Learn how to prepare a macchiato using this straightforward technique! This robust shot of espresso crowned with a dollop of airy foam takes just minutes to create.
Here’s a coffee beverage that’s equal parts espresso, foam, and pure deliciousness: the macchiato! This espresso drink serves as a lighter alternative to a latte, perfect for when you crave a caffeine boost without the extra calories.
Now, if you’re anything like me, your mind might initially go to the Starbucks macchiato: a sweet concoction made with vanilla syrup and a drizzle of caramel. However, the authentic Italian version, a true caffè macchiato, focuses on rich espresso complemented with just a hint of foam. It requires only two ingredients, one technique, and can be completed in under ten minutes!
What Is a Macchiato?
A caffè macchiato, or espresso macchiato, consists of a shot of espresso adorned with frothed milk. The term “macchiato” translates to “stained” in Italian, signifying that the dark espresso is marked by the milk foam atop it. Some sources suggest the macchiato originated as a means to sip espresso into the afternoon.
The other variety of macchiato is referred to as a latte macchiato. A latte macchiato is infused with a bit of espresso atop steamed milk. It tastes like an espresso-centric version of a cafe latte. In a latte, steamed milk is added to espresso, while in a macchiato, espresso is introduced to the milk. The macchiato style also tends to have a touch more foam.
What about a Starbucks macchiato? The macchiato available at Starbucks is a latte macchiato featuring caramel or hazelnut syrup drizzled on top. You’ll find layers of steamed milk, foam, and espresso, topped with that sweet drizzle. It’s nearly nothing like a true caffè macchiato!
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The macchiato ranks among my personal favorite espresso beverages because I appreciate the bitter essence of coffee without an overload of milk. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
– Espresso roast coffee: This is crucial for achieving the desired dark, bitter flavor. Espresso roast consists of coffee beans that are very darkly roasted. Ensure you use a fine grind for your espresso.
– Whole milk: The optimal milk for a macchiato is whole milk, as it contains the highest fat content. You can also utilize 2% milk: especially with a handheld milk frother. Important: ensure the milk is as fresh as possible! Milk nearing its expiration does not froth as effectively.
The ideal non-dairy milk for a vegan macchiato is oat milk: it froths beautifully and has excellent flavor.
You don’t need a top-tier espresso machine to create a fantastic macchiato at home. Here are the best alternatives for espresso:
You do not require an espresso maker with a steamer to craft a great macchiato! Simply heating and frothing the milk can yield nearly as good results. Here are several essential tools for a home barista for frothing milk:
– Espresso machine steam wand: If you possess one, this method is the most reliable. Hold the wand just below the milk’s surface until it doubles in size and becomes exceedingly foamy.
– Handheld milk frother: A milk frother is highly effective and produces extremely frothy milk! This is ideal for a macchiato.
– French press: If you have a French press for brewing coffee, it excels in creating foam! It generates a pleasant frothy layer with slightly larger bubbles than the frother.
– Whisk: A whisk is also effective! This convenient tool can effectively whip the milk: it produces larger bubbles and creates slightly less foam compared to the other methods.
How to Make a Macchiato: Step by Step
The most technique-intensive part of making a macchiato is frothing the milk. Here’s some good news: creating the froth for a macchiato is considerably simpler than for a latte. For a macchiato, you desire dry foam, which is light and bubbly, and relatively easy to achieve. Here’s how to make a macchiato at home:
Step 1: Brew the espresso using your chosen method: espresso machine, manual espresso maker, French press, or another technique.
Step 2: Heat the milk. Start with ½ cup of whole milk. Heat it on the stove or use an espresso machine wand to steam it to 150°F, which feels hot but is not boiling.
Step 3: Froth into dry foam. Utilize your preferred method to froth the milk until you achieve light, fluffy dry foam. You’re not aiming for silky microfoam here.