How to Make a Macchiato
Create: May 15, 2019 Edit: May 28, 2019
What distinguishes a macchiato from other espresso-based coffee drinks is the ratio of milk to espresso.
An average size espresso macchiato has a 2 to 1 ratio of espresso to milk whereas an average cappuccino is 1 to 2 and a latte is 1 to 3.
The intention is that the espresso is not overwhelmed by the milk, and instead, the milk adds a touch of sweetness enhancing the flavors of the coffee.
A traditional macchiato is about 1 1/4 ounce—one shot (1 ounce) of espresso with a small amount of milk (1 to 2 teaspoons) that is mostly steamed with slight foam so there is a visible mark.
The milk is often heated to 140 to 150 F, introducing steam into the milk causing the fats to expand and develop a layer of little bubbles, kind of a "micro-foam."
This is most often done using an espresso machine and a steam wand.