I've always held that a cappuccino, whether single or double, is one third espresso and two thirds microtextured milk, but I've noticed that very few people stick exactly to these proportions. Sticking strictly to them would mean that a double cappuccino would be served in a 180ml/6oz. cup, while a single would be served in a 90ml/3oz. cup, although I can't imagine many customers being happy to pay for a cappuccino as small as the latter.

 

Any opinions?

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If by "very few people" you are including the Istituto Nazionale Espresso Italiano than you are certainly correct. As I understand it, a legit Italian capp is a single espresso topped with steamed milk to make a 6ish ounce drink. By my math, that's not exactly thirds.

You know, I've heard lots about this "rule of thirds" thing and just don't quite get it. I'd really like to know where this rule originally came from anyway. Anybody have a citation?

For the record, I do love a 6oz capp made with a double espresso. That's what I make when someone asks me for a cappuccino. So I guess, strangely, I'm one of the ones that makes a "rule of thirds" capp.

To the other part of your original question... I'd say you could comfortably serve a 6oz cappuccino made with either a single or a double shot.
Many customers want the caffeine. Using ristretto shots does change the proportions technically. But I have found a higher adoption of the 6oz. cappuccino by pulling ristretto shots. Since it's a more intense espresso at the base. Oh, and using a slightly lighter roast then typical for an espresso roast.
Really there are only two things on the menu....

Espresso
Espresso with Milk

How much milk you use is up to you and the customer.


I hope I didn't just open up a can of worms...lol
I think the drink of thirds might mean the filled height of the cup, not the volume of the coffee.

When you put 3cl of espresso into a regular smallish tulip shaped cup and measure the top line with a ruler, the espresso does indeed fill approximately one third of the cup (from bottom to top). The last two thirds are much greater in volume though.

I hope Dan Brown isn't reading this because he'd certainly got more than enough material for a new lousy book.

Brady said:
If by "very few people" you are including the Istituto Nazionale Espresso Italiano than you are certainly correct. As I understand it, a legit Italian capp is a single espresso topped with steamed milk to make a 6ish ounce drink. By my math, that's not exactly thirds.

You know, I've heard lots about this "rule of thirds" thing and just don't quite get it. I'd really like to know where this rule originally came from anyway. Anybody have a citation?

For the record, I do love a 6oz capp made with a double espresso. That's what I make when someone asks me for a cappuccino. So I guess, strangely, I'm one of the ones that makes a "rule of thirds" capp.

To the other part of your original question... I'd say you could comfortably serve a 6oz cappuccino made with either a single or a double shot.

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