Is a Macchiato an Espresso?

The word macchiato means “marked” in Italian. So an Espresso Macchiato is mostly espresso, marked with a small amount of steamed milk and foam for those who love a rich, bold taste. A Latte Macchiato is mostly steamed milk, marked with espresso for those who prefer a creamier drink.

How much espresso is in a macchiato?

A macchiato, also called an espresso macchiato, is a coffee drink made with 2 shots of espresso and a small amount of milk, about an ounce. What is this? It's a small drink—about 3 ounces. “Macchiato” means “stained” or “spotted” in Italian, which refers to the way the milk is placed on top of the espresso.

What exactly is a macchiato?

The Macchiato, also known as the Caffe Macchiato or Espresso Macchiato, has a bolder flavor than many other coffee drinks. It's comprised of a small amount of steamed milk with a lot of espresso. Rather than thinking of ratios, it's easier to view the macchiatto as an espresso with a spot of milk in it.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.