Caffè macchiato

Not to be confused with a drink with a similar name, latte macchiato.

Caffè macchiato (<phonos file="Caffè macchiato Pronunciation.ogg">/kafˈfɛ mmakˈkjaːto/</phonos>), sometimes called espresso macchiato, is an espresso coffee drink with a small amount of milk, usually foamed. In Italian, macchiato means "stained" or "spotted" so the literal translation of caffè macchiato is "stained coffee", or coffee with a spot of milk.

History

The origin of the name "macchiato" stems from baristas needing to show the serving waiters the difference between an espresso and an espresso with a tiny bit of milk in it; the latter was "marked". The idea is reflected in the Portuguese name for the drink: café pingado, meaning coffee with a drop.

Preparation

See also: latte macchiato and caffè latte.

The caffè macchiato has the highest ratio of espresso to milk of any drink made with those ingredients. The intent is that the milk moderates, rather than overwhelms, the taste of the coffee while adding a touch of sweetness. The drink is typically prepared by pouring a small amount of steamed milk directly into a single shot of espresso. One recipe calls for 1-2 teaspoons of milk heated to 140-150F (60-65C).

Photos

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  A typical espresso with milk and foam (Italy)

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  Ethiopia is well known for its caffè macchiato. (Kaldi's, Addis Ababa)

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  Macchiato as served at Four Barrel Coffee in San Francisco, California

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  Caffè macchiato in Chiang Mai, Thailand, at Impresso Espresso Bar

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  Macchiato (Papua New Guinea)

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  Macchiato as served at Venice Grind in Mar Vista, California

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  Double shot macchiato with a little foam, in glass, in Natick Massachusetts

See also

• List of coffee beverages

External links

• Additional description of macchiato