Macchiato is a coffee-based drink made from espresso and foam. Macchiato is similar to cappuccino and latte, but the main difference is in the ratio of coffee, milk, and foam. Traditional macchiatos are just one espresso shot topped with a little steamed milk, but there are flavored macchiatos and iced versions of the macchiato you can try. Many coffee shops and cafes serve a variety of macchiato, but you can also make your own with just a few utensils.
Ingredients
Ordinary Macchiato
- 18 g coffee beans
- 60 ml water
- 30 ml milk
1 serving
Ice Macchiato
- cup (59 ml) espresso
- 1 cup (235 ml) cold milk
- 2 tsp. (10 ml) sweetener or syrup
- 5 ice cubes
1 serving
Step
Method 1 of 3: Making a Regular Macchiato
Step 1. Grind the coffee beans
Macchiatos are made with espresso, and each standard double shot will require 18 - 21 g of coffee beans, depending on how strong you want the shot to be. Weigh the coffee beans and put them in the grinder. Grind the coffee beans until smooth.
- Finely ground coffee beans will be as small as fine salt. This size is ideal for making espresso.
- If you don't have a grinder, you can also buy espresso grounds from a grocery store or coffee shop.
Step 2. Fill the portafilter with coffee grounds
On professional or home espresso machines, remove the portafilter from the head group. Fill a clean portafilter with fresh coffee grounds. Tap the portafilter against your hand to spread the coffee grounds, then press to compact it.
- If you don't have a professional or home espresso machine, use a stovetop espresso maker. Pour the coffee grounds into the deep basket and spread it evenly with your fingers.
- Use black coffee instead of espresso if you don't have an espresso maker.
Step 3. Make an espresso shot
Return the portafilter to its place in the head group and turn it to lock it. Place the demitasse cup under the portafilter and turn on the water to make a shot. Leave the water on for about 30 seconds to completely extract the shot. Stir the espresso to spread the crema, which is the foam that will be placed on top of the coffee.
On a stovetop espresso maker, fill the reservoir with water to the maximum fill line. Insert the filter into the reservoir and tighten the top. Heat the espresso over medium heat until the bubbles enter the upper reservoir. Pour the espresso into a demitasse glass
Step 4. Steam the milk
Pour the cold milk into a tall metal container. Hold the milk container at a 45° angle to the steam wand. Put the steam wand into the milk and turn on the steam. Steam the milk until it has increased in volume and the container is hot to the touch. Set the container aside and clean the steam wand with a damp cloth.
The ideal temperature for steamed milk is 60 °C
Step 5. Pour in the milk and serve while hot
Once the milk is ready, pour it into the espresso. Use a spoon to scoop up a lump of foam from the top. Serve the macchiato immediately. You can add sugar, top it with cinnamon, or drink the macchiato as it is now.
Method 2 of 3: Adding a Special Touch to Your Drink
Step 1. Add flavor shots
Shot flavoring is a sweetening and flavoring syrup that you can add to coffee and other beverages. They have a variety of flavors and you can buy them at grocery stores and cafes. Add 15 ml (1 tbsp.) of syrup to each demitasse after you have made your espresso shot.
Popular flavoring shots to add to a macchiato include vanilla, caramel, and chocolate
Step 2. Buffalo with whipped cream
Macchiatos aren't usually served with whipped cream, but you can still garnish the drink with a little whipped cream if you like. Once the flavored shot is added and the milk is poured, spoon or squirt a small pinch of whipped cream over the drink.
Step 3. Decorate with chocolate
Grated chocolate is a great option to complement an espresso drink, especially if you've added whipped cream on top. Once the macchiato is ready, grate a block of shaved chocolate directly over the milk or whipped cream.
You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate to decorate your drink
Step 4. Add the cinnamon spice
Another way to change the taste of the macchiato is to add a pinch of cinnamon powder on top of the drink after the milk has been poured. If you're preparing a macchiato with whipped cream, sprinkle the cinnamon last.
Other spices you can include in your macchiato are nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom
Method 3 of 3: Making a Simple Ice Macchiato
Step 1. Make the espresso
There are several ways you can make espresso into ice macchiato. First, use a professional/industrial machine to make espresso. Second, you can use a stovetop espresso maker. Lastly, you can also brew a small pot of very strong coffee.
To make strong coffee instead of espresso, use dark roast coffee and brew 20 g (4 tbsp) in a saucepan for two cups
Step 2. Combine all ingredients
Pour the milk and ice into the blender. Add a liquid sweetener such as honey, agave, or maple syrup. You can also add flavored syrups, such as vanilla or caramel, to sweeten the drink and add extra flavor. Finally, pour in the espresso or freshly brewed coffee.
Use only 120 ml (½ cup) of milk if you're making an iced macchiato with coffee, not espresso
Step 3. Blend the ingredients
Turn the blender on to the ice crusher setting and blend all the ingredients for 1 minute. Keep on blending until everything comes together and there are no chunks of ice left.
Step 4. Serve the ice macchiato
Pour the ice macchiato into a glass cup and serve. You can garnish the macchiato with caramel or a splash of chocolate syrup to sweeten it even more.
