The Best Way How To Make Cappuccino With Nespresso
Cappuccinos are milky coffee drinks you can make with a single or double shot of espresso, hot milk and a top layer of milk foam. Compared to other coffee makers, learning how to make a cappuccino at home with Nespresso is a breeze. But with so many Nespresso pods to choose from, which ones are the best for a cappuccino? Keep reading to learn how to make cappuccino with Nespresso Vertuo or Original machines. Plus, I review all of the best Nespresso pods for a cappuccino.
What Milk To Use In A Nespresso Cappuccino?
If you drink dairy, whole milk at refrigerator temperature works best for making a cappuccino. It has the level of lactic sugar, protein and fat for steaming and frothing. The result is just the right level of creaminess and amount of foam. If you don’t like whole milk, use 2% reduced fat instead of skim if you are OK with a few more calories. Skim just can’t yield the taste or texture most people expect since it has no fat.
For people who prefer to drink plant-based milk, the best options are almond milk, oat milk or soy milk. All of these will steam well and create the right foam. Those labeled as a “barista version” from brands like Oatly, Califia Farms and Pacific Foods work very well. Other types of non-dairy milks like cashew or coconut milk won’t make a foam that is as dense as the others.
How to Make Cappuccino With Nespresso (Vertuo or Original)
To make a cappuccino, you will need to be able to froth milk. Only the more premium Nespresso Original models like the Creatista Plus, Latissima Pro or Latissima One come with built in frothers. If you have a Nespresso Vertuo machine or a more basic Original line model (like the Essenza Mini), then you will need an accessory like the Aeroccino 3 or 4.
If you are using an Aeroccino, you’ll want to make sure that the whisk inside has the coil around it before adding and heating the milk. You can reference the picture below for what this should look like. Using the whisk with coil will make the thick froth that you want on top of your cappuccino. Before sure to only fill the Aeroccino the bottom MAX line so the milk has room to expand. If you fill it too high, it will overflow.
To make a cappuccino follow these steps:
- Brew a single espresso pod (or double espresso pod if you have a Vertuo) into a glass
- Froth your milk and pour it into the cup that has the brewed espresso
- Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to scrape any milk foam out of the Aeroccino and into your cup
- You can top your cappuccino with cinnamon or dutched cocoa powder for a little treat
Can Nespresso Make An Iced Cappuccino?
To make an iced cappuccino, you can put the milk in the frother (with the coiled whisk!) and use the cold setting. If you want cold froth, quickly press the button twice within 2 seconds. While the frother is in operation, the light will be blue instead of red while it is cold frothing.
I recommend brewing your espresso pod directly into a HyperChiller. This accessory will cool your espresso quickly to prevent ice from watering down your drink. I use it almost every day and love it! My ice doesn’t melt right so my iced cappuccinos taste great, not watered down. Pour the espresso from the HyperChiller into a glass with ice. Then top it with the milk and cold foam from the Aeroccino.
The Best Vertuo Pods for A Nespresso Cappuccino
There are four types of Nespresso Vertuo pods – single espresso, double espresso, coffee and gran lungo. However, only single and double espresso pods can be used to make a Nespresso cappuccino. Regular Nespresso coffee pods cannot be used to make a cappuccino. Espresso capsules are brewed with less water compared to others. You’ll get a more concentrated cup of coffee that is perfect for this type of drink.
Vertuo Pods for Regular-Sized Cappuccino
Intensity: 11 out of 13
1.35 oz
If you are seeking a cappuccino with more caffeine, Diavolitto should be your pick. It packs 150 mg of caffeine per pod, which is more than other Vertuo line espressos. Diavolitto the most intense and powerful espresso Vertuo pod. It has a smooth and creamy texture with oak wood and leather notes.
Intensity: 9 out of 13
1.35 oz
Altissio is a good choice for you if you like a cappuccino with a strong taste. It is a full-bodied and creamy. Altissio features a thick crema and a bold taste with cereal flavor notes.
If both of those more intense pods sound good to you, you may enjoy a variety pack that has both flavors.
Intensity: 4 out of 13
1.35 oz
If you are looking for a light and sweet espresso, then Voltesso is a great choice. Voltesso is a light roast and mild. It has a balanced and round profile with a distinctly sweet aroma and biscuit notes. The milk will make this pod even smoother than it is when drinking it black.
Vertuo Pods for Large Nespresso Cappuccino
As the name implies, double espresso pods make twice as much as single capsules. That makes Nespresso Vertuo double espressos perfect for when you want a larger drink. Using a double espresso pod is also cheaper than using two single espresso pods!
Intensity: 6 out of 13
2.7 oz
Chiaro is dense, wild and indulgent. It is a dark roast coffee from South and Central America. As a result, it has a unique range of earthy and woody notes. When you prepare a cappuccino with Chiaro, then the drink will have a creamy texture with blonde caramel notes.
Intensity: 8 out of 13
2.7 oz
Scuro is a double espresso that is dark and bold. It has a dark and smoky profile because it is a highly roasted blend of coffee beans from South America. When brewed, you’ll notice aromatic notes of cocoa and vanilla. When you use Scuro in a Nespresso cappuccino, the milk makes those cocoa notes get even stronger.
Nespresso released a new double espresso pod called Dolce. It’s only sold on Nespresso.com. I’ve used this Nespresso pod in my cappuccinos at home and have enjoyed them.
Vertuo Pods for Decaf Nespresso Cappuccino
Intensity: 7 out of 13
1.35 oz
This decaf Vertuo pod is a great pick for a drink later in the day or in the evening. This dark roast espresso has a full-body and creamy taste. It is made from a blend of beans from Costa Rica and South America.
The Best Original Pods for Nespresso Cappuccino
Pods with a darker roast tend to work better for cappuccinos. The stronger intensity can cut through the milk. However, if you prefer your espresso lighter, then medium or light roast pods can work too.
Original Pods for Dark Roast Nespresso Cappuccino
Intensity: 9 out of 13
Firenze is dense with bold roasted and cocoa notes from its mix of Costa Rican and Brazilian beans. You’ll get a nice crema atop the espresso, so it has a creamy and velvety texture.
Intensity: 10 out of 13
Ristretto Italiano is a strong and powerful espresso inspired by Italy’s coffee culture. It has a mix of South American and East African beans. As a result, you will taste a mix of fruity notes and a hint of acidity as you sip this blend.
Original Pods for Medium Roast Nespresso Cappuccino
Intensity: 6 out of 13
This barista creation capsule has an aromatic profile of delicious caramel, coconut and vanilla. It is as sweet and creamy as a crème brulee. Caramel Crème Brulee is a blend of coffee beans from Brazil and Colombia. This blend gives it a smooth and creamy taste.
Intensity: 6 out of 13
Genova has a caramelized, toasted cereal aroma that will remind you of freshly roasted coffee beans. It is a mix of beans from Brazil, Central America and South America. This blend produces the delicate aroma and rounded mouthfeel that is representative of coffee from Northern Italy.
Original Pods for Light Roast Nespresso Cappuccino
Intensity: 4 out of 13
Volluto is delightfully sweet and smooth. It combines rich flavors with a round body. The lightly-roasted coffee beans from South America give this espresso sweet biscuit and fresh, fruity aromatic notes.
Original Pods for Decaf Nespresso Cappuccino
Intensity: 4 out of 13
You will find that Volutto decaf is delightfully sweet and smooth. It has rich coffee flavors and a round body. The lightly-roasted coffee beans give this espresso its sweet biscuit and fruity aromatic notes. One pod will have 3 mg of caffeine or less.
Intensity: 9 out of 13
Firenze decaf is dense with bold roasted and cocoa notes from its mix of Costa Rican and Brazilian beans. There is a nice crema that forms atop the espresso so it has a creamy and velvety texture. One pod will have 3 mg of caffeine or less.
