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Caffe Macchiato, or espresso macchiato, is a traditional Italian coffee beverage prepared with the perfect blend of Espresso and a touch of milk.
Indulge in the Pleasure of Homemade Caffe Macchiato!
In the world of coffee, there is a wonderful beverage that combines the rich intensity of espresso with the subtle smoothness of milk, creating the perfect blend for coffee lovers. We’re talking about none other than the Caffe Macchiato – also known as my everyday go-to sipper. I simply love it!
Caffè macchiato is a classic, combining espresso with a small amount of milk, typically in a foamed form. The name “macchiato” originates from the need to distinguish between an espresso and an espresso with a small amount of milk, as the latter was “marked” or “stained” for the new baristas.
Why Make Your Own Macchiato and Skip Starbucks?
- Customization: By making your own Caffe Macchiato, you have full control over the quality and quantity of ingredients used. You can adjust the ratio of espresso to milk according to your personal preference, making the ideal balance of flavors every time.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Frequenting coffee shops can add up and hurt that wallet, but by brewing your own Macchiato, you can enjoy this treat without breaking the bank.
- Creative Expression: Making Macchiato at home allows you to experiment with flavors, different beans or even infuse unique flavors into your creation. My husband, for instance, uses hazelnut creamer in his macchiato instead of plain whole milk, and it’s delicious.
How To Make Caffe Macchiato
Ingredients
- Freshly roasted coffee beans
- Water
- Whole Milk: This froths the best because of the high-fat content.
Directions
- Brew two shots of fresh espresso using an espresso machine. You can also use AeroPress, French Press or make espresso with instant granules.
- Steam milk to approximately 160°F (71°C), ensuring a creamy texture. Hold the steam wand or milk frother just below the surface to create foam.
- Pour the desired amount of steamed milk into the espresso, spoon the foam on top of the drink, and serve.
Tips For Crafting the Perfect Caffe Macchiato
Espresso Macchiato requires attention to detail and a few expert tips. Here are some valuable suggestions to enhance your brewing experience:
- Freshly Roasted Beans: If possible, start with high-quality coffee beans (I use this Illy Classico Whole Bean Coffee) that have been recently roasted. Fresh beans have more vibrant flavors and can elevate the taste of your Caffe Macchiato.
- Properly Steam Your Milk: Achieving velvety-smooth milk with a rich texture is crucial for a great Caffe Macchiato. When steaming the milk, aim for a temperature around 160°F (71°C) to ensure optimal sweetness and creaminess. Holding the steam wand just below the surface while steaming will create the desired foam.
- No espresso machine? No problem! If you don’t have access to an espresso machine, AeroPress, or even a French Press, there’s no need to worry. Simply grab some instant espresso granules and follow the directions on the jar to make your espresso. For the milk, heat it gently in a small saucepan on the stovetop, making sure not to let it boil. Once the milk reaches around 160˚F, remove it from the heat and immediately use a milk frother to create foam. Keep in mind that milk’s boiling point is 203˚F, so be cautious not to overheat it.
- Milk Frother Recommendation: If you’re using a handheld milk frother, I highly recommend investing in one of those milk steamers and frothers combined devices. I personally use and love the Nespresso milk frother; it does an excellent job!
- Make It Your Own: Finding the perfect balance between espresso and milk is a matter of personal preference. I like coffee with a teaspoon of milk, whereas my husband likes milk with a teaspoon of coffee. 😉 I suggest starting with equal parts espresso and milk, then adjusting the ratio according to your taste. Discovering your ideal combination may take a few attempts, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
More Homemade Coffee Drinks
Caffe Macchiato
Caffe Macchiato is an Italian coffee beverage prepared with a blend of espresso and a touch of milk.
Ingredients
- 2 to 4 shots brewed Espresso
- ¼ cup whole milk
Instructions
- Divide the espresso shots between two espresso cups.
- Steam or warm the milk to approximately 160°F (71°C), ensuring a creamy texture. Then, hold the steam wand or handheld milk frother just below the surface to create foam.
- Pour the desired amount of steamed milk into the espresso.
- Spoon the foam on top of the drink, and serve.
Equipment
Notes
- If you don’t have an espresso machine, an AeroPress, or not even a French Press, not to worry! Grab some instant espresso granules and make the espresso according to the directions on the jar. Then, warm the milk on your stovetop in a small saucepan, but do not boil it. Once the milk’s temperature has reached about 160˚F, remove it from the burner and immediately start to foam it with the milk frother. FYI: Milk’s boiling point is 203˚F.
- Milk Frother: If you don’t have an espresso machine with a wand and need to use a milk frother, I suggest splurging on one of these milk steamers and frothers in one. I have this 👉 Nespresso, and it’s excellent!
- Whole Milk works best for froth and foam because of its higher fat content.
- If possible, make the macchiatos with freshly roasted coffee beans because their flavor is more intense and vibrant.
- Macchiato has the highest ratio of espresso to milk in these beverages because this coffee drink aims to achieve a balance where the milk mellows the coffee’s flavor without overpowering it. Finding the perfect balance between espresso and milk is a matter of personal preference, but remember that macchiatos are not lattes.
Nutrition
Calories: 21kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 80mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 49IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 0.04mg
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
Did you make a recipe? Leave a rating
Besides the fact that this is delicious, the best part of this macchiato is that I didn’t have to spend 50 billion dollars to drink it. Love it.
This looks like a perfect way to start the day! Thank you so much for sharing!
No doubt, this is really amazing! Definitely a must try!
I love coffee so much! I will make this caffe macchiato for my family!
Oh, I tried it and turned out really amazing! Thanks for the recipe!