(CNN) — Need a little pick-me-up to get you through the day? You’re in luck – November 8 is National Cappuccino Day!
If you’ve ever praised a higher being for a cappuccino, you probably didn’t realize you were referring to the drink’s history. In Italian, cappuccino means “little cap.” Food historians say that the cappuccino got its name from the Capuchin monks who wore brown robes the color of espresso. When they wore the hood of the robes over their heads, the brown ring of cloth surrounding their white faces looked like a perfectly poured cappuccino.
For full disclosure, there are some who suggest that the espresso-based drink is actually of Viennese origin. The drink was called a “kapuziner” because “kapuziner” translates to Capuchin, and the color of the drink matched the Capuchin monks’ robes.
The way a cappuccino is made has evolved over the years, largely due to technology. Initially, the drink was made by combining espresso and heated milk. Then, the milk changed from being heated to frothed. Finally, with the advent of the espresso machine, the milk was steamed.
And in case you were worried you’d be bouncing off the walls if you tried a cappuccino today, don’t – it has the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee, it’s just more concentrated.
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