Coffee is a wonderful thing: smooth, intense, and sweetly uplifting to the soul. But finding that perfect cup of bliss at a coffee shop can be a bit overwhelming. There are cappuccinos, espressos, mochas of this and doubles of that, plus options you may never have heard of. What is a macchiato, for example? Read on to learn more about what could become your next favorite coffee drink.

• Pronunciation: mac·​chi·​a·​to

• Definition: Espresso topped with a thin layer of frothed milk

• History and etymology: From Italian, abbreviation of caffè macchiato , literally meaning "coffee with a stain (of milk)"

• First recorded use: 1980

What is a macchiato?

Macchiato means "stained" in Italian. As the name suggests, it's traditionally an espresso with a little hot milk, marked on top with foam to indicate it's not just an espresso. It's a small coffee drink with milk. Macchiatos are typically only a few ounces in volume, with the amount of milk and milk foam no greater than that of the espresso (for example, a 1.5 oz shot of espresso would produce a macchiato of no more than 3 oz).

Origins of the macchiato

In Italy, it's believed that foamy drinks should only be enjoyed at breakfast, so ordering a cappuccino after 11 a.m. is frowned upon. Looking for an afternoon drink, Italians wanted something with a bit of the creaminess of a cappuccino, but without losing the intensity of an espresso.

While the cappuccino is specifically a morning drink, the macchiato has become the ideal choice for the afternoon.

It is also said that the macchiato was born to differentiate a coffee with just a touch of milk from a simple espresso.

Preparation begins with a shot of intense, rich espresso, which is then "stained" with a small amount of steamed milk and sometimes foam, adding a slight sweetness and creaminess without overpowering the espresso's strong flavors.

Types of macchiato

There are two main types of macchiato. Although the ingredients are the same, the preparation technique gives each one a unique flavor.

Espresso macchiato

In this version, a shot of espresso is poured into a small cup (also called a demitasse ), and then an equivalent amount of milk foam is added to the top. This results in a strong-tasting coffee with just a hint of milk. Since the espresso macchiato is the most traditional, we'll focus on how to prepare it in this guide.

Latte macchiato

The latte macchiato contains more milk than the espresso macchiato . It's made by adding a single or double shot of espresso to a larger amount of steamed milk, usually around six ounces. This creates a layered effect: milk at the bottom, espresso in the middle, and a small amount of milk foam on top. Some coffee shops add flavors and toppings to their latte macchiatos , although more modern specialty coffee shops usually serve them in their more traditional form.

What do you need to make a macchiato at home?

Preparing an espresso macchiato is relatively simple, so you can certainly learn how to do it at home. Here are the ingredients and equipment you'll need.

Macchiato ingredients

A classic macchiato requires only two ingredients: milk and espresso.

For a truly delicious macchiato, choose high-quality milk, either whole milk or a barista-grade version of plant-based milk. The fat content in these milks significantly improves both the texture and flavor of the macchiato.

When it comes to coffee, it's important to select a good espresso. Dark roast coffees tend to integrate better with milk than light roasts, although a balanced medium roast tends to produce the best espresso for macchiatos. Medium roast coffee offers a more complex and rounded profile compared to dark roast espresso, which is especially important in a macchiato.

Equipment for preparing a macchiato

To make a macchiato, you will need the following:

• Coffee mill

• Espresso machine or alternative espresso preparation method

• Steam wand or milk frothing equipment

• Milk frothing pitcher

Espresso machines are the traditional method for preparing a macchiato. However, you can replicate the flavor of espresso with alternative methods, which we'll explain later. It's also possible to froth milk without an espresso machine using different techniques.

Tips for ordering a macchiato

Walking into a coffee shop and facing all the coffee options available can be overwhelming. To ensure you order the perfect macchiato, follow these tips:

• If you prefer a strong coffee and want something closer to the traditional Italian version (espresso with just a touch of milk), ask for a caffè macchiato or an espresso macchiato .

• If you need an extra boost of energy or just want a stronger coffee, order your macchiato with a double shot of espresso.

• If you like the small size of espresso but prefer equal parts milk and coffee instead of just a dash of milk, order a cortado .

Macchiato-like drinks

The coffee drinks most physically similar to a macchiato are the cortado and the piccolo . The former comes from Spanish coffee culture, while the latter originates from Australia. Both are slightly larger than a macchiato and are served with textured milk and a little foam.

However, the drinks most commonly confused with an espresso macchiato (for obvious reasons) are the latte macchiato and the caramel macchiato .

A latte macchiato is almost the opposite of an espresso macchiato . Since macchiato means "stained" or "tinted," instead of marking the espresso with milk foam, a latte macchiato marks the milk with a little espresso. In other words, it's a glass of steamed milk with a touch of espresso poured on top.

The caramel macchiato is a variation on the latte macchiato , invented by a Starbucks barista in the 1990s. Today, it has surpassed the latte macchiato in popularity . As its name suggests, the Starbucks caramel macchiato is a latte macchiato with caramel sauce (and often vanilla syrup), usually served in a glass of at least 12 oz. It is, in essence, about as different from an espresso macchiato as a coffee drink can be.