WHAT IS A LATTE MACCHIATO AND HOW DO YOU MAKE IT AT HOME?

The latte macchiato is frequently confused with other drinks. I’m here to set the record straight.

There are literally dozens of drinks consisting solely of espresso and milk, so no wonder it’s so confusing trying to nail down your coffee shop order. And then you’ve got Starbucks throwing a wrench in things by inventing their own drinks and using traditional Italian names – looking at you, Caramel Macchiato.

In this article, I’ll tell you all about the delicious and undercelebrated latte macchiato and how it differs from its more famous cousins, the latte and the macchiato. We’ll finish up with an easy recipe so you can craft your own at home!

What Is A Latte Macchiato?

A latte macchiato is essentially an inverted latte. It consists of a shot of espresso poured over steamed milk and foam. It isn’t mixed but is instead typically served in a tall glass to showcase its layers.

As with the latte, the precise ratios of steamed milk, foam, and espresso vary between coffee shops. Generally, you can expect about 1 part espresso to 4 parts steamed milk and 2 parts milk foam.

Little is known about the origin of the latte macchiato (1). The espresso macchiato is thought to have arisen in Italy in the 1980s as a means to identify espresso that contained a small amount of milk. The latte macchiato likely arose sometime soon after, also in Italy.

What does latte macchiato mean?

Latte macchiato means “stained milk” or “marked milk” in Italian. It refers to the fact that the milk in the glass is marked with the espresso shot.

What is a caramel macchiato?

The Caramel Macchiato is probably better known in North America than the traditional latte macchiato. Introduced in 1996 by a Starbucks barista, the Caramel Macchiato is a similar concept, but the steamed milk is sweetened with vanilla syrup, and a caramel drizzle is added to the top (2). The result is a far sweeter and higher-calorie beverage. 

What Is The Difference Between A Latte Macchiato And A Latte?

Understanding coffee drink names is important to avoid ordering something you don’t want. Even though the latte macchiato and the standard latte (also known as a caffè latte) feature the same two ingredients – espresso and steamed milk – there are a few key differences between them.

• The latte macchiato generally has a higher ratio of milk to espresso, giving it a sweeter taste with a milder coffee flavor.
• The latte macchiato has a higher proportion of milk froth to steamed milk, so its mouthfeel is more airy and less creamy.
• To make a latte, the steamed milk is poured on top of the espresso. To make a latte macchiato, you pour the espresso over steamed milk.
• The latte macchiato is served layered, whereas when making the latte, steamed milk is poured from a height to mix the drink, often culminating in decorative latte art on top.

What Is The Difference Between A Latte Macchiato And An Espresso Macchiato?

An espresso macchiato (also called a macchiato or a caffè macchiato) is the opposite of a latte macchiato. It is simply a single or double shot of espresso marked with a small dollop of milk foam. It is one of the strongest coffee drinks short of a straight espresso, ristretto, or Americano.

What Does A Latte Macchiato Taste Like?

A latte macchiato is one of the most mildly flavored espresso drinks, even more so than the latte. This, coupled with its appealing airy milk froth, makes it a good choice for anyone new to drinking coffee. It’s the gateway to stronger drinks like the flat white or cappuccino.

How To Make A Latte Macchiato

Making a perfect latte macchiato coffee at home requires some barista skills, but as long as you have a good-quality latte machine, there’s no reason not to try your hand at this delicious drink. I think it’s easier to master than the caffe latte.

The Step-By-Step Latte Macchiato Recipe

Making this espresso-based drink at home is a two-step process with only two ingredients. Simple recipes like this benefit from the highest-quality products, like fresh milk and freshly ground coffee. Personally, I love a medium-dark roast espresso blend for this drink, but feel free to use your favorite coffee.

Step 1: Froth Milk

Pour 6 ounces of cold milk into a steaming pitcher. Using your espresso machine’s steam wand, froth the milk until it has a light texture with a layer of foam on top. It should be airier than the creamy microfoam you would use for a standard latte but not as foamy as a cappuccino.

Pour the frothed milk into a tall prewarmed glass.

Step 2: Brew Espresso

Grind your coffee beans to a fine espresso grind, pack them into your portafilter, and pull a single shot of espresso.

If you want the traditional aesthetic of layers in a latte macchiato, pull your espresso shot into a small carafe, then gently pour it over the milk. Wait a minute to let the distinct layers of steamed milk, milk foam, and espresso form. Looking down from the top, you’ll see a spot of brown on the foamed milk from the espresso – the “mark” that gives the drink its name.

If you don’t care about the look and would rather do fewer dishes, you can pull your espresso shot directly into the glass of milk, as long as it fits under the spout of your portafilter.

Final Thoughts

The latte macchiato is an Italian coffee drink that, like the latte, consists of rich espresso and creamy milk. But in the case of the latte macchiato, espresso is added to steamed milk rather than the inverse. The result is a milder coffee beverage with a velvety texture, perfect for anyone new to the exciting world of coffee!