What is a Macchiato and How to Make It

If you’re an espresso lover and haven’t tried the classic macchiato, then you’re in for a real treat. Let's take a closer look at the timeless drink.

What is a Macchiato?

A macchiato is the perfect halfway point between black espresso and a cortado. If you wish there was a little more creaminess to your shot of ‘spro, but don’t want to commit to the 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk that a cortado has, then the macchiato is the perfect drink for you.

Best of all, the milk helps cut through the sharpness of espresso without sacrificing the cup characteristics, so you get the best of both worlds!

How to Make a Macchiato

Below, we have a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect macchiato, with or without an espresso machine. Macchiato lovers read on:

What you'll need:

How to make it:

1. 1. Pull your shot of espresso. If you're using an espresso machine, pull as you normally would. If you don't have an espresso machine, you can do this either via Mokapot or Aeropress.
2. 2. Steam your milk. Again, if you don't have an espresso machine with a steam wand, you can emulate the effect by microwaving some milk and then putting it in a French press to froth.
3. 3. Pour your shot of espresso into your tiny mug. Now, here’s the fun part. Using your small pitcher, slowly pour the tiniest bit of milk into your espresso. Macchiato means “stained” in Italian, and you’ll see why once you make this delicious drink. You're basically adding just enough milk to “stain” the espresso. Traditionally, macchiatos use just the foam as a topping, but often coffee shops will create the macchiato to be the same blended consistently as a latte (just a whole lot smaller).
4. Bonus Step: If you can create latte art at this micro-level, you’re basically a latte-art master. So go ahead, give it a try!
5. And that’s it! You now that the cutest drink of the coffee world, that still gives you all the great characteristics of the espresso but with a touch of added creaminess.