Capresso's All-In-One Machine: The Capresso 303 4-Cup Espresso Cappuccino Machine

Your espresso tastes like coffee brewed by a professional barista when you have the Capresso 303.01 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Machine doing the brewing for you.

This easy to use coffee machine is no simple brewer of coffee, but a magical contraption that spews delightful cappuccino and espresso.

After recommendations from its patrons, Capresso improved the typical brewed coffee maker by adding cappuccino/espresso features. This improvement was welcomed with delight by its users who are surely not short-changed with this innovation.

What makes Capresso 303.01 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Machine worth the buy?

It's a Capresso.

Nobody turns down a Capresso machine. Its high quality coffee makers have been a must-have during corporate functions as well as in coffee shops. A Capresso in your own kitchen is truly something to be proud of.

More than Just Brewed.

The Capresso 303.01 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Machine produces espresso, latte and cappuccino as well as your basic brewed coffee. All of this in just one machine. It's like having a coffee shop in your own home.

Four Times the Fun.

One set brewing produces four cups of coffee. Of course, after a cup of its coffee, you will still crave for more.

Steam Option

You can switch from brewing coffee to steaming milk or vice versa.

Coffee Strength Modes

The Capresso 303.01 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Machine is designed to create different levels of coffee strengths - strong, medium, mild.

Swivel Frother

The frother can be easily adjusted, depending on the amount of milk that needs to be frothed.

Safe to Hold and Carry.

This coffee machine's filter holder has a thumb guard that enables you to have a strong grip of the machine.

Excellent Coffee.

Last but not least the Capresso 303.01 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Machine produces excellent taste of coffee - may it be espresso, latte or cappuccino. Its boiler is fast as well. In just few seconds, your espresso is ready in flavorful taste and rich aromatic feel.

If you are a coffee aficionado and skilled at figuring out coffee machines, you will likely have an edge over first time users. Some of the instructions that come with the machine have left some users wanting more clarification. While that may be draw back, the good part is it is really that easy to figure out and most coffee maker owners won't feel like as if they were diffusing an atom bomb. It's that easy to get acquainted with and start using.

Consumer ratings of the Capresso 303.01 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Machine have been overall good. Accordingly, the excellent features and durable quality of the machine are not the only reasons why buyers prefer this product - the affordable price of Capresso 303.01 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Machine also took a say in its high standing in the market.

So why make the trip to the cafe or your favorite barista when you can have your own little coffee shop at home with the all around Capresso 303.01 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Machine.

Lucy Starling loves coffee and loves writing about coffee makers like this Capresso 303.01 Review. You can find FREE in-depth unbiased Capresso coffee maker reviews on CapressoCoffeeMakerReviews.com

Types Of Coffee Used In Cappuccino Machines

Barista are professional coffee makers. They are an expert in the art of coffee making and have intensive knowledge of different coffee blends, their varieties, quality etc. Obviously such experience will have a hand in shaping the judgment of coffee beans.

Sharing the Barista's objective of searching the right beans that would produce a great blend are the buying companies and "Cuppers"(tasters by profession or judges of coffee contests). In the end the person who gets a direct feedback by serving the final customers whether all that effort paid off, is the Barista.

What's Barista's take on the beans and its end product? Let's see.

Around 70 countries produce coffee beans presently in areas within 25-degree north and south along the equator, from the Caribbean to South America, Hawaii, from the Middle East to Africa.

Due to the variation in techniques, equipment, altitude, weather condition and other factors at work, the coffee beans grown in different countries produce different flavor. Variations in the brew also arise because of variant plantations.

But basically there are two types of coffee plants - Robusta and Arabica. For the best flavored coffee the Arabica, which has Robusta's caffeine by half but with great aroma and flavor is chiefly used.

Higher altitudes are favorable for growing coffee. That is why preference is given to the "Milds", whose Arabica bean plants grow at an altitude above or at 3000 feet (915m) than there Brazilian counterparts grown at a lower altitude called Brazils.

Next to the above judgment varies based on whether one likes the beans roasted or unroasted, as the latter is soft and green giving off a vegetative smell. This type of odor is normal for the unroasted beans.

The types further broaden for those who like roasted. One is the highly caffeinated and acidic flavored, 'cinnamon' (the spice's color and not the flavor influenced the name) or light.

The slightly darker, 'American' roast or medium though not "up to the mark" amongst the Barista's opinion, is popular since many coffee vendors like Yuban, Folger etc use it in large degree.

Usually used in most cappuccino machines is the 'City' roast or dark type. The acidic taste and amount of caffeine is minimized to form a sweeter and less bitter flavor and can be found in many shop's specialty.

On the scale of drinkable is the 'Italian' roast which is the darkest. The pungent aroma with deep brown color is characteristic and can be found in 'special' espresso.

The drinks acidic taste lessens and becomes sweeter if one goes down along the color scale of the beans. The drink mallows down as most of the caffeine gets burned out.

Next time you have trouble deciding on the right beans amongst the large number of choices you find yourself, you can take the advice of the Barista, for the person can provide the best option for your taste.

John Bakers's news stories can be encountered on quite a few web publications linked to coffee. You might find out more about his articles on how to make espresso and coffee at http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com/

Espresso Cappuccino Machines

While espresso is pure coffee and water, cappuccino can be best described as one-third steamed or frothed milk and espresso. Cappuccino is prepared using milk and espresso. Like espresso, it is an Italian beverage.

One of the most important elements while preparing cappuccino is the temperature and texture of the milk. One of the best ways to create cappuccino is to create microfoam. Microfoam is created by introducing thin air bubbles into the milk.

Most machines which prepare espresso can prepare cappuccino too. Like espresso, cappuccino requires a pressure of at least 9 bars of pressure. The pressure is created by a pump. Cappuccino making machines also either have a thermo block or a heater/boiler.

Some cappuccino makers also have a specialized milk frother. This separate milk boiler is accompanied by a frothing wand, which makes the switch from an espresso maker to a cappuccino making machine complete. The thermo block is a heating element. Water is passed through the thermo block while on its way to the pump.

Usually, boiler machines are much more expensive and take a longer time to heat up, and also take up a lot more maintenance, as compared to machines with a thermo block.

Cappuccino making machines are made up of stainless-steel boilers, two thermostats, water reservoirs and two nozzles. The water reservoirs can be up to 40 ounces. Self priming cappuccino machines can prepare single or double shots of cappuccino within minutes.

The right temperature and pressure are the most important factors while making espresso or cappuccino.

Some machines available in the market with the thermo block pump, which is very important for creating cappuccino, are the Krups 968-41 Novo 2300 Plus Automatic Cappuccino Machine; the Delonghi EC140B Pump Driven Cappuccino/Espresso Maker; and Gaggia Coffee.

Espresso Machines provides detailed information on Automatic Espresso Machines, Best Espresso Machines, Commercial Espresso Machines, Espresso Cappuccino Machines and more. Espresso Machines is affiliated with Espresso Equipment [http://www.i-Espresso.com].

Cappuccino Machines - Worth the Extra Cost?

Preparation

What makes a good cappuccino? Well the most important feature of a cappuccino, and that which sets it apart from other styles of coffee, is the foam topping. While this keeps the coffee warmer for longer and can add a unique taste to the coffee, it is traditionally quite difficult to prepare. If you only have a filter coffee maker the only real way of preparing the foam would be to do it with a hand-held steamer, but this may be quite awkward and may not produce the desired results every time. This is really only an option if cappuccino is something you drink only rarely. Most cappuccino machines have the facility to prepare the topping at the same time as the coffee, which makes life a little easier. If you choose a fully-automated cappuccino machine then it is even easier, as the machine will take care of everything, including the foam topping, all at the push of only one button. 

Sacrificing Choice

While you may think that you have to sacrifice drinking other styles of coffee if you get a cappuccino maker this is not necessarily the case. Many models of cappuccino maker which are currently available on the market recognise that people probably don't want to drink cappuccino all the time. Traditionally, Italians only drink cappuccino and other milk-based coffees in the morning, and stick to espresso later on in the day. So it makes sense that you should be able to make the same choices when making coffee at home. Many models now offer the facility to create different styles of coffee with a combination machine, without sacrificing any of the quality of either drink. The way that this is done is similar to the process which is used by a real barista. These combination machines are essentially espresso machines with an expanded range of capabilities. Each different drink begins life as an espresso, with different discs or pods then added to the machine afterwards to create the desired finish. So to produce a cappuccino, an espresso is made, and then a separate milk disc or pod is added to the machine to create the foam topping as a second step.

Price

While in the past you may have had to invest in a proper commercial machine to get great cappuccinos, this isn't the case anymore. There are now mass-produced cappuccino machines which have been designed specifically for the home market and at a much lower cost than commercial machines. In fact many of these machines do not actually cost any more than a good quality filter coffee machine. When you consider how much you use your machine, if you are a regular cappuccino drinker then it is probably still only going to work out costing you a few pence extra per drink over the life of the machine.

UK author who is meeting a need for website reviews of the best kitchen and cooking equipment by publishing several sites including Bean to Cup Coffee Machines and Cappuccino Machines

Perfect Beans for Our Cappuccino Machines

How much do we really know about the coffee we drink every day? Where does the coffee used in our cappuccino machines come from? Next time you go into the kitchen to make a cappuccino take a look at the coffee packet and you might be surprised. The number of coffee producing coffees is growing rapidly, and the differences between the types of coffee according to their origin, can be astounding.

Coffee produced in Columbia is, of course, known worldwide. Although it is often used in mass produced supermarket coffees, there are a number of very fine Columbian grinds that should not be overlooked. One example is La Esperanza, grown at over six thousand feet in Tolima. Whilst the aroma of this particular coffee is likened to cherries, the taste contains an exquisite combination of chocolate and pipe tobacco tones.

Less well known are coffees from areas such as Hawaii. A particular favorite from this island is Kona, which comes in a variety of roasts from light to espresso. This particular coffee has a very low acidity which works beautifully with the powerful flavor of the dark espresso roast.

Continuing east on our coffee tour, we come to Africa, home to a number of superb coffee flavors. In Tanzania, should you be brave enough to attempt an ascent of Kilimanjaro, you would find the unusually shaped Peaberry coffee bean. The single oval bean results in a lighter coffee with a higher than average acidity. Ethiopia is another crucial part of Africa's coffee history. A really unusual taste from the Yirgacheffe region mixes ginger and citrus peel to give an effect that is both sharp and chocolate like.

Our first taste of Asian coffee should probably be sampled in India. The coffee beans that result from the humid and rainy months of the Monsoon Malabar are swollen and golden in color, producing a distinctive flavor and aroma of apricots. Jumboor beans are another popular variety, which gives a raisin like flavor to the drink. A lighter alternative can be found in Indonesia, where a sweet and flowery drink is made from beans in the Lake Toba region of Sumatra.

Another unusual location for coffee production is Jamaica, where the Peaberry, closely related to the African single bean of the same name, is made into a rich, intense drink with a sweet acidity and a range of floral tones.

Take a little time to find out what it is you like about your coffee and explore the possibilities available from the many coffee producing countries. You may find a perfect African cup that satisfies in the morning, an American roast for your coffee break and an Asian delicacy to follow your evening meal.

Clinton Maxwell frequently edits news on ideas relating to cappuccino. You might see his abstracts on cappuccino machines at http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com and different sources for cappuccino machines tips.

Use Cappuccino Machines To Make World Treats

Coffee Recipes By The Cup

You can increase your enjoyment of an international and ancient beverage even more by experimentation. Whether cappuccino machines or espresso machines are your coffee maker of choice there is a ton to try! That's right get a great cup of coffee, whether you like it Mexican, Cuban, or Brazilian...there are many to choose from!

This is a daring way to start, but you can bake a coconut at 300F or 134C for about 30 minutes and then allow it to cool off. After this cut open the coconut and remove the meat by grating it. Mix the coconut bits and 1/2 cup milk and heat on the stove. Once its thick you can strain it and then pour it in your coffee for a great treat!

If you want to try a traditional Mexican way of drinking coffee then you can blend chocolate and coffee for a great drink. Pour a teaspoon of chocolote syrup into your coffee. Add a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg too. Mix all this will some white sugar and you have a delicious drink. You can also add whipped cream on top!

Try a Cubano which is drunk straight. You can also make this into an Americano by adding some rum or warmed milk. Don't put too much milk though, keep it more heavy on the rum.

The English enjoy Grog which is made by cutting up an orange and breaking apart the slices. Cut a lemon and repeat. Now put one orange slice into the bottom of a glass and add 1/3 tablespoon of butter, a tablespoon of brown sugar, and a bit of ground up cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Just add about half a cup of coffee and you have an great drink! Add more cream or milk depending on your taste.

You can also try an Austrian way of drinking brew. Start by melting about 1/8 cup of your favorite chocolate with a tablespoon of cream on your stove. Now just add a half cup of coffee and whip it up and allow it to settle. Pour into a cup and add some cocoa powder or cinnamon for a traditional treat.

Try out a new twist on the traditional coffee makers with a Turkish "dezva" or special pot used to make this type of coffee. This coffee is strong to the taste. You'll add water into the pot with and then you can add some sugar. Allow it to boil and then remove it from heat and add a teaspoon of grounds. Stir it up and heat it once again. When you get a foamy consistency on top remove it from heat to cool.

Try iced coffee from Vietnam by buying a Vietnamese coffee press. Once you have this you just need to put in ground coffee and pour some condensed milk into a glass. Pour boiling water over the press and allow the dripping process to begin. Just add ice for a cool summer drink.

If making it at home is not so fun, then hop on a plane for a world tour of the greatest coffee drinks!

Johnathan Bakers's short articles are found on a lot of websites associated with coffee and espresso. His articles on cappuccino machines are found on http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com/cappuccino-machines.html.

Cappuccino Machines With An Italian Touch

Cappuccino began in Italy where it is still a delight of the morning routine. The Italians can tell a tourist from a native though because only a tourist will order a cappuccino after noon. It is considered a morning beverage in Italy, but in other regions of the world it is served throughout the day.

The Steps to Making a Cup of Cappuccino

Cappuccino is a tricky drink to master. It is divided into 3 parts: the espresso, the steamed milk, and the frothy or foamy milk. These layers created at the perfect proportions, textures and temperatures are what make the ideal cup of cappuccino. It used to take highly skilled chefs to create this concoction, but with the advent of the cappuccino machine, most of the guess work is taken out of it.

How Cappuccino Machines Work

Cappuccino machines are designed to brew and dispense the espresso coffee. Many can also do the step of grinding the coffee beans for an ultra fresh brew. When the espresso has been dispensed into the cup, the machine then adds steamed milk. These two steps are relatively easy, even though milk temperature and the strength of the espresso are important ingredients in this recipe.

The frothy milk is the most difficult part for humans or machines to get just right. The objective is to create a light foam, just the right temperature and with the optimal number air bubbles. This micro-foam stays warm when added to a cup of espresso and creates sweeter tasting foam than more dense concentrations of milk. This helps offset the bitterness of the espresso.

Makers of Cappuccino Makers

Bunn is one manufacture of some of the best cappuccino makers in the world. They are used in restaurants and homes alike because they are durable and able to maintain the ratios and temperatures required for great cappuccino. The restaurant models have up to 5 spouts for instant cappuccino and can cost close to $2,000. For home use, other brands provide more affordable options.

The Nespresso machines for home use costs about $400. This is a versatile machine that makes espresso but has plumbing for water to steam and a milk dispenser to create the foam for cappuccino or latte.

There are many other brands available of home and commercial cappuccino makers. Prices are more than a regular coffee maker because of the specialty features. Home machines generally dispense one or two small cups of coffee, while commercial grade machines can handle 5 cups simultaneously.

The Right Recipe For You

Unlike other types of coffee, espresso and cappuccino are very specific in terms of flavour, consistency and ingredients. One cup of coffee from one particular machine may taste just fine to one person, while the next person thinks it is weak or bitter. With espresso and cappuccino, there is a right taste and a wrong taste. You either like it or you don't, but don't mess with the recipe!

Clinton Maxwell is a contributing designer for the news section of http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com. Clinton is also publishing on issues like http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com/cappuccino-machines.html and new coffee varieties.

Different Beans for Our Cappuccino Machines

So you need a cup of coffee to get you going in the morning, and you are probably quite happy to drink whatever brews the cappuccino machines in the office are dispensing. If it's hot, it smells like coffee and it gives you the necessary head rush to start your day, that's all you need.

So it may astonish you to realise exactly how many different types and origins of coffee there are out there. Some people devote their entire careers to coffee tasting to find the perfect mix of beans to create just the right taste. These professional tasters are called cuppers and really know their coffee.

Centered on the equator, a band twenty five degrees to the north and south houses the seventy countries where coffee beans are grown. From South America and the Caribbean, to Africa and the Middle East, this strip around the centre of the globe provides just the right conditions for coffee plantations to thrive. Each country, and sometimes each area within the same country, produces beans with their own special characteristics to produce distinctive flavors.

The two main divisions of coffee beans are Arabica and Robusta. Robusta is the more potent of the two, with double the amount of caffeine. The Arabica beans have more taste and a pleasing fragrance, making them suitable for superior quality blends.

The Arabica bean is split again into two categories. The higher quality Milds, are grown at over three thousand feet, the perfect altitude for coffee growth. Brazils, not surprisingly a product of Brazil, are grown in larger quantities, at lower altitudes, on the many large plantations of the area.

When seeking the perfect coffee, most people choose ready roasted beans, although it is possible to buy the soft, green beans and roast them yourself. There are a number of categories of roast, from the light or cinnamon roast, which is strong and acidic, to the dark or city roast, a less bitter sweeter category, often used for espresso. In between is the medium or American roast, the standard used for everyday drinking and extremely popular.

Two other varieties of European roast are the full bodied French roast, and the very dark Italian roast, used in speciality espressos. Both of these are dark roasts and so the resulting brews are less acidic and sweeter than your average cup. The longer roasting process allows the sugars in the bean to caramelize and much of the bitter caffeine to burn away.

So next time you reach for a cup of the strong stuff to wake you up in the morning, take a minute to find out what goes into your coffee makers. Maybe consider what you really want in a coffee and spend some time looking for your perfect roast.

Johnathan Bakers's reports are found on different websites linked to coffee and coffee making. His comments on cappuccino machines are found on http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com .

Cappuccino Machines - More Worldwide Varieties

As many types of wine and grapes as there are, there are just as many coffees and beans. The pleasure is in the trying.

The most renowned is the Colombian. Tolima grows the La Esperanza beans at almost 600ft above sea level. The aroma is a delicate cherry, combined with pipe tobacco and chocolate. If only it tasted that way, but of course, skip the tobacco part. The worlds second is the famous Supremo. Warming vanilla combines with hints of bittersweet chocolate, but this dies quickly and needs to be drunk hot. The handpicked Hawaiian Kona beans offer medium and dark blends. They are brilliant as an espresso roast.

On the other side of the world, on the southern side of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Tanzanian Peaberry beans offer a light bodied drink with a slightly high acidity. These beans are distinctive in shape, being slightly oval. Many a climber has been welcomed with a fresh cup as they ascend the mountain. Then, Ethiopia, the legendary birthplace of coffee, boasts a citrus flavored cup made from beans from the Yirgacheffe area. The flavor is like a combination of orange peel, lemon, ginger and chocolate. Yummy, and it is in my opinion reminiscent of famous German Christmas herbal teas.

Across to the sub-continental India, the Monsson Malabar, yellowish puffed beans brew into an apricot infused blend. The Jumboors is also another good one with its subtly sweet, raisin like flavor.

Head into Asia and find the Lake Toba area of the island of Sumatra. These beans are light, sweet and almost infused with jasmine/cherry flavor. It is quite acidic. Other provinces offer darker, spicy and fruity blends that smell of cedar and grapefruit. Nearby Vietnam grows the Lampung Robusta beans. They used the wash, dry and polish process to give an almost woody, slightly acidic brew that is more subtle than the arabica.

Far away from Asia, entering the Caribbean, the Jamaican Peaberry beans are more full-bodied, sweetishly acidic, and have slightly floral tones. They make for a pleasant, but strong drink.

Whether you are buying a cappuccino machine and want to know what types of beans and coffees you can brew in your kitchen, or you simply want a cappuccino or other coffee from your nearby coffeehouse, knowing what is available is a real treat. Even the caffeine cannot dampen a great cup of home brewed coffee, no matter where the beans originated.

The scriptwriter Clinton Maxwell is very interested in themes similar to roasting and cappuccino. Sharing his passion in detailed publications such as http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com , the reviewer affirmed his skill on themes corresponding to cappuccino machines.

The Joy of Cappuccino Machines

Coffee has most definitely become not only a beverage but an entire culture in the United States. Although in the United States, someone can still find hundreds of different kinds of coffee with different tastes, aromas, places of origin, and caffeine levels. Each person has their own favorite, but what will always be true is that people love to meet over a cup of coffee or cappuccino.

Most well known and one of the world's largest producers of coffee is Brazil. This is because over one third of its entire land mass suits growing conditions for coffee. The most wonderful and aromatic blends from the region are Bahia and Minas Gerais. Even more known for its coffee is Colombia; although it is second in the amount that it produces Colombia is known for its Supremo and Excelso coffees which both have a light and sweet delicate nature. These coffees come from Popayan or Narino and are rarely defeated in the world of coffee. However, coffee does not have to be from Colombia or Brazil in order to make an impression on the world of coffee. There are all kinds of fantastic blends and tastes that come from all around the world.

Mexico refuses to take a back seat to these coffee giants. Although the beans are small their taste is huge. Mexico is known for its delicate and light coffee. It is essential to have a mild coffee for the drinkers of the world. Cuba is on the other end of the spectrum with its powerful tasting coffee. It is consumed as if it were a shot of Tequila.

The coffees of Indonesia are known for their aging process. The climate that is warm and damp offers the producers a slowly developed coffee which ends up with a deep body and a lot less acidity. It is considered the fourth coffee giant in the world. Then there is Malaysia where the coffee is brewed uniquely. It is brewed through a muslin bag which is used to filter the grounds. This produces quite a strong cup of coffee. Then there is Thailand. Although tiny, its coffee is not. Thailand is known for its chicory-tinged blend that is served with ice and condensed milk. It is quite the experience and is quite popular even in America.

Kona from the region of Mauna Loa is medium bodied and offers a sweet and aromatic experienced. Then the coffee of Sumatra offers a full flavored coffee that is quite rich. Kenya brings a coffee that is indescribable in its after taste. It is grown at 17,000 feet and is unlike anything else. Coffee has been brewed and roasted for centuries and each region offers its own tastes and practices.

The Europeans still remain a forerunner in the coffee world. France is known for its café au lait made from a cappuccino machine. This beverage is half coffee and half hot milk. Then there is Austria with its coffee that is a blend of two thirds dark and one third regular. Italy is known for its espresso. This is all thanks to two men named Luigi Bezzera and M. Cremonesi. Espresso does contain less caffeine and therefore a few cups can be enjoyed without the high buzz. Espresso can be mixed with hot milk or hot foam to create a more delicate taste. Regardless of where the coffee is from or how it is made or drank, it is one of America's favorite cultural activities.

Being interested in types of cappuccino and coffee and cappachino machines, Jack Blacksmith is editing many informative papers on this particular topic. With his writings on home cappuccino machines and types of cappuccino he expressed his knowledge in the field.

Cappuccino Machines

When you are dealing with a drink like coffee, one of the great advantages is that is such an old an time honored drink that thousands of recipes are available for it. You can make many of them with a cappuccino machine.

You can try Caribbean coffee, Mexican mocha, Cuban cubano, and grog, or Viennese, Turkish and Vietnamese coffees. There are all delicious.

For Caribbean mocha, bake a coconut for 30 minutes at 300 degrees F )134C). Once it is cool, crack it open and scrape out the coconut meat. Grind it well and mix it with a half cup milk and heat it on top of the stove until the mixture thickens. Strain to remove the particles of coconut and add to your coffee to make an exquisite blend.

A mocha drink is a blend of coffee and chocolate, a perfect pairing. For Mexican mocha, add a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon and nutmeg to a teaspoon of chocolate syrup. Blend well and pour into your coffee and add sugar. For an special treat, you can blend in whipped cream, or dolop it on top.

A Cubano is a strong coffee, a small cupful drunk straight and hot, swigged back like a drink at a bar. A shot of Cubano may be too much for a gringo, so milk or rum is often added.

The traditional English treat of grog is usually served at Christmas. Orange and lemon peel are placed in the bottom of a cup. Butter (1/3 tbsp.), brown sugar (1 tbsp.), and a pinch each of clove,nutmeg and cinnamon are heated together. The coffee is poured into the cup and the spice mixture added, along with sugar and cream to taste. What a feast for a holiday or anytime!

For Viennese coffee, dark chocolate is melted with light cream and coffee whipped in until a froth is achieved. Sprinkle with cinnamon and slivered cocoa, and you will suddenly be hearing Mozart.

Turkish is the oldest coffee and, like many old things, the simplest. If you want to be a purist, you will need a "dzezva" pot. Boil a cup of water and add sugar; remove from heat and add coffee. Put back over heat and boil once again. This boiling makes for a strong cup of coffee! When a froth forms, let cool, remove the froth and enjoy.

A specialty drink of Vietnam of iced Vietnamese coffee. You will need a Vietnamese coffee press, but once you have one, the process is easy. Place your coffee grounds in the press, pour a tablespoon in the bottom of a cup, pour water over the press, let drip and add ice. Simple and delicious.

Take a culinary tour of the world through these great coffee traditions and recipes and enjoy coffee at its very best.

The magazine writer Johnathan Bakers is especially interested in topics like coffee. You might discover his articles on cappuccino machines over at http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com/cappuccino-machines.html and many different sources for cappuccino machines news.

Alternative Coffees for Our Cappuccino Machines

Most of us are not very adventurous when it comes to selecting our coffees. We tend to stick to our favorite brand of all American medium roast, and our most difficult decision is whether to take instant or spend a bit longer making filter. However, there are a fantastic range of coffees available from a wide variety of countries, and learning a little about the possibilities can help us to discover what we really want in a coffee.
The biggest coffee grower globally is Brazil, which should come as no surprise when you consider that one third of the land is ideal for coffee production. With such a large volume, the varieties of Brazilian coffee are numerous, but some of the more popular blends are from Minas Gerais and Bahia. Less is produced in Columbia, although this may be a better known coffee producer. Exquisite Columbian coffees from Popayan or Narino, are sweet gentle blends available as supreme or excelso.
Other less well known coffee producers in the Americas are Mexico and Cuba. The small beans grown in Mexico make a lightly acidic coffee with a smooth flavor that can rival Columbian or Brazilian blends. The strong dark Cuban Cubano is drunk in shot form and can really give you a lift.
Looking to other parts of the globe, Indonesia has an ideal climate for coffee production and the roasts from this area have a low acidity and a full bodied flavor. Malaysia produces a stronger brew, largely due to their practice of filtering the grounds through a muslin bag, rather than because of fundamental differences in the beans. A chilled alternative is offered in Thailand, where a special blend flavored with chicory is mixed with ice and condensed milk.
In Europe, each country seems to have its own idea of how to make the perfect cup. The French maintain that half coffee and half milk is the best combination, whereas the Austrians favor a mixture of dark and regular roasts to produce a particular blend.
The Italians are particularly fanatical about their coffee, particularly espresso which no dinner would be properly ended without. For those that find the espresso a little strong, it can be combined with warm frothy milk to make a latte or cappuccino. Italian cafes would not be the same without the delicious aroma from the cappuccino machines.
So next time you have coffee on your shopping list, take a look at the varieties on offer, and perhaps choose a couple of different types from around the world so you can experiment and determine what it is you really like in your coffee.