There are so many different kinds of hot beverages out there for you to enjoy. Whether you want a latte or a mocha, or even just a classic cup of English tea, there is a drink that will suit you.
When it comes to coffee though, there really are so many different types and styles. One style of coffee is a Macchiato, but what exactly is it and how does it stand out from other kinds of coffee?
Well, if you are curious, then you have come to the right place! We are going to go over everything you need to know about the Macchiato, including what it is, how to make it, and the different kinds you can get!
What Is A Macchiato?
Also known as espresso macchiato or a caffè macchiato, a Macchiato is a style of coffee. Simply put it is a classic espresso, but with a dash of milk! The word “macchiato” is an Italian word that means “marked, stained, or spotted”.
This phrasing is in regard to the mark that the milk makes when you add it to the espresso. Espressos are very dark in color, but when you add milk it lightens the whole beverage up and gives it a unique, lighter color.
As it is primarily made using espresso, it is perfect for anyone who wants that beverage but wants something less intense. The inclusion of milk gives the Macchiato a delicious creaminess and the flavor of the beverage overall is robust and rich.
Different Types Of Macchiato
There are actually two different types of Macchiato and they come in the form of the Latte Macchiato and the Espresso Macchiato. If you want to learn more about the differences between the two, read on!
Latte Macchiato
A Latte Macchiato is a lot sweeter than an Espresso Macchiato. It is made by adding a shot or half a shot of espresso to steamed milk, and it is then topped with a milk foam layer. It is a lot more layered than an Espresso Macchiato.
It is also served in a different glass than the Espresso Macchiato, so you will usually have it in a tall glass.
Espresso Macchiato
The Espresso Macchiato is a bit more bitter than the Latte Macchiato. It is made with a shot of espresso, and then it is diluted slightly by 1-2 teaspoons of steamed milk.
While Latte Macchiatos are usually served in a tall glass, Espresso Macchiatos are usually served in a short glass.
The milk in this version is meant to be complementary. If you really enjoy coffee, you are probably going to prefer this version, because the espresso is still very prominent and the milk isn’t too overpowering.
Macchiato: A Brief History
The Macchiato was born due to Baristas needing a way to show waiting staff the difference between an espresso shot and an espresso with a bit of milk in it. It was just used to show the difference, but it soon became incredibly popular with customers.
Although this was the simple origins of it, the Macchiato has grown and evolved tremendously over the years. Coffee shops have tried to make their menus more exciting, which in turn has created some variations of Macchiato that would not be considered to be traditional.
A traditional macchiato contains espresso with a splash of milk, but the latte macchiato, which contains a lot more milk, has become just as popular in this day and age.
Some people think a Macchiato should only be enjoyed the traditional way, but it is up to you to decide which one you prefer!
How To Make A Macchiato
If you really enjoy a Macchiato but you don’t always want to go to a coffee shop to get one, then you will be happy to know that it’s quite simple to make at home. There are lots of different ways and utensils you can use to make a macchiato, so let’s go over how you can make one at home now!
Step 1: Make Your Espresso
The first thing you need to do is make your espresso. You can use whatever method is your favorite, but if you have never made one at home before, you can use things like an espresso machine, manual espresso maker, or an Aeropress.
Step 2: Heat The Milk On The Stovetop
When your espresso has been made, you then need to heat the milk on your stovetop. You want to do this step before you froth it. You can also steam the milk with an espresso machine if you have one. Ideally, you want the milk to reach 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Froth The Milk
Once the milk has been heated up, you can then froth it. There are many methods you can use for this, some of which include using a milk frother, French press, or whisk.
You want your milk to look like “dry foam”, so you want it to be light and fluffy.
Step 4: Remove The Top Of The Foam
Finally, use a spoon to remove the top of the foam only (so the dry foam), and then place it on top of the espresso. You don’t need to do anything fancy with the foam and it will naturally float to the top of the espresso!
Once you have done this, you can freely enjoy your homemade macchiato!
Conclusion
Macchiato is an incredibly popular kind of coffee. It can be made in a few different ways and styles, so it can be enjoyed by more people. If you want something a bit more intense in flavor, try an Espresso Macchiato, but if you want something creamy, try a Latte Macchiato.
You can find Macchiatos in all sorts of coffee shops and it is a very popular drink that is enjoyed by everyone. If you have never tried a Macchiato for yourself, the next time you go out to get coffee, give it a try!
You won’t be disappointed when you try a Macchiato for the first time!
Have you ever made something so delicious that you wished you could savor it forever?
Only to find that the recipe has now mysteriously vanished from your phone and the entirety of the internet. Yep, there’s not much more painful than that.
Hi, my name is Mark Williams and I have been infatuated with cooking since I was young. I would beg my mother to pull a chair up to the counter so I could watch what she was doing.
