A macchiato is an espresso coffee drink characterized by a small amount of milk, usually foamed or steamed, added to espresso. The word "macchiato" means "stained" or "marked" in Italian, referring to the espresso being "marked" with a little milk
. There are two main types of macchiato:
- Espresso macchiato : The original version, consisting of a shot of espresso with just 1-2 teaspoons of steamed milk or foam added on top. This milk "stain" softens the espresso slightly without overwhelming its strong flavor. It is typically served in a small cup or glass and has the highest espresso-to-milk ratio among espresso drinks
- Latte macchiato : A milk-forward drink where steamed milk is "marked" by adding a shot (or half shot) of espresso on top. It is sweeter and served in a tall glass, with more milk than an espresso macchiato. This is different from a café latte, where espresso is poured first and then milk is added
Macchiatos are known for balancing the boldness of espresso with just a hint of creaminess from the milk, preserving the coffee’s robust flavor while adding a touch of smoothness
. In summary, a macchiato is an espresso "marked" with a small amount of milk or foam, designed to highlight the espresso taste with a subtle milky accent
