Cappuccino is an Italian beverage, prepared with espresso and milk. A cappuccino is generally defined as 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk and 1/3 frothed milk. Another definition would call for 1/3 espresso and 2/3 microfoam. A cappuccino differs from a latte, which is mostly milk and little foam. (A "dry cappuccino" has less milk.)
In Italy it is consumed almost exclusively early in the day for breakfast; in some other countries may be consumed throughout the day or after dinner.
Besides a quality shot of espresso, the most important element in preparing a cappuccino is the texture and temperature of the milk. When a well-trained barista steams the milk for a cappuccino, he or she should create what is called microfoam by introducing very tiny bubbles of air into the milk. This gives the milk an extremely velvety texture and sweet taste.
A cappuccino is ideally prepared in a ceramic coffee cup, which has far better heat retention characteristics than glass or paper.
In some places, skilled baristas create latte art when pouring properly steamed milk into the espresso, making designs such as hearts, leaves and rosettes.
The origin of the name is uncertain. According to the Oxford English Dictionary and the American Heritage Dictionary, the drink was named cappuccino because its color resembles the brown color of the robes worn by the Capuchin order of Franciscan friars. This order was, in turn, named for the capucize (cappuccio), or long pointed cowl, worn by the friars. On the other hand, in Italy, it is believed that the etymology derives from the fact that the cream typically covers the beverage as a sort of little hat (also named cappuccio in Italian).
A third legend is that during the Second Ottoman War, the Capuchin friar Marco d'Aviano (beatified in April 2003) invented the drink after the Christian forces of the Hapsburg Monarchy beat the Ottoman Turks back from the siege of Vienna. Allegedly, d'Aviano added milk and honey to sweeten the bitter coffee left by fleeing Turkish armies. Since a modern cappuccino does not necessarily contain honey, and its essential characteristic is its crown of frothed milk, it seems likely that (if the legend is true) the drink has undergone some transformations from that time.
In Italy, the word "cappuccino" is also slang for condom, although this usage probably derives from the common association of condoms and hats, and not from any relationship with the coffee drink.
