The Macchiato is a classic espresso drink that’s been around for centuries. It has a rich, intense flavor and a smooth, creamy texture that make it the preferred choice of connoisseurs everywhere. But what exactly is the Macchiato? How is it different from other espresso drinks?
| Main Ingredients: | Pulled espresso, foamed milk |
| Serving Temperature: | ~165°F |
| Place of Origin: | Vienna, Italy | Caffeine per Serving (mg): | 60-75 mg per gram |
In this article, we’ll answer all of your questions about the Macchiato. And there are a lot of questions to be answered. Let’s get started.
What is a Macchiato?
A Macchiato is a shot of espresso with a little bit of foam on top. It’s a drink known for its layered and separated texture that easily stands out from other coffee drinks.
There is something special about sipping on a Macchiato for many coffee lovers. Some find joy in the simplicity of two ingredients creating one delicious beverage. Others love that it’s light yet creamy taste pairs perfectly with any sweet pastry or treat.
Whether you’re an old pro or are just discovering this unique type of espresso, there is no denying its passionate following!
What is a Macchiato Made Of?
As you could’ve guessed by now, the main ingredient in a Macchiato is espresso. Whether you choose a single or double shot depends on your personal preference for taste and caffeine consumption.
The espresso is then topped with foam made from 2% or whole milk, depending on how you would like it.
Why is a Macchiato Layered?
So why is a Macchiato layered? The answer is simple: it was designed to be marked or “stained”. The espresso shot is added to the bottom of the cup while steamed milk and foam are added on top. This results in two distinct layers that remain separate until stirred together by the person drinking it.
Not only does this make for an aesthetically pleasing look, but it also helps people enjoy all of the flavors at once without them overtaking each other. Those who appreciate strong caffeine and complex flavor combinations can savor every sip as they mix all of their favorite ingredients in one delicious concoction!
How much caffeine is in the Macchiato?
When coffee lovers think of a Macchiato, they often imagine an incredibly bold espresso flavor with creamy milk. But what about the amount of caffeine in this drink? When you order a Macchiato at a café or coffee shop, the actual amount of caffeine depends on how many shots of espresso are used in your drink.
In general, each shot of espresso contains around 63 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. That means if you have a single-shot Macchiato, you’ll get 63 mg of caffeine in total. However, if you order a double-shot Macchiato, that number jumps to 126 mg.
The type and quality of beans used can also affect the actual level of caffeine in each shot as well (e.g. lighter roast coffees tend to have more caffeine than darker roasts).
How many calories are in a Macchiato?
Depending on what type of milk and any added sweeteners you use, the calorie content of your Macchiato can vary from one cup to the next. For those looking to indulge their coffee cravings while still being mindful of calories, it’s important to understand exactly how many calories are in a Macchiato.
The good news is that even with whole milk, a single shot of espresso combined with two ounces of steamed milk will only average around 60 calories – making this a relatively guilt-free treat! And that’s if more steamed milk than foam is used.
Subbing out whole milk for an almond or non-fat milk will bring down the calorie count even further.
The History of Macchiato
The Macchiato originated in Italy, where it was created as a way for people to get their morning espresso fix without such a hard or bold taste of straight espresso. Espresso was strong and bitter on its own, so Italians would add a touch of foam and steamed milk to cut the intensity of their morning cup.
It is a rather simple addition, foamed milk to espresso, but it kept the focus on the espresso while taming it down for those who couldn’t stomach it.
What does Macchiato mean?
The Italian word Macchiato literally means “marked,” which refers to the mark left by the foam as it sits atop the dark coffee below. So, the word Macchiato is simply a word outside the English language that has been adopted for this popular coffee beverage.
How to Make a Macchiato at Home
Making a delicious Macchiato at home is surprisingly easy! All you need is an espresso machine and an appetite for some coffee.
Equipment
- Steaming pitcher
- Frother/ Espresso machine with steam wand
- Serving cup
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of espresso
- 2 ounces of milk foam
Instructions
- In order to make the perfect Macchiato, start by pulling a shot of espresso into your cup.
- Now start frothing or steaming your milk. Once it has reached the desired consistency - which could take anywhere from 15-30 seconds - set it aside for now.
- Both the espresso and the milk steaming should be done right around the same time. Pick up a bar spoon. Scoop the foam off of the steamed milk and place it carefully onto your espresso. Add as much foam (or as little) as you want.
- It really is as easy as that to make and enjoy!
Still have questions about the Macchiato? We’ve got even more answers!
Frequently Asked Questions About Macchiatos
Are there different types of Macchiatos and Macchiato flavors?
Whether you like your Macchiato plain or with a bit of extra flavor, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
The classic Macchiato is made with just two ingredients - espresso and steamed milk - but you can kick things up a notch by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon powder or cocoa powder as desired.
For those who prefer sweeter drinks, syrups such as caramel or vanilla can be added to give it a delicious twist. Not only do these additions add an extra level of flavor, but they also make coffee more palatable to more people!
We will say though, syrups are often used in lattes and not in Macchiatos.
What is the difference between a Café Macchiato and Latte Macchiato?
A caffè Macchiato and latte Macchiato are two unique espresso-based drinks that are often confused with one another. For the passionate coffee connoisseur, it is important to understand the subtle nuances between these two beverages.
The café Macchiato is a small drink made up of equal parts of espresso and steamed milk with foamed milk on top.
The ratio between ingredients can be adjusted based on personal preference, but the main element remains: espresso as the foundation with just a hint of steamed milk.
On the contrary, latte Macchiatos contain more steamed milk than their counterpart, making them larger in portion size. This greater quantity of liquid allows for an easier drinking experience while still maintaining its signature velvety texture.
Latte Macchiatos also tend to be inverted. The espresso is added to the top of steamed milk and foam. Lattes of all types also tend to be served with different types of flavored syrups or even just added sugar.
How much caffeine is in a Café Macchiato?
The amount of caffeine present in a café Macchiato depends on whether you order it as a single or double shot. A single shot contains approximately 60-75 milligrams (mg) of caffeine and a double shot contains around 120-150 mg.
Is Macchiato a coffee?
Macchiatos are coffee drinks. More specifically, they are espresso-based beverages topped with light milk foam.
How is Macchiato different from Latte?
The difference begins with the way these espresso-based beverages are mixed. To make a Macchiato, an espresso shot is the base layer and a small amount of steamed milk with foam is added to the top. This combination creates a robust yet smooth beverage that is sometimes served in an individual demitasse cup.
On the other hand, making lattes involves mixing espresso shots with significantly more steamed milk. Lattes have less intense flavor but boast a creamier texture from being made with much more milk.
The volume of foam in each café Macchiato can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the type and temperature of the milk used and even the barista's pouring technique!
If you like your coffee with lots of foam, you may need to be specific about how much you'd like when ordering. For instance, ask for extra dry for more foam and less steamed milk. Or, order wet if denser milk is what matters to you.
How to order a Macchiato?
Firstly, decide if you want a regular or decaf version of the drink.
Secondly, determine how much espresso you want—one or two shots are usually ordered.
Once you've decided on those two things, consider what type of flavors and sweetness level you would like in your drink – this could range from nothing extra all the way to syrups.
Is a Macchiato the strongest coffee?
Straight espresso would be stronger than a Macchiato. This is because, even though Macchiatos are topped with some light foam, this foam tames the espresso’s taste down.
Does a Macchiato have a stronger flavor than espresso?
The truth of the matter is that espresso has a stronger flavor. Macchiatos are nothing but shots of espresso diluted with foamed milk. This curbs the boldness of just drinking a shot of espresso and can even change the notes tasted when drinking the beverage.
That’s about it for Macchiatos. Now Go Enjoy One.
Macchiatos are a delightful and delicious beverage that can bring pleasure and satisfaction to any coffee drinker. Everyone should try out the wide variety of flavors available, from classic espresso to unique seasonal varieties, in order to find what fits their taste buds best.
A Macchiato is an excellent way to start your day off right and makes for a great afternoon pick-me-up.
Enjoy your next cup!