Setting Up Espresso and Cappuccino Bars at Home

Espresso and cappuccino have become popular drinks both with people who like coffee and people who don’t typically drink coffee. Espresso is the stronger of the two drinks and also the basis for the majority of coffee drinks purchased in coffee shops.

However, people don’t have to go to a coffee shop to get their favorite espresso and cappuccinos; they can make them at home.

Commercial espresso machines are huge and very expensive, not to mention the training and skilled involved in using them. The good news is that the same companies that designed the commercial cappuccino machines have also designed home espresso makers.

Shopping List

Espresso Maker

To set up a home espresso and cappuccino bar, there are some items that must first be purchased. The most important thing is the espresso maker.

There is a wide variety of espresso makers available for home use. There are automatic and semi-automatic espresso makers that are reasonably priced. Choosing one involves some research to determine what is needed.

Home espresso machines range from off the shelf, retail store versions that aren’t very expensive but also aren’t designed for heavy use, to ones designed for heavier use that are automatic and do everything with the touch of a button.

Once the espresso maker has been decided on, a coffee bean source should be located. This too should be done with some thought and research. Low quality beans will result in low quality espressos and cappuccinos.

Coffee shops or direct from the growers via the Internet are two good places to find top quality beans. Coffee shops use a lot of inventory which helps to assure that their products are fresher than those that might have been sitting on the grocer’s shelf for months.

Once these two items have been purchased the remaining items are the basics that should be on hand for making the best espressos and cappuccinos without going to the local Starbucks.

Mugs

A variety of espresso cups and cappuccino mugs are needed. Espresso should not be served in a typical coffee mug, it takes away from the whole experience and  makes it more like drinking a shot of coffee.

Espresso cups are demi cups that are often kept in the warmer of the espresso maker, if it has one. If not, hot water can be poured into them just prior to pouring the espresso.

Cappuccino mugs come in several different shapes. There are tall, fluted mugs that can also be used for lattes and there are large soup bowl looking mugs.

Cappuccino mugs should be large enough to hold the liquid, foam and any toppings without spilling out.

Miscellaneous Items

Other items that should be kept on hand for a cappuccino and espresso bar include:

• Long handled spoons for scooping the froth onto the drink
• Flavored syrups for cappuccino
• Cocoa powder
• Cinnamon powder
• Chocolate bar for shavings
• Biscotti – excellent to serve with the cappuccino or espresso

Home espresso and cappuccino bars are an added luxury that will impress friends and make the neighbors envious, not to mention the money that will be saved by not stopping at the coffee shop every morning.