What is a macchiato?

To understand the drink, we must look at its origins. What does macchiato mean in its native Italian? The word translates literally to stained or marked.

Historically, baristas used the term to help servers distinguish between a plain espresso and an espresso with a tiny splash of milk. By marking the top of the dark crema with a dollop of white foam, the barista signaled that this cup was different. Today, that mark has become an art form in itself.

There is often confusion when ordering because the term macchiato is used for two very different drinks.

What is an espresso macchiato?

The espresso macchiato is the original version. It consists of a single or double shot of intense espresso stained with a small amount (usually just a teaspoon or two) of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam. It is served in a small demitasse cup and retains the punchy, robust profile of the coffee while softening the edges of the acidity.

The latte macchiato

In contrast, a macchiato latte (or latte macchiato) reverses the process. Instead of marking the coffee with milk, the barista marks the milk with coffee.

• The process: a glass is filled with steamed milk and a thick layer of foam.

• The mark: a shot of espresso is poured slowly through the foam, creating a beautiful layered effect where the coffee sits between the heavy milk and the light froth.

When choosing your morning brew, understanding the difference between macchiato and latte is essential for getting exactly what you want. While both use the same ingredients, espresso and milk, the ratios and textures are worlds apart.

A latte is a long, milky drink where the espresso is fully integrated. In contrast, what’s a macchiato’s defining feature is the separation of flavors. In an espresso macchiato, you taste the coffee first, followed by the cream. In a latte macchiato, you sip through the foam and coffee into the warm milk below.

About the flavor profile, what does a macchiato taste like?

A macchiato coffee offers a unique sensory experience. Because it contains less milk than a cappuccino or a latte, the specific notes of your coffee beans, whether they are fruity, nutty, or chocolatey, remain the stars of the show.

The milk serves a specific purpose: it provides a creamy mouthfeel and a natural sweetness that cuts through the bitterness of the espresso without diluting its body. It is the perfect choice for an afternoon pick-me-up where you want the caffeine kick of an espresso but with a smoother finish.

How to make a macchiato at home?

You don't need a professional espresso bar to enjoy this drink. Using L'OR Espresso coffee capsules, you can craft a barista-quality experience in your own kitchen.

1. Prepare your espresso, brew a single shot of your favorite L'OR Espresso (we recommend a high-intensity blend to ensure the flavor shines through the milk). Like the L'OR Espresso Ultimo.

2. Steam your milk, froth a small amount of whole milk or a barista-blend plant milk until you have a dense, velvety micro-foam.

3. The mark is key so gently spoon one or two teaspoons of the foam onto the center of your espresso shot.

4. Enjoy and do not stir the beauty of the macchiato is in the transition from the creamy foam to the dark, rich coffee beneath.

Why choose a macchiato?

Choosing a macchiato is a sign of a true coffee lover. It shows an appreciation for the complexity of the espresso shot while acknowledging that a touch of velvet-like milk can elevate the experience. Whether you prefer the short, sharp hit of a traditional espresso macchiato or the tall, elegant layers of a latte macchiato, this drink remains one of the most sophisticated ways to enjoy coffee.