WHAT IS AN ESPRESSO MACCHIATO? A SADLY UNDERAPPRECIATED COFFEE

The espresso macchiato is perhaps the most misunderstood drink in cafe culture. Let’s fix that!

The espresso macchiato is also known as a macchiato or a caffè macchiato, but it’s not the same as a latte macchiato or a caramel macchiato. Confused yet? You’re not alone. The macchiato continues to confound cafe-goers, in North America particularly.

In this article, I’ll explain what the espresso macchiato is (and isn’t), how it came to be, and even give you an easy recipe to try it at home. Let’s set the record straight.

What Is An Espresso Macchiato?

The espresso macchiato is an espresso-based coffee drink consisting of a single or double shot of espresso served in a demitasse cup and topped with a spoonful of steamed milk. It is part of the broad pantheon of Italian coffee drinks made up of the same two ingredients: espresso and steamed milk.

You pronounce it “ess-press-oh mock-e-ah-toe,” though it is known as a caffe macchiato in Italy or often just a macchiato elsewhere.

The espresso macchiato is thought to have originated in Italy in the late 1980s. One explanation of the drink’s origin is that baristas needed to distinguish between plain espresso and espresso with a dash of milk so that the waiters could tell the difference. The barista would mark the coffee with milk with a dollop of milk foam. 

The espresso macchiato is now considered one of the cornerstones of Italian coffee culture (1). It is one of the strongest-flavored coffee shop drinks, aside from straight espresso or ristretto. It is substantially bolder than a cortado.

What is the difference between espresso and espresso macchiato? 

The difference between an espresso and an espresso macchiato is that the espresso macchiato contains a small amount of steamed milk and has a dab of milk foam on top. This gives it a slightly lighter texture, creamier body, and milder coffee flavor.

What is the difference between a macchiato, a latte, and a latte macchiato?

Let’s learn more about what a macchiato is by exploring what it isn’t. In my experience, these three drinks are the most frequently confused.

A latte (known in Italy as a caffe latte) starts with a single or double shot of espresso, followed by 6 or 8 ounces of steamed microfoam milk and capped with a thin layer of milk foam – often poured into a decorative design known as latte art.

A latte macchiato is sort of the opposite of a macchiato and the inverse of a latte. It starts with 6 or 8 ounces of frothed milk – slightly airier than the microfoam of a latte – followed by a single shot of espresso. In this case, the milk is “marked” with espresso. Rather than being decorated with latte art, it is served in a tall glass to showcase its layers.

How To Make An Espresso Macchiato At Home

Making a macchiato is not complicated, but it does require a little finesse. It’s such a simple drink that any error stands out. Use the freshest ingredients and the best equipment you can afford.

The Step-By-Step Espresso Macchiato Recipe

It only takes a few simple steps to make a macchiato. If you already know how to use an espresso machine, you’re most of the way there!

Step 1: Prepare Your Supplies

Turn on your espresso maker and ensure it has adequate time to preheat. Pour a little hot water into your demitasse cup so that it is also preheated. The small volume of the espresso will cool quickly if it is extracted into a cold cup.

Grind the coffee beans to a uniform fine grind suitable for espresso, distribute the finely ground coffee evenly in the portafilter, and tamp.

Add cold milk to the milk frothing pitcher. You only need about a spoonful of steamed milk, but it’s impossible to froth such a small quantity. Plan on using about 4 ounces.

Step 2: Make Espresso

Slot the portafilter into your espresso maker and pull a 2-ounce double shot into the pre-warmed espresso cup. 

Step 3: Froth Milk

Add the steam wand to the pitcher and turn on the steam. Angle the pitcher so that the milk is constantly moving in a swirling motion. Keep steaming until the milk is around 150 degrees Fahrenheit and has a creamy texture similar to wet paint.

Step 4: Finish And Serve The Drink

There is no pouring strategy when making a macchiato, unlike drinks like a latte or cappuccino. Pour about an ounce of steamed milk on top of the espresso. You can use a spoon to add a decorative dot of milk foam if you want.

Serve immediately, as this is a small drink that cools quickly.

Final Thoughts

The espresso macchiato is a coffee beverage consisting of a single or double shot of espresso topped with a small amount of milk and served in an espresso cup. It is a small but strong coffee drink, with a heavy body and bold espresso flavor. If your experience of the macchiato begins and ends with the heavily sweetened caramel version, I highly recommend you give the authentic Italian version a try!