The macchiato is the perfect balance between strength and subtlety—a bold espresso softened by just a hint of milk. The name macchiato means “stained” or “marked” in Italian, referring to the small dot of foamed milk that lightly softens the espresso without overpowering its natural richness.
Unlike a cappuccino or latte, which blend espresso and milk more evenly, the macchiato allows espresso to remain front and center, offering a silky texture while preserving the deep, complex flavors of the coffee. It’s a drink for those who love bold coffee but want just a touch of smoothness.
What Makes a Macchiato Different?
🔹 Less Milk, More Boldness – The macchiato highlights espresso rather than masking it. Unlike lattes or cappuccinos, which have a higher milk-to-espresso ratio, this drink preserves the intensity of the coffee.
🔹 Stronger Than a Latte, Milder Than an Espresso – The macchiato bridges the gap between a straight espresso and a milk-based drink, making it a great choice for those who want something in between.
🔹 Two Variants: Traditional vs. Latte Macchiato
✔ Traditional Macchiato – A single or double espresso “marked” with a small amount of foamed milk.
✔ Latte Macchiato – A reverse macchiato where steamed milk is poured first, and espresso is added on top for a layered effect.
How to Make a Classic Macchiato
☕ Ingredients
✅ 2 tbsp (10g) finely ground coffee
✅ 6 oz (180ml) cold, filtered water
✅ 1–2 tsp (5–10ml) foamed milk
🌡 Temperature Guide
💨 Brew water: 195–205°F (90–96°C)
🥛 Milk steaming: 150–160°F (65–70°C)
Step-by-Step Brewing Guide
1️⃣ Brew a Single or Double Shot of Espresso
- Use an espresso machine to extract 1 oz (30ml) for a single shot or 2 oz (60ml) for a double shot.
2️⃣ Steam & Foam the Milk
- Heat a small amount of milk, creating light foam.
- You only need 1–2 tsp (5–10ml)—just enough to “mark” the espresso.
3️⃣ Breathe It In
☕ Breathe it in. The scent of fresh espresso is an invitation to awaken—not just the body, but the soul. That’s why we encourage you to take that extra second or two to pause and enjoy your coffee before drinking by smelling it and thinking, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
4️⃣ Mark the Espresso
- Gently spoon the foam onto the espresso, “staining” it with just a touch of milk.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
- A macchiato is best enjoyed slowly, savoring the contrast between the bold espresso and the delicate milk foam.
Macchiato vs. Other Espresso Drinks
✔ Macchiato vs. Cappuccino – A cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam, while a macchiato has just a small amount of milk foam.
✔ Macchiato vs. Latte – A latte is mostly steamed milk with espresso, while a macchiato is mostly espresso with a little milk.
✔ Macchiato vs. Cortado – A cortado has equal parts espresso and steamed milk, while a macchiato has only a small dollop of foam.
Why Choose a Macchiato?
✅ For Espresso Lovers Who Want a Slightly Milder Experience – If espresso is too intense but a latte is too mild, the macchiato offers the perfect middle ground.
✅ A Simple Yet Refined Coffee Experience – With just two ingredients, a macchiato lets you appreciate the pure flavors of coffee without distractions.
✅ A Tradition Rooted in Italian Coffee Culture – The macchiato is a nod to authentic espresso craftsmanship, offering a moment of pause in a busy day.
☕ Next Up: [Cortado – The Perfect Balance of Espresso and Milk] → Learn about this beautifully balanced espresso drink and how it differs from the macchiato.
