[3][4] It is typically smaller in volume than that of a caffè latte, and topped with a thick layer of foam rather than being made with microfoam.

The physical appearance of a modern cappuccino with espresso crema and steamed milk is a result of a long evolution of the drink.

The Viennese bestowed the name Kapuziner, possibly in the 18th century, on an early version that included whipped cream and spices.

Later, the Kapuziner was introduced in northern Italy during the period of Austrian domination and Italians started to use it for the beverage as well the friar dress.

[8] It is sometimes said to have been served in the coffeehouses of Trieste and other Italian areas of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the early 20th century, spreading throughout the Kingdom of Italy after World War I.

However, the existence in central Italy of a coffee drink mixed with milk named cappuccino is already documented in the 19th century.

The Capuchin friars chose the particular design of their orders' robes both in color and shape of the hood back in the 16th century, inspired by Francis of Assisi's preserved 13th-century vestments.

While Francis of Assisi used uncolored and unbleached wool for his robes, the Capuchins colored their vestments to differ from Augustinians, Benedictines, Franciscans, and other orders.

The British seem to have already started filtering and steeping coffee in the second half of the 18th century,[17] and France and continental Europe followed suit.

According to a popular but unverified legend, cappuccino was named after the Italian Capuchin friar Marco d'Aviano, who contributed to the victory of the Battle of Vienna.

[20] The use of fresh milk in coffee in cafés and restaurants is a newer phenomenon (from the 20th century), introduced when refrigeration became common.

[21] Cappuccino as written today (in Italian) is first mentioned in the 19th century[9][15][16] and is described as "black coffee with a few drops of milk or cream".

[25] In Italy and throughout continental Europe, cappuccino is traditionally consumed in the morning, usually as part of breakfast, often with some type of pastry.

[26] In North America, cappuccinos have become popular concurrent with the boom in the American coffee industry through the late 1990s and early 2000s, especially in the urban Pacific Northwest.