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Home » Drinks » Coffee & Tea

Espresso Macchiato

Published: Jan 29, 2022 · Modified: Jan 28, 2024 by Ali

Jump to Recipe

This espresso macchiato is easy and simple to make with just two ingredients: espresso and milk foam. A traditional, Italian espresso macchiato (also called a caffe macchiato) is made with a shot of strong, high quality espresso, topped with frothy milk foam.

Espresso macchiato with a dot of milk foam, in a white cup, on a white and wooden coaster, surrounded by coffee beans.

This classic espresso macchiato is very similar to this doppio macchiato which has more espresso and also a bit of steamed milk as well as milk foam.

If you are wanting more decadent lattes try this mocha latte, or this peanut butter coffee.

Jump to:
  • Why this is the best caffe macchiato
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • FAQ
  • Expert Tips
  • 📖 Recipe
  • Other Macchiato Recipes

Why this is the best caffe macchiato

  • It’s simple & quick. With only two ingredients, this classic drink is easy to make.
  • It’s strong. If you don’t like coffee drinks that are loaded with milk, cream and sugar, this is the perfect drink for you. Strong espresso with a little scoop of milk foam.
  • It’s cheaper than going to a cafe. As long as you can make high quality espresso at home, this drink is definitely less expensive to make at home.

Ingredients

Overhead view of the ingredients needed to make the macchiato.
  • Espresso: Since this drink is mostly pure espresso, use high quality espresso, not instant espresso powder.
  • Milk: Whole milk works best for frothing, but 2% will work as well.

Instructions

Heat the milk on a saucepan over medium to high heat. Don’t let the milk boil. Once there is a lot of steam coming off of the milk (after a couple of minutes), remove the milk from the stove.

Use a handheld frother to froth the milk.

Scoop off the top layer of milk foam and put it on the shot of espresso.

A traditional espresso macchiato in a small white espresso mug on a white and wooden coaster, surrounded by scattered coffee beans.

FAQ

What does macchiato mean?

Macchiato means “stained” or “marked”, like how the dot of milk foam stains the top of the espresso.

Do you stir a macchiato?

You can if you prefer, but generally macchiatos are not stirred.

What is the difference between a Starbucks macchiato vs. a real macchiato?

Starbucks macchiatos are more like lattes. They add a lot of sugar, flavoring and milk with a little bit of coffee or espresso. A real macchiato is almost all espresso with a bit of milk. The closest drink Starbucks has to a classic espresso macchiato is this doppio espresso.

What’s the difference between espresso and macchiato?

A macchiato is made with espresso and a little bit of milk foam.

Overhead view of espresso macchiato with a dot of milk foam, on a golden marble table scattered with coffee beans.

Expert Tips

  • Don’t let the milk boil. Watch the milk very carefully to prevent it from boiling or scalding.
  • Make multiple macchiatos at once. It is difficult to heat smaller quantities of milk on the stove without it scalding, so there will be leftover milk. Make a couple macchiatos at once to use up the extra milk.
  • Only take the top milk foam. After frothing, the milk will separate into two layers, with steamed milk underneath and milk foam on top. For a traditional espresso macchiato, only take this top layer of milk foam. This should sit on top of the espresso and not mix into it.
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📖 Recipe

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Espresso macchiato with a dot of milk foam, in a white cup, on a white and wooden coaster, surrounded by coffee beans.

Espresso Macchiato


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Ali
  • Total Time: 4 minutes
  • Yield: 1 macchiato 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

This espresso macchiato is made just as a traditional, Italian caffe macchiato should be — with two ingredients: espresso and milk foam.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 oz espresso
  • 2 oz milk*

Instructions

  1. Heat the milk on a small saucepan over medium to high heat. Continue to heat for 2-3 minutes until a lot of steam is coming off of the milk. Don’t let the milk boil or scald.
  2. Remove the milk from the stove and use an electric hand frother to froth the milk. The milk will separate into two layers: a layer of steamed milk on the bottom and a milk foam layer on top. Use a spoon to scoop off just the milk foam and place it on top of the espresso.
  3. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

  • *Milk: Whole milk will froth more easily, but 2% will work as well.
  • Prep Time: 1 minute
  • Cook Time: 3 minutes
  • Category: Coffee Recipes
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 macchiato
  • Calories: 12
  • Sugar: 0.8g
  • Sodium: 13mg
  • Fat: 0.4g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 1.5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0.6g
  • Cholesterol: 1mg

Leave a comment if you tried this recipe!

Other Macchiato Recipes

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    Iced Gingerbread Latte
  • A Gingerbread Chai Latte with a gingerbread man cookie sinking in the drink.
    Gingerbread Chai Latte
  • A Starbucks iced white chocolate mocha topped with whipped cream.
    Starbucks Iced White Chocolate Mocha
  • A spoonful of white chocolate coffee syrup.
    White Chocolate Coffee Syrup

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. dana

    August 02, 2023 at 11:38 am

    This is such a fantastic pick-me-up! And way easier to make than I imagined.

    Reply
  2. rebecca

    August 02, 2023 at 11:29 am

    thanks for the tips, the whole milk froths much easier! also this is delish

    Reply
  3. chelsea

    August 02, 2023 at 10:55 am

    So delicious! Love not having to leave the house to get a macchiato that actually tastes like what you can get from a real barista!

    Reply

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Ali in a white tank top wearing sunglasses, with trees with yellow leaves in the background.

Hi, I'm Ali! Full-time nurse, lifetime foodie. Join me as I create, eat and drink the most delicious brunch, cocktail & dessert recipes! More about me —>

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