As a big coffee fan, you must already realize how latte macchiato can increase energy levels and boost your mood. Additionally, its caffeine helps burn fat, reduce pain, and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
When it comes to coffee beverages, you probably get confused with other terminologies such as macchiato, caffe latte, and cappuccino. Since espresso was invented in Italy, those variations are undoubtedly Italian words.
If you do not know the differences between a classic latte and a macchiato, no worries. Just read on for an interesting explanation. Here, we have gathered some information about popular espresso-based drinks.
Contents
Macchiato vs Latte
Both macchiato and latte contain similar ingredients: espresso as well as milk. To remove you from confusion, take a gander at these.
Macchiato
Also known as original or cafe macchiato. It is essentially an espresso with a splash of foam and steamed milk.
Compared to other coffees, this drink is certainly denser.
Macchiato means stained. The thin foamy milk on top gives the drink a nice mark.
It lets the espresso stand out, too. Baristas usually use quality coffee beans in their macchiatos since they greatly affect the flavor of the beverage.
Moreover, cafe macchiato is beloved by coffee addicts who love the strength of espresso. It offers a truly unique taste experience.
Normally, a macchiato is available in two options. A solo includes one shot of espresso, while the doppio contains double.
If you do not like extremely rich flavor, avoid the latter.
Latte
This drink is also called a cafe or classic latte. When you order it at a cafe, the barista will combine espresso shot and lots of hot frothed milk.
In Italian, latte means milk. That’s why it is not considered a true coffee beverage.
Traditionally, baristas serve the drink in 8 to 12 oz cup, but you can ask for the larger sizes.
Furthermore, the milk for the latte shouldn’t be too thin or foamy. Just make sure it has a wonderful sheen and smooth microfoam.
This beverage is typically topped with swirly milk patterns or latte art using a special jug.
To make it, you need about eight oz of steamed milk, two espresso shots, and a thin foam layer.
Difference Between Latte and Macchiato
Ratio
The latte is served by pouring lots of milk into the espresso shots and finishing it off with foam.
Those two ingredients create a creamy texture and significantly dilute the strong coffee flavor.
Macchiato is made by adding one teaspoon of milk or two to the espresso and marking the drink with foam. Unlike latte, it offers a very bold taste.
In essence, a latte is a milk-based beverage while macchiato requires more espresso.
Size
Latte needs a larger, taller glass for certain. Normally, baristas prepare it in an 8 oz cup since each serving contains 6 ounces of hot milk.
Furthermore, macchiato can be served in a tiny glass because it only has a small amount of foamed milk.
Look
In terms of color, the latte is lighter than the macchiato. Moreover, it typically showcases a homogenous mixture.
Macchiato is certainly darker than a latte. Since the foamed milk tends to sit on top, it creates a beautiful two-layered drink.
This beverage also allows you to observe the separations of its ingredients.
Taste
Latte gives you a balanced, consistent flavor because both espresso and milk are evenly combined. It also provides a delicate first sip.
Macchiato gives you an intense first sip. The creaminess of steamed milk highlights the robust espresso shot.
Macchiato Latte
Latte macchiato translates as spotted or stained milk. It uses the same ingredients as a classic latte, but it looks different.
To make a latte macchiato, you must mark the hot milk with espresso. The drink normally includes a thick layer of foam, too.
Furthermore, you should serve the latte macchiato in a medium to a tall glass. That way, it can display its distinctive, gorgeous layers between creamy foam, espresso, and steamed milk.
Not only is latte macchiato appealing, but it also develops a delicious flavor. To keep you from sipping the espresso first, stir the drink thoroughly.
For those of you who don’t like the strong espresso flavor, going for latte macchiato is a good option. The drink is also favored by coffee shops that specialize in over roasting bad quality beans.
This method disguises ill flavors.
Since latte macchiato is mostly steamed milk, the bitterness, strength, and acidity of ill-prepared espresso shots are nicely diluted. They are neutralized by the gentleness, creaminess, and sweetness of the milky element as well.
Latte Macchiato vs Espresso Macchiato
Espresso Macchiato
This beverage is also called the original macchiato. It always starts with a well-prepared espresso. A drop of hot frothed milk lends the drink a little stain.
As the name suggests, espresso macchiato is an extremely aromatic and strong drink. Before sipping the drink, stir it quickly, otherwise, you get a very bitter sip.
Moreover, the original macchiato is pretty straightforward to prepare. First of all, make the espresso shot. Then, stain it with a small amount of foamy milk and you are set.
Latte Macchiato
The original macchiato only has two layers. On the other hand, this one features hot milk at the bottom, foam on top, and espresso shot in between. It gives you a great visual experience.
Moreover, steamed milk and silky foam are marked with the tasty flavor of espresso. These ingredients create a fantastic result. Compared to the original macchiato, this drink can delight all coffee gourmets.
It is not as strong as the caffe or original macchiato. You can taste both the creaminess of the hot milk and the roasts of the espresso.
Latte Macchiato vs Cappuccino
Cappuccino
This classic Italian drink usually contains espresso at the bottom. The hot milk and creamy foam top the shot. Normally, the ratio of the cappuccino is a third of each ingredient.
Cappuccino has a specific look, too. Traditionally, the white foam sits in the center, while the full crema circle surrounds it.
Typically, cappuccino foam boasts swirly, elaborate designs. That’s why the drink is popular among coffee art lovers.
The baristas also add a dusting of cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or chocolate powder to it for variations.
Even though cappuccino is milky, the flavor of espresso is fairly strong.
Unlike latte macchiato, you can either make it dry or wet. The first option features lots of airy foam, while the latter contains more milk.
Latte Macchiato
Both latte macchiato and cappuccinos have the same ingredients. However, they are prepared and look distinctly different.
Latte macchiato does not feature espresso at the bottom. On the other hand, it sits below the creamy foam and marks the milk.
Moreover, latte macchiato is made by adding an espresso shot to the milk. Compared to cappuccino, it certainly includes more milk and creamy foam.
Some people may mistake latte macchiato for a cappuccino. It is milkier and less dense.
Unlike cappuccino, latte macchiato does not feature coffee art on the frothy top. It isn’t covered in the fine cocoa or cinnamon dusting, too.
Latte Macchiato Starbucks
Latte or American macchiato is one of Starbucks’ delicious and famous drinks. It is not just velvety, but also rich.
When you are sipping the beverage, the robust coffee flavor certainly shines in your mouth.
The espresso shots are poured slowly over frothed milk for a bolder taste. Since they are added in last, the drink has a strong, roasted aroma.
Starbucks’ or American-style latte macchiato is the opposite of an Italian version.
Instead of covering the beverage with microfoam, the baristas at Starbucks begin with hot whole milk and pour shots of espresso over it slowly.
The Starbuck’s latte macchiato normally boasts a small, chestnut circle. It appears in the center of creamy white foam.
Since the drink requires extra preparation, it is more complicated than the espresso or Italian-style macchiato.
The caramel and almond milk latte macchiatos are two favorite things in Starbucks’ menu. Many people are falling for them.
How to Make Latte Macchiato
If the latte macchiato of popular coffee shops or chains doesn’t satisfy you, consider making the drink at home. Not only is it more affordable, but also easy to prepare. The preparation normally takes about 7 minutes.
Be sure you have a good milk frother or espresso machine. Without further ado, here is our the recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 espresso shot
- 160 ml or 2/3 cup of milk (dairy, oat, almond, cashew, etc)
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup
- caramel sauce
Steps:
- First, prepare a warmed up tall glass. Then, add the vanilla syrup into it.
- Use a frother or steam nozzle of your espresso machine to froth the milk. Place it into another glass.
- Pour most of the hot frothed milk into the tall cup. Add in one shot of espresso.
- Cover the drink with some creamy foam. Lastly, drizzle caramel sauce on its top and enjoy it.
We hope our comprehensive guide to latte macchiato comes handy for you. Whether you’ll make the drink yourself or buy it at your favorite coffee chain, do not hesitate to use this article for future reference.