What is Macchiato coffee?
The popular coffee drink based on espresso coffee, called Macchiato (or Latte Macchiato), is a favorite and ordered in many exquisite cafes around the world.
But what is it? Well, macchiato means "colored milk" and the drink got its name because the milk is literally "colored" with espresso.
Another popular espresso drink, Caffe Latte, is similar. It's a bit different, because in this drink you add the espresso and then milk, while Latte Macchiato is made by first adding milk in a cup and then adding the espresso.
Another difference is that Latte Macchiato has more foam on top than Caffe Latte and is served as a "layered" drink and the ingredients are mixed together when it's served. The hallmark of Latte Macchiato, is that there is a sign on top that indicates that espresso has been added. While Latte Macchiato is mixed and has no sign on top.
From what has been said so far, Latte Macchiato is made by adding espresso to milk and an ordinary Latte is made by adding milk to espresso. The cappuccino, on the other hand, uses less milk than Latte Macchiato.
How to make Macchiato coffee
To prepare Latte Macchiato, start by frothing the milk with steam. When that's done correctly, this process will result in a creamy and velvety frothy milk, which will mix with the special coffee drink, creating a harmony of flavors.
Once the milk is properly prepared, a generous amount of foam is obtained on top of it. Then very slowly and carefully add the freshly prepared espresso. It is best to actually pour the espresso slowly on the back of the spoon and let it pour into the glass with the milk, creating a layered drink instead of letting the espresso mix with the milk.
Latte Macchiato, it is best served in a clear glass, so that the layering can be assessed visually. The cup should be preheated by running under very hot water, so that it does not extract all the heat from the milk and espresso when pouring the special coffee drink.
How to make caramel Macchiato coffee
Caramel Macchiato coffee follows the same guidelines as regular Macchiato coffee, except that vanilla is added to the milk and a drop of caramel is added to the drink. The name is a bit misleading, as caramel Macchiato coffee usually tastes more like vanilla than caramel and the caramel is simply more visually noticeable, because it sits on top.
