Dry Vs Wet Cappuccino – What Are The Differences?

Last updated on January 22nd, 2024 at 13:10

When it comes to a Dry Vs Wet cappuccino, it is a good idea to know what the differences are between these two coffee beverages so that you know what to expect in terms of flavor and texture.

Dry and wet cappuccino are not the only two choices that you have; there is also the super wet and bone dry cappuccinos to consider.

What are they, and how do they differ, and which is best?

Read on to find out!

Dry Vs Wet Cappuccino – What Is A Dry Cappuccino?

All cappuccinos are made with espresso shots and a layer of foamed milk. This is where the differences start with the various types of cappuccino drinks.

At the heart of it, the difference is steamed milk, and how much is used.

A dry cappuccino has less steamed milk added to the espresso shot and a greater amount of airy milk foam.

Read: Dry foam vs wet foam coffee

What Does A Dry Cappuccino Taste Like?

Due to having a reduced amount of steamed milk, the flavor of the espresso is more prominent and pronounced than a wet cappuccino.

Due to the reduced quantity of liquid milk and an increased amount of microfoam there is a lighter and reduced taste of creamy milk.

It is known for baristas to achieve the lighter layer of foam by using a reduced fat, low calorie milk.

What Is The Texture Of A Dry Cappuccino Like?

The extra air in the dry milk foam when it is being steamed and stretched results in lots of bubbles and a highly foamed milk layer and produces a light powdery texture that is not as smooth and silky as a wet cappuccino.

There is a greater contrast of texture between the layers of foam and the espresso and milk mixture.

Who Is A Dry Cappuccino For? The Pros And Cons Of A Dry Cappuccino

If you love macchiato style types of coffee drinks with a greater, larger layer of microfoam then you will enjoy a dry cappuccino.

The Pros

• You are watching your diet and want a lighter drink but still want a milky espresso beverage.
• It has a lower liquid volume and fewer calories.
• There is a richer taste and flavor of espresso.
• A very common way of enjoying a cappuccino.

The Cons

• When dark coffee beans are used to make the espresso shot it may have a strong bitter taste due to the lack of creamy milk to cover the bitterness.
• There is a dry texture to the beverage overall.
• The foam dissolves fast.
• There is a strong contrast between the foam and espresso shot.

Read: Bone dry cappuccino

How To Make A Dry Cappuccino

Making a dry cappuccino is easy, it is simply a shot of espresso with a small amount of milk when compared to a classic cappuccino and is then topped with a good layer of milk foam.

It is called a dry cappuccino due to having less milk than a standard cappuccino (also known as a wet cappuccino).

Half the job here is done with a top-quality espresso machine. If you are good at pulling espresso shots, you already have 50% of the skills needed.

Start by heating up a cup by pouring hot water into it. This is why, in coffee shops, you will see coffee cups kept on top of an espresso machine. While your cup is warming up, heat your milk and create a light fluffy foam.

A temperature of 150F (65C) is a perfect temperature for your milk. Pull your espresso shot into your warmed cup and add a small amount of milk and then fill the rest of the cup with foam.

A standard cappuccino has equal parts of espresso, milk and foam. For a dry cappuccino, instead of aiming for a ratio of 1/3 espresso, 1/3 milk and 1/3 foam, aim for using half as much milk as you normally would and then add the foam.

What Is An Extra Dry Cappuccino? – What Is A Bone Dry Cappuccino? Are They The Same?

A bone dry cappuccino is even dryer than a dry cappuccino, the driest it can possibly be as there is no milk used, it’s all espresso with milk foam.

Making a bone dry cappuccino is easy, just pull your espresso shot, foam your milk and scoop in the microfoam and add it until the cup is full.

The Typical ratio is 1/3 espresso and 2/3 foam.

Dry Vs Wet Cappuccino – What Is A Wet Cappuccino?

This is something that should be obvious, very obvious, and perhaps you have already picked up on what a wet cappuccino is. A wet cappuccino is wet due to there being more of steamed milk liquid in your cappuccino than a dry cappuccino, as a consequence there is less microfoam.

A wet cappuccino is what a barista will serve as a regular cappuccino unless specifically requested.

The flavor and texture of this traditional cappuccino beverage is smooth, rich and more creamy than a dry cappuccino. It is very similar to a beloved latte, and like a latte, it is made with full fat whole milk.

What Does A Wet Cappuccino Taste Like?

Due to the ratio of milk to espresso being in equal amounts, this cappuccino beverage has a sweeter and more balanced taste. The milk has the effect of toning down the bitter taste of a dark espresso shot.

Notably, the presence of more milk reduces the flavors of lighter roasts. For this very reason, a wet cappuccino is not ideal for medium or light roasted beans if you want to enjoy the particular flavors of the beans and their origins.

What Is The Texture Of A Wet Cappuccino Like?

When you are making a wet cappuccino, less air is forced into the steamed milk, the result of which is fewer bubbles and silky smooth texture. The ratio of milk to foam makes this style of cappuccino look similar to a latte due to the texture and, like a latte, due to the consistency of milk, it is possible that there will be latte art on your wet cappuccino.

Who Is A Wet Cappuccino For? The Pros And Cons Of A Wet Cappuccino

If you enjoy a good well-made latte, you will most likely enjoy a wet cappuccino. It is the beverage that you are looking for if you fancy a latte but want a coffee with less milk, or you feel like one with a touch more of the espresso flavors without losing that texture that you enjoy.

If you love a flat white but want a touch more foam and texture, then a wet cappuccino is something that you will like.

The Pros

• A wet cappuccino is sweeter and less bitter than a dry cappuccino.
• The steamed milk mixes more and better with the shot of espresso and has a creamier texture.
• Due to the extra milk, the espresso and milk are less likely to separate.
• The latte art on top can be very eye catching and Instagrammable.

The Cons

• The extra milk can hide the flavors of lighter roasts.

How To Make A Wet Cappuccino

Making a wet cappuccino is simple, super simple. If you are adept at making world-class espresso shots a great deal of the work that you need to do is there in your skill set.

At Latte Love Brew, we encourage you to master the skill of making espresso shots as they form the base for many coffee drinks.

Pull your espresso shot into a preheated cup. Steam and foam your milk, add an equal amount of milk and foam so that you have a 1/3 espresso, 1/3 milk and 1/3 foam in your cup.

What Is An Extra Wet Cappuccino?

An extra wet cappuccino, also known as a super wet cappuccino, is diametrically the opposite of a bone dry cappuccino. It is a cappuccino that is made with no microfoam and only with steamed milk.

The use of more milk makes this beverage look more like a flat white than a traditional espresso.

Making an extra wet or super wet cappuccino is easy. Pull your shot, heat and steam your milk and pour your milk. Ideally, you are aiming for a ratio of 1/2 espresso and 1/2 steamed milk. Don’t add any milk foam.

Dry Vs Wet Cappuccino – Which Is Best for You?

This all comes down to what you personally prefer and enjoy more.

• Dry Cappuccino: This is your best choice if you enjoy a macchiato and love a clean, rich espresso flavor and a lighter microfoam.
• Wet Cappuccino: If you enjoy the rich, creamy texture in your beverage, and like to sip away at a latte or flat white, a wet cappuccino will be your preferred choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Vs Wet Cappuccino

What Is The Point Of Dry Cappuccino?

A dry cappuccino is for enjoying the clear, bold and rich flavor of the espresso and enjoying the same little bit of milk foam and the texture while you sip your beverage. Those that prefer a dry (also known as a bone dry) cappuccino usually like their drink without the creamy texture of the milk in their cappuccino.

Is A Wet Cappuccino The Same As A Latte?

No, a wet cappuccino and a latte are different. A wet cappuccino is served with the same shot of espresso, and with less milk in the shot and more milk foam.

By definition, a latte has more milk and has a creamier, more silky texture and a smaller layer of milk foam. Both look fairly similar and perhaps the same for the untrained eye but have different texture and taste.

Is A Flat White A Wet Cappuccino?

No, a flat white and a wet cappuccino are two different beverages. Both drinks look very different and have a different texture. The biggest difference between the two coffee drinks is the amount of foam on top with a flat white having notably less.

What Is The Difference Between A Wet And Dry Latte?

The difference between a wet and a dry latte is the same difference between a wet and a dry cappuccino – the key term is in reference to the use of steamed milk. A wet latte has steamed milk and thus a creamier texture while a dry latte has a reduced amount of creamy milk and to compensate for the reduced amount of cream milk a dry latte has more frothy milk added.

A bone dry latte (or cappuccino for that matter) has no steamed milk at all added to the shot of espresso and only has dry milk foam added – hence the key term “bone dry”.

Final Thoughts – Dry Vs Wet Cappuccino

In the cappuccino battle of Dry Vs Wet Cappuccino you have a much better idea of which one wins out for you, which suits you more.

Personally, a bone dry wins out when I really want that strong espresso coming through and a wet cappuccino when I want a bit of the silky smooth texture from the milk. Different coffees (and different cappuccinos) for different reasons – based on my coffee mood!

Which is it for you in the battle of  Dry Vs Wet Cappuccino?

Join our coffee community on Facebook/Meta and let us all know which won out for you. I double dare you to share a selfie or photo of your coffee creation!

Derek Marshall

Derek Marshall, a certified barista by the Specialty Coffee Association possesses over two decades of experience in specialty coffee shops. He holds professional certifications for coffee brewing and barista skills. Derek is also an author with authoritative books covering various coffee topics including specialty coffee, sustainability and coffee, coffee brewing, coffee recipes, coffee cocktails and books focusing on Brazilian coffee, Vietnamese coffee, Indonesian coffee and Malaysian coffee. As a barista for over two decades, Derek Marshall has worked in specialty coffee shops across the United Kingdom, Spain, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. His expertise extends to the distinct coffee cultures, specialty beverages, and brewing techniques of each nation. Functioning as a coffee consultant, Derek charges US$50 per hour. To learn more about Derek Marshall and Latte Love Brew, visit his About Me Page. For coffee inquiries, contact him at +34-639-410-375 or Derek@LatteLoveBrew.com, mentioning your name and location