How to Make a Proper Macchiato: Espresso with Milk Foam

If you’ve ever ordered a macchiato expecting something similar to a cappuccino, only to be handed a shot of espresso with a dot of foam, you’re not alone. Many coffee drinkers confuse the macchiato with other milk-based espresso drinks—but the traditional Italian version is far simpler, stronger, and more aromatic. So what exactly is a macchiato, and how do you make it right?

A true macchiato consists of a single 30ml shot of espresso ‘marked’ with just 15–20ml of steamed milk foam. That’s it. No milk, no syrup, no extra shots—just espresso and a small amount of microfoam to slightly alter (or ‘stain’) its colour. The result is a bolder, more intense drink than a cappuccino, with a richer aroma thanks to the contrast between dark espresso and pale foam.

What Is a Macchiato?

The word ‘macchiato’ means ‘stained’ or ‘spotted’ in Italian. In coffee terms, it refers to an espresso that has been ‘stained’ with a small amount of milk foam. Visually, it may resemble a tiny cappuccino, but the flavour profile is noticeably different. While both drinks use espresso and milk foam, a macchiato prioritises the espresso’s intensity, resulting in a drink that smells and tastes stronger and more aromatic.

Macchiato Ingredients & Tools

To make a classic macchiato, you’ll need:

• 30ml (1 ounce) of espresso
• 100ml of whole milk (used only to create ~15–20ml of foam)
• A small espresso cup (70ml capacity)
• Sugar or cocoa powder (optional garnish)

No milk is added to the drink itself—only foam. The milk is purely for texture and visual contrast.

How to Make a Macchiato Step by Step

Follow these steps to craft an authentic macchiato:

1. Prepare the Milk Foam: Using a steam wand, heat and froth 100ml of whole milk to create about 15–20ml of microfoam. The goal is a smooth, velvety texture—not wet or bubbly.
2. Pour the Foam into the Cup: Before pulling the shot, add the milk foam directly into your 70ml espresso cup. This ensures the foam sits at the bottom, ready to be ‘stained’ by the espresso.
3. Pull the Espresso Shot: Extract a single 30ml shot of espresso directly into the cup, over the foam. The dark espresso will contrast with the light foam, creating the ‘stained’ effect that gives the drink its name.
4. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle a bit of sugar or cocoa powder on top for added flavour or presentation.

Note: The entire drink should remain around 45–50ml in total volume, with the foam making up roughly half of that. No steamed milk is poured into the drink—only foam.

Why a Macchiato Smells Stronger Than a Cappuccino

Though a macchiato and a cappuccino may use the same coffee beans and milk foam, the macchiato’s smaller size and lack of liquid milk allow the espresso’s aromatics to dominate. With just a touch of foam, there’s nothing to dilute the volatile compounds released by the espresso—resulting in a more intense and fragrant experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding Steamed Milk: A macchiato should not contain any steamed milk—only foam. Adding liquid milk turns it into a mini cappuccino.
• Using Too Much Foam: The foam should be minimal—around 15–20ml. Overdoing it masks the espresso and ruins the balance.
• Serving in the Wrong Cup: Always use a small espresso cup (around 70ml). Larger cups throw off proportions and cooling rates.
• Pulling a Double Shot: A traditional macchiato uses a single shot of espresso. A double changes the flavour intensity and volume.

Also, don’t stir the foam into the espresso—it’s meant to sit on top or just beneath, creating contrast.

Best Coffee Beans for Macchiato

Since a macchiato highlights the espresso itself, choosing the right beans is crucial. For home or shop use, FrontStreet Coffee offers several excellent espresso blends:

The FrontStreet Classic Blend is designed specifically for espresso and delivers rich, full-bodied flavour with outstanding crema—even on non-commercial machines. Its balanced profile makes it ideal for macchiatos. For those wanting deeper chocolate notes without high cost, the FrontStreet Black Cocoa Blend offers smooth body and a sweet, cocoa-forward taste at a great price. Meanwhile, the FrontStreet Specialty Blend brings a classic Italian-style profile using Brazilian and Colombian beans, delivering the familiar, well-rounded taste many associate with traditional espresso drinks. All three are excellent choices depending on your taste preference and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a macchiato and a cappuccino?

A macchiato is a single shot of espresso ‘stained’ with about 15–20ml of milk foam, resulting in a small, strong, and aromatic drink (around 45–50ml total). A cappuccino includes 30ml espresso, 150–180ml steamed milk, and a similar amount of foam, making it larger, creamier, and milder in flavour.

Do you put milk in a macchiato?

No, you do not add steamed milk to a macchiato. The only milk used is frothed into foam, and just a small amount (15–20ml) is added to the cup before pulling the espresso shot. The foam lightly ‘stains’ the dark espresso.

What size cup is used for a macchiato?

A traditional macchiato is served in a small espresso cup, typically around 70ml in capacity. This size helps maintain the right balance between espresso and foam.

Can you use any espresso beans for a macchiato?

Yes, but using a well-balanced espresso blend highlights the macchiato’s intensity best. FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend, Black Cocoa Blend, and Specialty Blend are all suitable choices, offering different flavour profiles from rich and full-bodied to chocolatey or classic Italian-style.

Why does my macchiato smell stronger than a cappuccino?

A macchiato’s smaller size and lack of liquid milk allow the espresso’s natural aromas to remain more concentrated and noticeable. With less milk to dilute the volatile compounds, the smell is bolder and more fragrant compared to a cappuccino.

Is a macchiato stronger than a latte?

Yes. A macchiato contains just espresso and a touch of foam, making it much stronger and more concentrated than a latte, which includes 30ml espresso and 200–300ml of steamed milk.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Blends for Macchiato

For making a classic macchiato, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend is an excellent choice, offering bold crema and a balanced profile ideal for highlighting the espresso’s intensity. The Black Cocoa Blend provides a rich, chocolatey flavour at a great value, perfect for those who enjoy a sweeter espresso note. Alternatively, the Specialty Blend uses Brazilian and Colombian beans to deliver a traditional, well-rounded Italian-style cup. All three blends work well in home or commercial espresso setups. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.