What Is A Macchiato vs. Latte vs. Cappuccino?
Lattes, cappuccinos, cortados, americanos...What’s the difference between them all? No wonder the line moves so slow. One coffee drink you have likely heard the barista shout out is a macchiato or maybe even a caramel macchiato. But what is a macchiato, and how is it different from the other coffee drinks on the menu?
If anyone knows, it’s Andreas Willhoff, co-author of Craft Coffee, director of education at Halfwit Coffee Roasters. Here, he explains everything you need to know about the macchiato.
If you’re thinking that this drink sounds a lot like a cappuccino, you’re right. Willhoff says that cappuccinos are also made with espresso and foamed milk. The difference is that there’s more foam on a cappuccino. “Whereas a macchiato just has a spot of foam on top, the cappuccino is traditionally about 4 to 5 ounces [of foam],” he says. Lattes are also made with espresso and foam, but again, the difference is in the ratio of the ingredients: Cappuccinos are equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam; lattes are primarily steamed milk with a shot of espresso added; and a macchiato is mostly espresso with a small amount of steamed milk foam. And of course, this being the 2020s, many cafes offer the option of subbing out cow’s milk with almond, oat, soy, or macadamia for your macchiato if you want to skip the dairy.
Depending on where you are ordering your macchiato, you may see the option for a cafe or espresso macchiato or a latte macchiato. “A cafe [or espresso] macchiato is the traditional version, while a latte macchiato is an American version that you would buy at Starbucks,” Willhoff says. “[At Starbucks] they adhere to the ‘marked’ definition by pouring the espresso over top of the foamed milk so the espresso marks the milk instead of the other way around.” In either case, a macchiato is not stirred, but it is layered with the milk foam resting on top of the espresso.
What is a macchiato with caramel, aka the uber-popular caramel macchiato at Starbucks? This means that caramel is used to “mark” the top of the drink above the foam. Starbucks’ caramel macchiatos are actually lattes, meaning that they include a larger ratio of steamed milk with the espresso, and the caramel syrup is incorporated into the beverage as well as being drizzled on top. Some cafes give their own twist to flavored macchiato drinks. Starbucks, for example, also adds vanilla syrup to their caramel latte macchiatos.
How to make a macchiato at home
To make your own macchiato, Willhoff says you’ll need a few pieces of equipment, specifically an espresso machine, grinder, and small milk pitcher (since you just need a small amount of milk, a 12-ounce pitcher should work just fine). Then you’ll need your espresso and milk.
“Since the drink is mostly espresso, you want to make sure you have some beans you like,” Willhoff says.
When it comes to steaming the milk for the foam, Willhoff recommends filling the pitcher to about a centimeter below the start of the spout. (Different pitchers have slightly different spout geometry, but in general, this is a good guideline to go by.) Once your milk is steamed, simply put a spoonful of the foam on top of your cup of espresso. That’s it!
Whether you’re making your macchiato at home or ordering it at a cafe, Willhoff says that what’s most important is that you order what you like; don’t get caught up in what’s “traditional” or “right.” “It’s the coffee shop’s job to try to make something that appeals to as many people as possible, but if you are making something for yourself or a loved one, do it however you want!” he says. “Brew what you love and love what you brew.” That’s good advice no matter what you order.
Credit: Readers Digest