Macchiato Coffee: What to Expect

Macchiato means marked or stained in Italian. A traditional espresso macchiato is espresso marked with a small amount of steamed milk or foam.

Why menus can be confusing

Some cafés use macchiato for larger milk drinks, flavored drinks, or layered drinks. Those can be enjoyable, but they are not the same size or balance as a traditional espresso macchiato.

Ask two questions

1. Is this the small espresso-forward version or a larger milk drink?
2. Does it include syrup or added flavor?

Those questions are more useful than arguing over the name after the drink arrives.

Make a simple one at home

1. Prepare a shot of espresso.
2. Steam a small amount of milk.
3. Add a spoonful of foam or a small pour of steamed milk.

Choose the coffee

Because there is little milk, the espresso remains noticeable. Start with a coffee you already enjoy, then adjust the grind and extraction before changing several ingredients at once.

Compare Wild Calf's five core blends.