The Espresso Macchiato Is Italy’s Perfect Espresso Drink

The espresso macchiato is one of Italy’s most beloved espresso drinks because it is simple, elegant, perfectly balanced and deeply rooted in Italian café culture.

What Is An Espresso Macchiato?

An espresso macchiato is a single shot of espresso lightly “stained” with a small amount of milk. The Italian word macchiato means marked or stained, referring to the touch of milk added to the espresso. You should be able to see both the coffee and the milk when you look down on the cup.

Unlike cappuccinos or lattes, an espresso macchiato is closer to a simple espresso. The milk does not dominate the drink; instead, it gently softens the espresso’s bitterness while preserving its bold flavor. This had been my favorite espresso drink for years until my recent conversion to a simple, but delicious espresso.

When Italians Drink Espresso Macchiato

An espresso macchiato is commonly enjoyed during and after breakfast and throughout the day. Italians typically reserve milk-heavy drinks like cappuccino for the morning hours. After about 11 a.m., espresso macchiato becomes a popular choice for those who want something slightly softer than a straight espresso.

Because the combination of milk and coffee aren’t as common in the evening, I had a learning experience at a Rome restaurant when I ordered a macchiato after my meal. They explained that they have no milk in the restaurant, so I could only enjoy an espresso, which I did. The idea that a full service restaurant didn’t have milk seemed very odd to me, but they were only open for dinner, so there was no need for milk.

How To Order Caffè Macchiato In Italy

Ordering an espresso macchiato in Italy is simple. Just say: “Un caffè macchiato, per favore.” or you can go a little riskier and say: “Un macchiato, per favore.”. The latter might cause the barista to check if you wanted an espresso macchiato instead of whatever Starbucks is calling a macchiato these days.

Ordering Caffè Macchiato Outside Italy

Outside Italy and especially in US international coffee chains, “macchiato” often refers to large, milk-heavy drinks sometimes with flavored syrups. While these beverages share the name, they are very different from the traditional Italian espresso macchiato.

I have had the misfortune of ordering a caffè macchiato and getting a drink even milkier than a caffè latte. This has happened more than once, so be careful when you are ordering and expect the unexpected. For a more authentic experience, seek out Italian-style cafés or enjoy one during your travels in Italy.

The Espresso Macchiato Recipe

Making this espresso macchiato recipe at home is easy, but you’ll need to save yourself some stress and not worry about appearances. As my pictures prove, making it look perfect isn’t easy, but I assure you that even the messy versions are delicious.

Espresso Macchiato Recipe Ingredients

• 1 shot of (44 ml) Strong Espresso
• 1 Fl. Ounces (30 ml) Whole Milk

Espresso Macchiato Brewing Instructions

1. Brew a very strong espresso. I used a 3 tazzina moka, but it is classically done with a single espresso shot.
2. Pour the coffee into the espresso cup.
3. Lightly steam and froth the milk, and add a small dollop of the steamed milk to the glass.
4. Serve with a small glass of water to cleanse the palate.

How Do You Pronounce Macchiato In English?

Here is my attempt at phonetically spelling out Macchiato: MAH-KEY-AH-TOE with the stress on the second last syllable. Good luck, but I’m sure once you hear it pronounced in Italy, you won’t forget how to pronounce this amazing drink.

A Small Cup With Big Italian Tradition

The espresso macchiato may be small in size, but it represents a timeless Italian coffee tradition. It’s a perfect middle ground between the intensity of espresso and the comfort of milk, offering a refined coffee experience in just a few sips.