Macchiato, also known as an espresso macchiato, is an espresso coffee drink containing small amounts of milk, the milk is usually foamed. The term macchiato is an Italian word meaning stained, therefore caffè macchiato simply means stained coffee. The macchiatos are ideal for when you want a joke of caffeine without all the extra calories.
A macchiato tastes a lot like espresso, this simply means the higher the quality of beans used, the better the flavour of the macchiato. Small to medium macchiato contains about 80 to 100mg of caffeine, while large ones range from 120mg to 130 mg.
Presto coffee offers the best coffee beans for espresso coffee, and the best part is you can order them any time online and have them delivered at your door. Most of our coffee comes from a number of farms across Brazil and South America.
History of the Macchiato
Wondering how macchiato came into existence? Well, macchiato, also known as espresso macchiato came into existence when coffee lovers wanted to have the espresso as an afternoon beverage, the espresso-based option, cappuccino, was usually excellent for morning hours only.
The original macchiato is prepared with a shot of espresso, is diluted slightly by 1 or 2 teaspoons of steamed milk, which is the "stain" we mentioned above. The coffee has the highest ratio of espresso to milk, and the addition of milk is meant to be complementary.
Caffè macchiato gives coffee lovers a middle ground between an espresso and a cappuccino, however, it isn't strong as the espresso shot, but it's definitely stronger than your regular cappuccino.
Types of macchiato
There are two main types of macchiato coffee - espresso macchiato and latte macchiato. We shall take a look at these in detail below:
ESPRESSO MACCHIATO
Espresso macchiato is also known as caffè macchiato in Italy. Espresso is the original form of coffee, but when the milk is added, it's known as espresso macchiato. The milk stains the espresso hence the name macchiato, meaning stained.
The aim of this beverage was to have an espresso slightly diluted with a splash of schemed milk. The macchiato tips the espresso to milk scale the furthest towards espresso when compared to other espresso-based beverages.
When preparing the espresso macchiato, the ingredients required are straightforward - fresh, quality espresso beans and fresh (full-fat) milk. To achieve the best results, the espresso should be brewed with a portafilter machine ( a real espresso machine), you can as well use the calibrated automatic espresso machine, but a stove-top espresso work do the work because it doesn't make real espresso
When making the espresso macchiato, you only require a small amount of milk foam, and to have this, you only need 2 to 10 teaspoons of foam, this is because it's impossible to froth milk in small quantities using a steam wand on a portafilter machine. When making the espresso, the milk should not exceed 65 degrees Celsius, and at the same time, the froth should not be hard. Remember, the aim is to have an espresso macchiato that is both delicate and supple in the end.
Here's how to make a fresh cup of espresso macchiato at the comfort of your home:
- First step involves making a shot of espresso with the portafilter espresso machine, you will then need 8 grams of fresh, finely ground espresso beans. However, with the automatic espresso machine, you will need more coffee. The flow time should be 25 seconds, and the espresso output quality about 5 teaspoons.
- Second step involves adding the milk foam. The milk should be prepared before pulling the espresso shot. You can have the foam at 1 to 2 ratio with espresso, therefore if you have 4 teaspoons of espresso, add 2 teaspoons of milk to have the perfect espresso macchiato.
LATTE MACCHIATO
The term latte macchiato means "stained milk" in Italian, while espresso macchiato means stained espresso. So you can clearly spit the difference, in latte macchiato, the main ingredient is milk, espresso is added on top, thus straining the milk. Fascinating right?
The difference between latte macchiato and espresso macchiato is that in a latte macchiato, espresso is added to the milk rather than milk to espresso as in espresso macchiato. Secondly, a latte macchiato contains more foam rather than simply hot milk, and a latte macchiato usually uses only half an espresso shot or less.
In simple terms, what we're trying to say is that in an espresso macchiato, the emphasis is on the espresso coffee, while in a latte macchiato, the emphasis is on the milk.
Wondering how to make a latte macchiato? Well, it's quite easy, the beverage can be prepared by simply frothing milk which produces foam, it is then poured into a glass, and then espresso is added.
On the other hand, the latte macchiato can as well be prepared as a layered drink whereby you pour the espresso out of a small espresso Brew pitcher gently for it to form a layer between the denser liquid milk below and the lighter foam above. Therefore, you will have to use glass for the layers to be clearly seen. You can Brew the espresso into a standard espresso cup or shot glass.
Here's how to make a fresh cup of latte macchiato at the comfort of your home:
- The first step involves frothing the milk using the steam nozzle of your choice or the aeroccino milk frother
- Then place the frothed milk into a large recipe glass
- Have the capsules of the espresso coffee (40 ml/ 1,5 oz) directly over the frothed milk.
- You can add sugar for a taste
The art of this beverage is in how it is poured, one shop of the espresso is slowly poured over the steamed milk, make sure to pour into the centre making sure you create the visible stain in the milk. If you pour correctly, you should see a clear gradient from the thicker steamed milk at the bottom of the cup, to the espresso and also to the latter of foam on the top.
Note, the difference between latte macchiato espresso macchiato is quite straightforward. With espresso macchiato, the coffee is stained with milk, while with latte macchiato, the milk is stained by the coffee.
WHEN TO ORDER AN ESPRESSO MACCHIATO
Looking for a beverage with a very strong rich espresso but cappuccino is too milky for you? Then you should order the espresso macchiato. This beverage is excellent for coffee lovers who love the espresso flavour but don't want to have the full, strong espresso coffee. The milk that is added as a stain in the espresso is meant to dilute the strong flavour of an espresso coffee just a little bit.
Espresso macchiato is usually served in small amounts, so if you're a heavy coffee drinker, you might consider ordering it twice, or simply go and get handy at home by making yourself your own cup of espresso macchiato.
Many individuals think making the espresso macchiato yourself is hard, but that's not always the case. If you have the right equipment and the time, you have definitely made it.
WHEN TO ORDER A LATTE MACCHIATO
If you love milk and are not looking for something strong, then the latte macchiato is perfect for you. You can as well order it for your kids, they will definitely love it. The latte macchiato only has the hint of the strong espresso coffee flavour and it is gently smoothed over the steamed full cream milk. If you like, you can as well add syrup to make it tasty and look fancy. If the latte macchiato still tastes strong for you, you can add sugar or try other beverages that would taste less strong. But surely, after adding syrup or sugar, it will not be strong, even a child can enjoy it. So before thinking of ordering another type of coffee drink from the coffee shop, try it first and see if you won't like the taste.
How To Make A Macchiato
Wondering how you can make a good cup of macchiato at home? Well, these following steps will help you achieve the best results in the end.
- firstly, the best milk to use for a macchiato is full cream milk because it fronts the best due to its fat. However, you need to make sure the milk is 100% fresh because the milk that's not fresh will not foam.
- Once you've gathered all the right tools like the fresh milk, espresso roast coffee, and all the required tools, then you're ready to start the process of making a macchiato.
- Make the espresso with either the espresso machine, manual espresso maker, or Aeropress.
- Heat the milk up before the frosting process. It Should be heated at 150 degrees Fahrenheit, whereby the milk is hot to touch but not simmering.
- Then froth the milk using the method you prefer. You can either use a milk frother, french press, etc.
- Use a spoon to remove the dry foam only, and then place it on top of the espresso, and it will foam on top
- That's all, your cup of macchiato is ready for you to enjoy
What Kind of Milk Should I Use for My Latte Macchiato
Many people wonder if the type of milk used to make the latter macchiato matters, and the answer is yes, the type of milk you use matters very much. it else the end results won't be as expected.
When it comes to making latte macchiato, the recommended milk is whole milk. The reason behind this is that it has the right balance of fats, proteins, sugar, and water to make smooth foam without being too creamy. However, to achieve the best results, make sure the whole milk you use is fresh.
What is the difference between a macchiato and a latte?
Milk-based coffee drinks have many similarities, the main difference between each drink is the ratio of milk coffee. Now, let's take a look at the macchiato and latter? What's the difference? Well, a macchiato is simply espresso coffee stained with milk, while a latte is simply espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk.
Macchiato vs. Latte vs. Cappuccino?
Trying to figure out which is best for you in the macchiato vs. latte vs cappuccino debate? Well, this depends on what you prefer, if you prefer a strong coffee flavour, then we suggest you go for the macchiato. If you're into diary then the latte or cappuccino could be great for you. Let's take a look at the three types of drinks in detail below:
- Macchiato
A macchiato is a stronger coffee offering bold flavours than latte and cappuccino. Its main ingredients are single or double-shot of espresso and a dollop of milk. The macchiato tastes like espresso the only difference is the hint of milk put on the Macchiato.
- Latte
This coffee is creamy than the Macchiato because it is topped with steamed milk and again with frothed or foamed milk. A latte tastes more like milk and that's the reason why there are different types of lattes at coffee shops, some come in flavours of caramel and some in chocolate.
- Cappuccino
The cappuccino is also an espresso-based coffee prepared with steamed milk foam. It has an equal ratio of milk foam, steamed milk, and espresso.
Are Macchiatos better hot or cold?
Some people like cold milk when preparing Macchiato, but it is usually the steamed and frothed hit milk that is used. When the Macchiato is cold it's called Macchiato Caldo and when it's hot, it's called Macchiato Freddo.
Is a macchiato healthy?
Macchiatos contain only a stain of milk and are significantly lower in calories, fat and protein. Therefore, if you're on a strict diet of losing weight as a Macchiato could be great for you.
HOW MUCH CAFFEINE IS IN A MACCHIATO?
Small to medium macchiatos contains about 80 to 100mg of caffeine, while large ones range from 120mg to 130 mg.
Is a macchiato stronger than a latte?
Yes, a traditional Macchiato is stronger than a latte because a latte is half milk and half espresso, while the Macchiato contains more espresso than milk.
Is a macchiato the same as an espresso?
A Macchiato is an espresso stained with milk. This means we can say a Macchiato is 95% espresso and 5 % espresso.