What is Macchiato? The history of macchiato, are lattes macchiato and lattes the same?

Now the popular espresso specialty coffee drink is called macchiato (or "latte macchiato"), which is the favorite drink in many boutique cafes around the world. But what is it? Well, macchiato means "dyed milk", and this drink is named because it literally means to "dye" the appearance of milk with espresso.

The History of Macchiato

In restaurants and coffee shops, baristas need a way to show waiters which specific drinks they make contain milk and which don't (for example, not just pure espresso). Macchiato or markers of milk (or foam) are an effective way to achieve this goal.

Although bubbles are commonly used in macchiato in the United States, lattes macchiato does not need bubbles. In fact, the name predates any use of bubbles for many centuries. However, with the emergence of modern elegant and delicate foams made by master baristas with steaming wands and exquisite milk or cream, bubbles on latte macchiato have become very popular.

Macchiato and latte

Although another popular espresso drink, Caffe Latte latte, is similar, the difference is that Caffe Latte adds espresso first, then milk, while Latte Macchiato puts steamed milk into a glass and then espresso.

Another difference is that the latte macchiato has more foam than the latte and can be used as a layered drink, while the latte is already mixed when served.

The distinguishing mark of the latte macchiato is "macchia" or the logo at the top, indicating the addition of espresso. There is no trace of espresso on it because it is mixed with latte.

The opposite of the latte macchiato is coffee macchiato, which is mainly espresso, but only a small amount of milk is "dyed".