What is a latte macchiato?

A latte macchiato is a popular coffee drink with a creamy mouthfeel and subtle coffee flavour. It consists of three distinct layers: a single or double shot of espresso, milk, and a delicious layer of foam on top. Latte macchiato translates to "spotted milk" due to its preparation method. When prepared correctly, a dark spot will be visible at the top of the foam, where the espresso has been poured onto the frothed milk.

The main difference from a caffè latte is that a latte macchiato uses coffee added to frothed milk, while a caffè latte uses heated milk. The main difference lies in the milk froth. Italians call the drink by its preparation.

What's in a latte macchiato?

The latte macchiato's main ingredient is milk. It contains so much milk that in Italy, it's considered a "child's coffee." The milk gives the drink a subtle sweetness and a silky texture. To create three attractive layers of milk foam in your cup or glass, with beautiful, soft milk froth, it's important to be able to froth milk. You can use the steam wand of your espresso machine for this, or a separate milk frother, which is easy to use and produces an equally beautiful effect. Whole milk froths most easily, but semi-skimmed or a milk alternative can also be used to make a beautiful latte macchiato.

The coffee stain

Although a latte macchiato uses a lot of milk, the most important ingredient is still coffee. The key to success is an intense espresso, which defines the intensity and aroma of the entire drink. A delicious latte macchiato is as delicious as the espresso used. Nutty and chocolatey notes pair beautifully with milk. For a bold coffee flavour, use a double espresso and/or a dark roast coffee, such as Sicilian Blend.

The recipe for latte macchiato

• 125ml milk
• Single or double espresso

Syrup can be added if desired. Many flavours like caramel, hazelnut, almond, and vanilla, as well as less common flavours like popcorn, salted caramel, and pistachio, are delicious in your homemade latte macchiato, creating a delicious sweet drink that can easily replace dessert.

Step 1: Preheat the glass

Optionally, add one or two tablespoons of your favorite syrup to your preheated glass. To warm your glass, fill it with hot water and then empty it again.

Step 2: Frothing milk

Gently heat your milk using the steam wand of your espresso machine, your automatic frother, or in a saucepan. Be sure to stop heating before the milk boils.

Once you have heated the milk in a saucepan, froth the milk and pour the frothed milk into your warm glass.

Step 3: Make an espresso

Brew a delicious and especially strong espresso. We recommend using a dark roast coffee like Sicilian Blend.

Prepare the espresso in a pot to make it easier to pour into the glass of milk.

Step 4: Pouring and serving

Carefully pour the espresso into the center of the foam. The coffee will now float perfectly between the two layers of foam and milk. If your espresso isn't hot enough, it helps to add a little hot water to create three distinct layers.