Macchiato
A macchiato is a coffee drink made with espresso and a small amount of milk, usually foam.
A macchiato is a small, espresso-forward coffee drink topped with a thin layer of milk foam. The name comes from Italian, meaning “marked” or “stained,” reflecting how the milk lightly alters the espresso.
What it is
A macchiato is a coffee beverage made from espresso with a small amount of milk or milk foam. Standard definitions describe it as espresso topped with a thin layer of foamed milk or a small amount of hot milk. The traditional version is the espresso macchiato, which keeps the drink small and espresso-led.
Why it matters
The macchiato preserves a strong espresso taste while softening bitterness with just enough milk. It is distinct from larger milk-based drinks like lattes. In Canada, the term is used for both traditional espresso macchiatos and sweeter commercial variations, so knowing the difference helps you order what you expect.
Key details
The two main forms are espresso macchiato (espresso marked with milk) and latte macchiato (milk marked with espresso). Macchiatos are typically served in small cups and have a bold, coffee-forward flavour. The word macchiato means “marked” or “stained” in Italian.
In short
- A macchiato is espresso with a small amount of milk or foam.
- The name means “marked” or “stained” in Italian.
- Traditional macchiatos are small and espresso-forward.
- Latte macchiato is a different style where espresso marks milk.
Macchiatos are commonly available in Canadian cafés and coffee chains, where the term is often used for both traditional espresso macchiatos and sweeter commercial variations.
Quick questions
What is a macchiato?
What does macchiato mean?
Is a macchiato a large drink?
Sources
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macchiatoSupports: Definition of macchiato as espresso topped with a thin layer of foamed milk.
- Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/macchiatoSupports: Definition of macchiato as strong coffee with a little warm milk.
- NESCAFÉ — https://www.nescafe.com/in/coffee-culture/knowledge/macchiatoSupports: Italian meaning of macchiato, traditional espresso macchiato, and the latte macchiato distinction.
- Lavazza — https://www.lavazzausa.com/en/recipes-and-coffee-hacks/macchiato-definition-meaning-curiositiesSupports: Italian meaning, origin explanation, and espresso with a small amount of steamed milk.
- Oxford Learner's Dictionaries — https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/macchiatoSupports: Definition as a drink made with espresso coffee and a small amount of hot milk.