Caffe Macchiato

5 from 3 votes

Caffe Macchiato is an Italian coffee beverage prepared with a blend of espresso and a touch of milk.

Prep Time5

Cook Time2

Total Time10

Course: coffee, Drinks

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: caffe macchiato, espresso, macchiato recipes

Servings:

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.

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.