one cup of coffee a day.
From beans to brewing, the classic cappuccino is one of the most popular espresso drinks that you can find on various menus across cafes and restaurants across the world.
However, when you go to order, you may hear other espresso drinkers experimenting with cappuccino variations, such as a wet cappuccino, so you might wonder what this means.
Quick Answer: What is a wet cappuccino?
A wet cappuccino is similar to a regular cappuccino, but it contains more steamed than frothed and foamed milk, which gives it a creamier taste.
Keep reading to discover the ins and outs of a wet cappuccino, how it differs from a cappuccino versus a latte, and whether it is something that you should try for future coffee creations.
Back to the basics: what is a cappuccino?
You may consider the cappuccino as a sacred classic in the coffee universe as you can find that it has spread across the globe.
Still, before going in-depth about a wet cappuccino, it’s essential to learn the origins of a cappuccino.
Although the cappuccino originated in Italy, the formula is still the same, including a creamy, balanced mixture of espresso, steamed milk, and frothed or foamed milk.
Did you know that the name cappuccino takes its name from the Capuchin friars?
When the cappuccino drink was first developed in Italy, it was named after an order of monks, the Capuchin Friars, because its color looked the same as the robes of the Capuchin Friars.
Traditionally, Italians only consume milky coffee like a cappuccino in the morning versus after a meal, as a cappuccino tends to be more filling than some other coffee choices.
However, there are personal preferences of when they consume the drink and variations on the type of cappuccino you can get.
Tip: If you’re interested, you can learn more about the cappuccino in this article.
What makes a cappuccino a ‘wet cappuccino’?
When it comes to ordering espresso concoctions, words matter, and in the cappuccino realm, the two most popular are wet or dry.
When creating or ordering a “wet” cappuccino, it’s creamier because it has more steamed milk and less foam. It also has more liquid. The ingredients from a regular cappuccino don’t change, just the ingredient ratios of steamed milk and foam.
Whereas a “dry” drink will include more foam and frothed milk. Since less air from the foam has been injected into a wet cappuccino, it is not dry in taste or texture.
Is a wet cappuccino a latte?
The world of coffee is so versatile, as there are many different varieties to choose from and so many different ways to create your daily caffeine pick-me-up.
Interestingly, cappuccinos and lattes are made of similar ingredients, but their differences come down to their ratios:
- A cappuccino is made of equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and foamed or frothed milk.
- A latte is made using 30% espresso, 50% steamed milk, and 20% foamed milk on top.
However, a wet cappuccino is close to a latte, given the ratio changes, but what makes them different is the foam and milk.
Wet cappuccinos are made of the same espresso as a regular cappuccino with a higher ratio of steamed milk and a lower amount of foam.
A latte will have a limited amount of milk foam, depending on the person making the beverage.
I prefer making my lattes with a quite big foam topping, as you can see from the photo above.
How do you make a wet cappuccino?
Remember, a basic cappuccino recipe calls for equal amounts of espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk.
In contrast, a wet cappuccino calls for more steamed milk than the other ingredients. Want to craft your wet cappuccino?
Look no further, as below are the simple steps to make this beverage at home:
- Start with a single or double shot of espresso (depending on your mood for the day)
- Add a hefty layer of steamed milk on top of the espresso until you reach ¼ way to the top.
- Then, add your froth or foamed milk. If you do not have a frother machine at home, there are a few ways to froth milk without a frother. Check out these six easy techniques to make froth milk.
- If you want, you can add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or ground cinnamon to finish your cappuccino!
Does a wet cappuccino taste different from a dry cappuccino?
A cappuccino, whether wet or dry, creates an experience for the drinker. Overall, a cappuccino is creamy, smooth, and rich in flavor.
Interestingly, experimenting with the different ratios of ingredients between a wet and dry cappuccino can change the beverage’s profile.
This can include:
- Taste profile. With more steamed milk to dilute the bitter notes of the espresso, a wet cappuccino may be lighter and have a slightly more balanced tone. A dry cappuccino will have less steamed milk mixed into the beverage, making the espresso’s bitterness more pronounced, and an additional layer of foamed milk on the top and richer quality.
- Color may vary. With less steamed milk, the dry cappuccino will showcase the darker color of the espresso, while the wet cappuccino will have a medium shade with the addition of more steamed milk.
- Drink texture. Wet cappuccinos may contain less air than regular cappuccinos since they are made with hot milk versus cold milk. There will be fewer bubbles with less air pumped into the cappuccino. Less air in the beverage can create a smoother texture to the milk and overall wet cappuccino beverage.
- Foam variation affects the length of beverage insulation. With the additional foam on a dry cappuccino, the extra foam may keep the drink insulated and warmer for a more extended time. At the same time, a wet cappuccino may lose heat quickly with less foam and espresso exposure to the air.
Tip: Check out this comparison guide between a wet vs. dry cappuccino to learn more about their differences!
The verdict
A wet cappuccino is excellent for people who enjoy espresso flavors but want a bit creamier and balanced texture in tastes between the ingredients.
Although it is not the ‘traditional’ cappuccino, it is a must-try.
Whether you have attempted to order a wet cappuccino or put your coffee-making hat on and impress your friends, experimenting with new variations is half the fun.
Are you interested in learning more intel about all things coffee? Check out the following espresso-based recipes you can easily make at home below:
