Hey there, coffee fam! So you’re a cappuccino lover, huh? Same here! Something magical about that blend of strong espresso, velvety milk, and frothy foam excites us baristas. But listen, if you want to take your cappuccino game to the next level, you have a start with the right beans. Trust me, I’ve pulled more espresso shots than I can count. So, let’s dive in!

What Are The Best Coffee Beans For a Cappuccino?

The best types of coffee beans for cappuccino is going to be fully dependent on your tastes. Coffee beans from all over the world, with different flavor notes, and unique tastes that may or may not agree with you.

I encourage trying different beans from different places to find your favorite. Some of the things I look for in a bean for a cappuccino is:

1. Arabica: It’s like the Beyoncé of coffee beans—smooth, a little sweet, and always a hit.
2. Robusta: For those who like their coffee like a rock concert, strong and intense.
3. Ethiopian Yirgacheffe: Think of it as your floral, fruity playlist for a sunny day.
4. Colombian: The well-rounded friend who gets along with everyone.
5. Brazilian Santos: Sweet but not too flashy—like a good acoustic song.
6. Guatemalan Antigua: Full-bodied and complex, like a jazz ensemble.
7. Sumatra Mandheling: Dark, chocolatey, and a bit mysterious—like a late-night blues club.

Roast Levels

• Medium to Dark Roast: Beans with a medium to dark roast tend to have richer flavors and can stand up to the milk in a cappuccino without getting lost.
• Arabica beans: Known for their sweet, fruity flavor and are the most popular type of coffee bean. They are grown at high altitudes and are intense with their flavor without introducing bitterness or acidity.
• Freshly roasted beans: It is important to use freshly roasted beans for the best-tasting cappuccino. Freshly roasted beans will have a more robust flavor and aroma compared to beans that have been sitting on a store shelf for weeks or months. Look for a local coffee roaster or purchase beans online from a company that roasts to order.
• Whole Bean: Whole beans retain their freshness longer than pre-ground coffee, ensuring a better cup of cappuccino.
• Well-Balanced Flavors: Beans with well-balanced flavors that include notes of chocolate, caramel, or nuttiness can complement the creamy texture of a cappuccino.

Bean Talk: What to Look For

Alright, let’s get a bit nerdy:

• Flavor Notes: You want floral? Nutty? Fruity? It’s like picking a genre for your daily soundtrack.
• Mouthfeel: From smooth jazz to punk rock—what’s the texture vibe you’re going for?
• Roast Level: Light, medium, or dark? Each has its own vibe, like different music festivals.
• Origin: Coffee beans from different places taste different, kinda like regional music styles.
• Certification: Fair Trade, Organic—think of these as the Grammy Awards for coffee.

Best Coffee Beans For Cappuccino: Our Picks

1. Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend
2. Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Espresso Roast
3. Black Rifle Coffee Whole Bean (Murdered Out (Extra Dark Roast)
4. Peet’s Coffee Espresso Forte
5. Starbucks Espresso Roast

Our Favorite Coffee Beans For Cappuccino Making

1: Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend

Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend makes our list with an earth, spice world signature blend. Sourced from Latin America and the Indo-Pacific, the profile is rich, complex and full bodied. It combines the best origin coffees for a smooth and balanced flavor. Major Dickason’s is an excellent bean for making a cappuccino with a medium body. Mediaum-dark roasted to perfection, flavorful, and very satisfying. Peet’s also prides itself on roasting the beans 5 days a week and sealing, and shipping the coffee so it arrives fresh when it arrives to your doorstep.

• Interesting flavor
• Extremely well reviewed
• Whole bean or ground is offered
• Hand roasted same day it ships

2: Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Espresso Roast

Lavazza is one of the best known Italian manufacturer of coffee products. That’s why it’s no surprise that we’re big fans of Lavazza Super Crema. Super Crema is a full body flavor with notes of hazelnut and brown sugar and tastes like a true Italian cappuccino. A medium-light roast, this is a 60% Arabica / 40% Robusta blend that brings balanced roasting that provides rich aromatic intensity with a lighter touch of sweetness.

• Aromatic notes of brown sugar & hazelnut
• Reviews back up the incredible velvet-like crema
• Strong and well balanced taste
• Whole bean / grind to your liking

3: Black Rifle Coffee Whole Bean (Murdered Out (Extra Dark Roast)

The Murdered Out blend is extra-dark and roasted that brings the coffee’s natural oils to the surface of the bean without tasting burnt or over-powering. The Murdered Out is a Colombian with a bold aroma with smoky flavors that also happens to be low acid due to the roasting process. It is an excellent coffee for espresso and cappuccino.

We’re big fans of Black Rifle Coffee because they make some of the best coffee in the USA. They travel to their coffee farms and have an incredibly close relationship with the growing process, and each purchase also supports veterans. Black Rifle Coffee dedicated themselves to hiring 10,000 veterans, and has a track record for hiring Afghan refugees that helped us during the conflict. They’re doing a good deed.

• Strong & smooth
• Not bitter
• Perfect for espresso
• May grow hair on your chest 😉

4: Peet’s Coffee Espresso Forte

We’re big fans of Peet’s Coffee Espresso Forte because it is Peet’s staple espresso line. Stout body, rich flavor, and perfect crema, this espresso is a slam dunk. Dark roasted, medium brightness, and a full body, this signature blend originates from the Americas and Indo-Pacific. We’re big fans as well because Peet’s roasts and ships your coffee same day for ultimate freshness and they offer a discount if you subscribe for delivery. Peet’s also offers whole bean, and coarse to fine options for whichever brew method you go with.

• Excellent crema
• Well reviewed
• Hand roasted / shipped same day
• Whole bean or ground to specifics

5: Starbucks Espresso Roast

It wouldn’t be an espresso showdown without an appearance from Starbucks’ own Espresso Roast! Crafted for espresso, this time-honored dark roast boasts with notes of rich molasses and caramel. Made from 100% Arabica coffee beans, this is the same coffee bean you’d see in a Starbucks location. The beauty of this coffee is that it comes as a whole bean so you can decide the grind. Extra fine for espresso, or make it for a drip brewer or coffee press.

• Well known Starbucks staple
• 100% ethically sourced

How Is a Cappuccino Made?

A traditional cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. The espresso is prepared using finely ground coffee beans and brewed using an espresso machine. The steamed milk is made by using a steam wand on a milk pitcher to create a velvety texture. The milk foam is created by adding air to the milk to create a thick, creamy foam.

Cappuccinos are often served in small, 6-8 oz. cups and are typically enjoyed as a morning pick-me-up or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. They can also be flavored with syrups or spices, such as chocolate, vanilla, or cinnamon.

While cappuccino is traditionally made with cow’s milk, there are also options for those who prefer plant-based milks. Soy milk, almond milk, and oat milk are all popular choices for making a dairy-free cappuccino.

How To Make a Cappuccino

A cappuccino is a coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk, and a thick layer of foam. It is a popular choice at coffee shops and cafes, and can also be easily made at home with a few simple ingredients.

Here is a basic recipe for a cappuccino:

Ingredients:

• 1-2 shots of espresso
• 1 cup of milk
• Sugar or sweetener (optional)
• Flavored syrup or extracts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brew the espresso according to your preferred method.
2. Heat the milk in a saucepan or microwave until it is hot and steamy, but not boiling.
3. Use a frother or whisk to froth the milk until it has a creamy and smooth texture. Alternatively, you can use a hand-held frother or an electric frother to froth the milk.
4. Pour the brewed espresso into a mug.
5. Add any desired sweeteners or flavorings to the mug.
6. Pour the frothed milk into the mug, using a spoon to scoop the foam from the top of the frothed milk and add it to the mug. The foam should form a thick layer on top of the cappuccino.
7. Serve and enjoy your cappuccino!

The Origins of Cappuccino

The origins of the cappuccino can be traced back to the coffeehouses of Milan and other northern Italian cities, where the drink was created as a way to add a new twist to traditional espresso.

The name “cappuccino” is thought to come from the resemblance of the drink’s color to the robes of the Capuchin monks, who were known for their distinctive hoods, or “cappuccinos,” that were the same color as the drink. The cappuccino was originally intended as a morning drink and was typically consumed with a small pastry or biscuit.

The cappuccino quickly gained popularity in Italy and soon spread to other parts of Europe and eventually to the United States and other parts of the world. It became popular in America in the 1920s and 30s. The cappuccino was originally intended as a morning drink and was typically consumed with a small pastry or biscuit. With the arrival of the specialty coffee movement in the 1980s and 90s, the cappuccino became a popular choice for coffee lovers looking for a rich and satisfying coffee experience. Today, cappuccinos can be found on the menus of coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants around the world.

Other Coffee Beans That Work Well With Cappuccino

• Espresso Beans: Espresso beans are the most popular choice for making cappuccino. They are roasted to a dark roast level, which gives them a rich, bold flavor that is perfect for making a strong espresso shot. Espresso beans are typically a blend of different types of coffee beans, including Arabica and Robusta.
• Brazilian Coffee Beans: Brazilian coffee beans are known for their low acidity and rich, full-bodied flavor. They have a nutty and chocolaty flavor profile that works well with the creamy texture of milk in cappuccino.
• Colombian Coffee Beans: Colombian coffee beans are a popular choice for making cappuccino because of their smooth, balanced flavor profile. They have a medium body and a mild acidity, which makes them a great choice for those who prefer a milder coffee taste.
• Ethiopian Coffee Beans: Ethiopian coffee beans are known for their fruity and floral notes, as well as their full body and low acidity. They have a complex flavor profile that works well in cappuccinos, providing a unique and exotic flavor that can add depth to your drink.

Wrapping Up Best Coffee Beans For Cappuccino