​National Cappuccino Day – November 8, 2020

Sun Nov 8

What is National Cappuccino Day?

Enjoy a cup of foamy deliciousness on November 8 as we celebrate National Cappuccino Day! Double espresso, steamed milk and foam. It’s amazing that these simple ingredients can make us so happy! Start the day with a steaming mug of frothy cappuccino, or wind down after dinner with a hot, relaxing cup alongside a rich dessert.


History of National Cappuccino Day

Before we delve into the history of that fantastic morning wake-me-up, the cappuccino; let’s go through some basics. Espresso coffee forms the base from which cappuccinos are made. Espresso results from a highly-pressurized process which forces hot water through dense, tightly-packed grounds resulting in less than an ounce of an incredibly strong brew with an earthy taste and rich aroma. Cappuccinos are made from espresso, hot milk and lots of foam. 

There’s an unverified legend that a 17th century monk named Marco d’Aviano first created the cappuccino after the Battle of Vienna in 1683. Many historians conclude that cappuccinos do originate with a subset of the Catholic Church’s friars, the Capuchin monks around that same time. But coffee being the global drink that it is, has always found a place in Vienna. By 1805, an early version of the cappuccino, also known as the “kapuziner,” starts to appear in Viennese coffee houses. These drinks were “coffee with cream and sugar.” But the name, cappuccino, is descriptive.  It refers to the deep, brown color of the hooded frocks or “cappuccini,” worn by 17th century Capuchin monks in Italy. 

Later, in 1901,  Italian inventor, Luigi Bezzera, filed the first patent for an espresso machine. That created wide demand for the delicious drink but only a few restaurants could make cappuccinos because the machines were bulky and not easy to use.  However, after WWII, technical improvements made espresso machines easier to use and their popularity spread throughout Italy and other parts of Europe and the world. The rest is frothy, espresso-infused history. 

In the United States, cappuccino reached the zenith of its popularity due in large part to Seattle and Starbucks. Although we honor National Cappuccino Day, no organization or person has stepped up to claim its creation. Still, we appreciate a wonderful part of our morning routine. Enjoy!


National Cappuccino Day Related Holidays

National Espresso Day

Line up all your little coffee cups because it’s National Espresso Day on November 23! With a strong, dark espresso, you can make cappuccinos, lattes, mochas or just enjoy a great espresso all on its own.  Forcing pressurized water through finely-ground coffee beans produces a concentrated brew with its signature delicate foam. Any baristas in the house?

National Irish Coffee Day

National Irish Coffee Day is celebrated on January 25. We think that it’s the perfect occasion to warm yourself up with a tasty, boozy treat. Although there are certainly a few different variations out there, Irish coffee traditionally consists of black coffee, whiskey, sugar, and whipped cream. Nothing puts quite as much pep in our step as an Irish coffee!

International Coffee Day

In honor of International Coffee Day on October 1, the world takes a moment to recognize the beverage that keeps us sharp and productive, no matter how little we slept last night. Today, this piping hot liquid is a breakfast staple in hundreds of countries—some 2.2 billion cups of coffee are consumed around the globe each day. 

>> Full List of Holidays in November

​National Cappuccino Day timeline


​​Coffee shops become a hot trend

​​As the coffee shop trend catches on, so does the love and consumption of cappuccinos.


​Cappuccinos take on a new form

​​The first small cups appear alongside milk-steaming espresso machines.


​​"Cappuccino" defined

​​As we call it today, this drink was first documented in Italy as a coffee topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with cinnamon or chocolate.


​​Espresso machines patented

​​Luigi Bezzera of Milan patented the first espresso machine, though different than today’s espresso machines.


​​The early cappuccino was born

The earliest versions of cappuccino were recorded during the Battle of Vienna.

​National Cappuccino Day FAQs

Where was cappuccino invented?

Cappuccinos really get their start in Viennese coffee houses in 1805 but there are unsubstantiated reports that the first cappuccino was created by a 17th century Italian monk after the Battle of Vienna in 1683.

When did espresso get popular?

Espresso was popularized by the invention of the espresso machine. In 1901, Luigi Bezzera filed the first patent in Italy. After WWII, the espresso machine’s popularity spread beyond Italy into the rest of Europe.

When is National Cappuccino Day observed?

National Cappuccino Day occurs every November 8. So brew up some espresso, steam that milk, and enjoy this frothy treat. 

​National Cappuccino Day Activities

  1. Drink up!

    Phone a friend and invite them to coffee. Catch up on life as you sip your daily dose of caffeine from a warm mug. What could be better? A second cappuccino!

  2. Buy an espresso maker

    Don’t let the fancy name fool you. Cappuccinos are simple to make with the right equipment. Buy an espresso maker and start enjoying your favorite caffeinated beverage at home, any time you want one.

  3. Share it on social media

    If you don’t share it, did it really happen? With so many baristas creating custom masterpieces in the foam, cappuccino is like art. Post your foamy artwork with the hashtag #NationalCappuccinoDay for the world to admire.

​​4 Delicious Alternatives For The Cappuccino Enthusiast

  1. ​​Try a Latte

    ​​Lattes have the same amount of espresso as a cappuccino, but more milk, requiring them to be served in a larger cup. Add a flavored syrup to change it up!

  2. ​​Sip a Flat White

    ​​Flat whites are prepared with a milder, double shot of espresso and milk with very little foam.

  3. ​​Sample a Macchiato

    ​​Macchiatos are a great fit for the espresso lover, as they match cappuccinos in their espresso measurement, but contain less milk.

  4. ​​Venture out with a Cortado

    ​​For a slightly richer flavor, enjoy this Spanish hybrid with its equal parts of espresso and condensed milk, sans foam.

Why We Love ​National Cappuccino Day

  1. We sip all the cappuccino our hearts desire

    Sip away! To honor this beloved espresso beverage, let’s indulge in an extra foamy cappuccino. Every coffee shop and a number of restaurants make them. Order up a cappuccino alongside your breakfast or dessert to cap off the day.

  2. We celebrate the rich history behind this beverage

    The concept of cappuccinos dates back to the 1700s, stretching across Europe under a number of different names. The modern day version was dubbed "cappuccino" after the color of the monks’ robes of the Capuchin order. That’s hundreds of years of history brewed into one steamy mug!

  3. It brings people together

    Sharing coffee has a way of bringing people together. Whether it’s shared across a conference table or from a cozy coffee shop nook with good friends, a warm cup of cappuccino has a way of drawing a crowd. Buying someone a cappuccino is a love language all its own!

​National Cappuccino Day dates
2020November 8Sunday
2021November 8Monday
2022November 8Tuesday
2023November 8Wednesday
2024November 8Friday