How to Drink a Macchiato (2024)

3 min read FEB 17, 2022

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When you walk into a coffee shop you find a variety of fancy-sounding coffee options. Some of these you may be familiar with, but have you heard of all of them?

Of course, having a choice when it comes to your morning mix is nice, but what if some of the names on the menu are unfamiliar to you? Do you stick to tried-and-true favorites or take a chance and try something new? If you don't want to risk ruining your morning, learn about the many sorts of coffee.

What is a Macchiato?

An espresso macchiato or a caffè macchiato are other names for a macchiato. It's an espresso with a splash of milk, to put it simply. Macchiato is an Italian word that means "marked, soiled, or speckled." This refers to the mark left by the milk when it's added to the dark, rich espresso.

The amount of milk in the coffee is just enough to brighten the color and puncture the smooth, blacktop.

There are also other delicious variations of the macchiato such as a caramel macchiato but we won’t discuss those in detail.

Like all coffee-based drinks, macchiato’s have caffeine in them, so you’ll want to either find some good decaf beans or avoid drinking them in the evening if you don’t want to be up all night.

Latte Macchiato

For those who like a creamier drink, a latte macchiato is mostly steamed milk with a hint of espresso.

A caffe latte and latte macchiato aren’t the same things. To begin, unlike a caffe latte, a latte macchiato adds espresso to the milk rather than milk to espresso.

Second, rather than just hot milk, a latte macchiato has more foam, and it often only uses half an espresso shot.

Finally, unlike a caffe latte, a latte macchiato is a layered drink rather than being combined.

How to Drink a Latte Macchiato

The traditional latte is served in a tall glass to accentuate the layers and make them visible to the person drinking it. Overall, it's a fun drink, but make sure you stir it thoroughly before sipping. Rather than having the coffee alone, this allows you to mix all of the ingredients and taste everything.

You might not want to mix all the flavors with a latte macchiato but rather enjoy all the flavors one by one. Really, it’s all up to you and how you like your drinks.

Espresso Macchiato

An espresso macchiato is perfect for those who enjoy a strong, bold flavor in coffee. It contains espresso with a little bit of steamed milk and foam.

To make an espresso macchiato, you first pour the espresso into the cup, then follow it up with a small amount of milk and foam on top.

For the sake of clarity, an espresso macchiato has white foam stains on the espresso, and a latte macchiato has dark espresso stains on the milk.

How to Drink an Espresso Macchiato

You must have the best shot of espresso at the bottom of the drink to get the most out of espresso macchiatos.

The cream on the espresso doesn’t last long and melts quickly in the hot drink. Allowing your espresso drink to sit for an extended period defeats the objective of the beverage; in other words, it ruins the taste.

The best way to drink an espresso macchiato is to drink it fresh.

Should you stir a macchiato

Do you mix a macchiato? The answer is that it depends on what you prefer, although traditionally, a macchiato is not stirred.

The rationale for this is that, unlike a latte, macchiatos are designed to be enjoyed with the foam first, then the milk, and finally the rich espresso at the bottom.

But, are you supposed to mix a caramel macchiato? The short answer is no. You start with the froth on top and end with the espresso at the bottom. This allows you to experience the drink one flavor at a time.

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I'm an avid coffee enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies surrounding various coffee beverages, particularly the macchiato and its variations. My knowledge is grounded in both theoretical understanding and practical experience, having explored the nuances of coffee preparation and consumption. Allow me to share my expertise on the concepts mentioned in the article.

Macchiato: A macchiato, whether referred to as an espresso macchiato or caffè macchiato, is characterized by the addition of a splash of milk to a shot of espresso. The term "macchiato" originates from the Italian word meaning "marked, soiled, or speckled," indicating the mark left by the milk in the espresso. This addition of milk is minimal, intended to brighten the color and punctuate the smooth, dark espresso. Notably, macchiatos are known for their strong coffee flavor.

Latte Macchiato: In contrast to a caffe latte, a latte macchiato involves adding espresso to steamed milk, creating a creamier drink. The layers in a latte macchiato are distinct, with more foam compared to a caffe latte. It often utilizes only half an espresso shot, and the presentation is layered rather than mixed. The traditional serving method involves a tall glass to showcase the layers.

Espresso Macchiato: Perfect for those seeking a bold coffee experience, an espresso macchiato consists of espresso with a small amount of steamed milk and foam. The preparation involves pouring espresso into the cup and topping it with a small amount of milk and foam. The distinguishing factor is the white foam stains on the espresso.

How to Drink Macchiatos: For a traditional macchiato, stirring is not customary. The layers are designed to be enjoyed sequentially – foam first, followed by milk, and finally, the rich espresso at the bottom. The freshness of the drink is crucial, as the cream on the espresso quickly melts in the heat. However, variations like caramel macchiatos maintain the tradition of not stirring, allowing drinkers to experience each flavor individually.

Additional Concepts Mentioned in the Article: The article touches on various other coffee concepts and recipes, such as iced caramel macchiato, macchiato vs. cortado, iced hazelnut macchiato, iced salted caramel macchiato, and many more. Each of these introduces unique variations in ingredients and preparation methods, catering to diverse preferences.

In conclusion, exploring the world of coffee, understanding the nuances of different beverages, and appreciating the artistry in their preparation can elevate your coffee-drinking experience. If you have any further questions or if you found this information helpful, feel free to drop a comment and continue the coffee conversation.