Cappuccino
The widespread acceptance of the cappuccino led to many establishments, such as convenience stores, offering a product labeled as cappuccino to their patrons. However, that product is usually produced by machines similar to those that mix cocoa drinks, and made with either a manufactured mix or double-brewed coffee. The resulting beverage is unlike regular cappuccino. Convenience-store cappuccino is typically produced in a high-speed cyclonic mixing chamber, using preheated water stored in the machine. When activated, the whipping impeller begins spinning, and dry powder mix and water are introduced into the chamber, with the strength of the final product controlled by how quickly the powder is fed into the mix chamber. Foam is a natural byproduct of the process. Some machines also inject a liquid flavor concentrate stored in small disposable pouches, allowing a single mix chamber to produce flavor variations such as mocha or vanilla.
Because all supplies are either dry powder or in aseptic disposable packaging, these systems are very low maintenance, requiring only cleaning of the mix chamber and impeller. To further reduce maintenance, when the operator releases the fill button, most machines continue to run without powder for a few moments to flush the mix chamber with clear water.
Additionally, store-bought mixes intended for home use are also produced. These powders are intended to be mixed with hot water or milk, and attempt to produce a beverage comparable to that found in convenience stores; these are often advertised as "frothed coffee."
Similar drinks
Other milk and espresso drinks similar to the cappuccino include:
* Caffè macchiato – an espresso 'stained' with a small amount of milk; shorter than a cappuccino
* Latte – (short for "caffè-latte") longer drink, with more milk, amounts of foam varies
