The latte macchiato is known for its beautiful layers. It is, like a latte, a balanced combination of milk and espresso. A latte macchiato displays three perfect layers: milk, espresso, and milk foam. But how do you make a latte macchiato at home?

What is a latte macchiato?

Loosely translated, “latte macchiato” means “milk stained with coffee .” You can think of it as an inverted cappuccino: you start with the milk and add the espresso. This creates a beautiful three-layered division within the latte macchiato glasses: milk, espresso, and foam. In this coffee recipe, we've incorporated all our knowledge and experience, making it super simple for you to prepare your own latte macchiato.

Difference between macchiato and café latte

A latte macchiato is a beverage similar to a cappuccino, prepared with the same ingredients, but with some differences. It's more like a latte, with a milder flavor and a greater emphasis on milk.

The preparation method is also very different from latte coffee (coffee with milk), and this is what makes this drink so special.

First, steamed hot milk is poured, then espresso is added, and finally, it is finished with milk foam, giving us a triple-layered drink.

It's served hot in a large, clear glass, to the delight of latte lovers. It can also be served cold, like Starbucks' iced caramel macchiato .

This recipe is usually made with cow's milk, but you can also use your favorite plant-based milk to enjoy for breakfast or as a perfect snack, paired with a cookie.

Ingredients for making a latte macchiato

Here are the ingredients and some options for making a homemade latte macchiato. Scroll down to the recipe card for exact quantities.

• Espresso : A strong espresso is usually used to make lattes, but if you don't have a coffee maker, just make your regular coffee.

• Milk : In coffee shops, lattes are often made with 2% milk, but you can substitute it with plant-based milk with as close to the same fat content as possible.

• Sugar : Optional. You can use the sugar you normally put in your coffee or a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey.

• Vanilla : Optional. Since this drink contains a lot of milk, the vanilla adds an extra touch of flavor.

How to make a latte macchiato

1. Place the milk in a saucepan with the vanilla and sugar and heat over medium heat, or use the microwave directly.

2. Meanwhile, prepare your espresso.

3. When the milk is hot, remove it from the heat and use an electric frother to whisk it for one minute until foamy.

4. Pour the frothed milk into a glass or cup.

5. Then, add the espresso.

6. Finish by adding the remaining milk foam on top.

Tip: It is important to froth the milk well before pouring it into the cup to prevent the coffee from mixing too much with the milk and thus achieve the three layers.

To decorate, you can sprinkle a little cocoa powder or add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup.

Enjoy it warm with a cookie.

How to froth milk at home

Baristas at coffee shops like Starbucks use professional machines with steam nozzles that create silky milk foam, ideal for making cappuccinos or latte art with designs on top.

While you can get one of these excellent espresso and latte machines these days, here are three more affordable and accessible methods for frothing milk at home:

Electric milk frother

• It's the best option and the one I use to make dalgona coffee and other lattes.

• An electric frother is perfect for quickly frothing milk, whether hot or cold.

• It's practical, wireless, and can be found in any store at an affordable price.

French press

• Another clever option is to use a French press to froth the milk.

• Simply place the hot milk in the press and press several times until you get a nice foam.

Electric mixer

• If you don't have the above options, you probably have an electric mixer at home.

• It's a little bulkier, but it does the job of frothing milk with a little extra effort.

Calorie content of a latte macchiato

The delicate layers of milk, coffee, and foam give the latte macchiato its distinctive appearance. However, due to its higher milk content compared to other coffee specialties, it also has a slightly higher calorie content.

Depending on the fat percentage of the milk used, a latte macchiato can contain around 170 kilocalories (kcal). If you use skim milk, you can reduce the calorie count compared to whole milk. Also, if you enjoy your latte macchiato with a touch of sweetness, adding sugar will increase its calorie content.

Caffeine content of a latte macchiato

In addition to the intense coffee flavor , creamy foam, and smooth milk, many people appreciate its relatively low caffeine content.

In fact, the latte macchiato was originally intended for children in Italy, who received a glass of milk “stained” with a little espresso.

The caffeine content of a latte macchiato can vary depending on the type of espresso used and the amount prepared. On average, you can expect around 10 mg of caffeine per 100 ml of latte macchiato .