How to Make an Espresso Macchiato (Caffe Macchiato)

By Lindsey Goodwin

Updated 02/04/19

Espresso Macchiato
Tanja-Tiziana, Doublecrossed Photography/Moment/Getty Images
  • Total: 10 mins
  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 5 mins
  • Yield: One drink (serves 1)
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
74 Calories
7g Fat
2g Carbs
1g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: One drink (serves 1)
Amount per serving
Calories 74
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 7g 9%
Saturated Fat 5g 23%
Cholesterol 23mg 8%
Sodium 14mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Protein 1g
Calcium 14mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

There's nothing better than starting—or ending—your day with a special cup of coffee, like an espresso macchiato. But stopping in at the local coffee shop regularly can really empty your wallet. If you have the right equipment, however, you can easily make this delicious but simple drink at home.

An espresso macchiato is a single or double shot of espresso topped with a dollop of foamed milk. In Italy, it is called a caffe macchiato (which is pronounced "mock-e-ah-toe"). This is not a coffee drink for those who normally enjoy a decent amount of creamer and sugar; the coffee takes center stage here.

You will need an espresso machine and a steam wand to make this drink.

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

  1. Place the hot espresso in a small cup (about 4 ounces).
  2. Top the espresso with a dollop of the foamed milk. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

When you make the foamed milk, make sure it is a smooth texture, similar to melted ice cream. If you do not have an espresso machine or yours does not have a steam wand, you can foam milk on the stovetop. To do so, pour your milk into a small saucepan, gently add heat, and whisk hard, fast, and constantly until the milk foams. Be careful not to scorch or scald the milk.

Be sure to add just a dollop of the foamed milk to the espresso, as you want the ratio to be 2 portions of coffee to 1 portion of milk. If you add too much milk, the drink will turn into a cappuccino, which is a 1 to 2 ratio; even more milk and you will have a latte.

If you are looking for a little pick-me-up, an espresso macchiato is the perfect drink. But do keep in mind that, contrary to what many think, espresso actually has less caffeine than regular coffee. Whereas a regular cup of coffee can have up to 200 milligrams of caffeine, espresso has a maximum of 100 milligrams. So if a jolt is what you're after, reach for the standard cup of joe.