What Is a Macchiato? Classic Espresso with Milk Foam

If you’ve ever ordered a ‘macchiato’ and received something that looked like a mini cappuccino, you’re not alone. Many coffee drinkers confuse the macchiato with other espresso-based drinks—but the real thing is much simpler, smaller, and more intense. So what exactly is a macchiato, and why does it smell stronger than a cappuccino despite using the same ingredients?

A traditional macchiato is a 70ml shot of espresso topped with about 100cc of milk foam. That’s it: no steamed milk, no complex layers, just a bold espresso marked with a dollop of foam. The result is a drink that highlights the espresso’s aroma more than a cappuccino does.

What’s in a Macchiato?

The classic macchiato requires only a few components: a small shot of espresso (about 70ml), around 100cc of milk for foaming, and optional sweeteners like sugar or a dusting of cocoa powder. It’s served in a small demitasse cup designed for espresso. Despite using the same ingredients as a cappuccino—espresso and milk—the macchiato skips the steamed milk entirely, making it bolder and more aromatic.

Why Does It Smell Stronger?

Because a macchiato is mostly espresso with just a small amount of foam, the coffee’s volatile aromatics are more concentrated and noticeable. There’s no steamed milk to soften or mellow the scent, so the fragrance of the espresso stands out more prominently than in a cappuccino or latte. The milk foam simply accents the shot without overwhelming it.

How to Make a Macchiato

Start by frothing about 100cc of milk directly in the espresso cup to create milk foam. Then pull a standard 70ml shot of espresso directly into the same cup. Finally, sprinkle a bit of cocoa powder or sugar on top if desired. That’s the entire process—no steam wand required for milk texturing, no separate pitcher, just foam, espresso, and optional garnish.

Macchiato vs Cappuccino: What’s the Difference?

While both drinks use espresso and milk, the key difference lies in proportions and texture. A cappuccino includes equal parts espresso (around 30ml), steamed milk (about 60ml), and milk foam (around 60ml), served in a larger cup. A macchiato, on the other hand, is just espresso with a small dollop of foam—about 100cc—in a 70ml cup. The macchiato is stronger, smaller, and has no steamed milk component.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t confuse a macchiato with a cortado or a flat white. Those drinks include steamed milk and are served in larger portions. Also, don’t use a steam wand to texture milk for a macchiato—that turns it into something closer to a cappuccino. The foam in a macchiato should be made directly in the cup, not stretched and aerated separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A macchiato is a small espresso (about 70ml) topped with a small amount of milk foam (around 100cc), served in a demitasse cup. A cappuccino is a balanced drink with equal parts espresso (around 30ml), steamed milk (about 60ml), and milk foam (about 60ml), served in a larger cup. The macchiato has no steamed milk and is stronger and more aromatic.

Do you put milk in a macchiato?

Yes, but only as foam. A traditional macchiato includes around 100cc of milk that is frothed into foam and spooned on top of the espresso. There is no steamed milk in a classic macchiato.

Why is it called a macchiato?

The name ‘macchiato’ comes from the Italian word meaning ‘marked’ or ‘stained.’ It refers to the espresso being ‘marked’ with a small amount of milk foam, which slightly changes (or stains) its color.

Can you use any espresso beans for a macchiato?

Yes, but the best results come from high-quality espresso roasts. Single-origin espressos or carefully crafted blends bring out more clarity and aroma, enhancing the macchiato’s intense flavor profile.

Is a macchiato stronger than a latte?

Yes. A macchiato is mostly espresso with just a small amount of foam, while a latte contains a larger volume of steamed milk and often more espresso diluted into the drink. This makes the macchiato significantly stronger and more aromatic.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Espresso

For an authentic macchiato, choose a bold espresso roast. FrontStreet’s Classic Blend offers notes of dark chocolate and toast with a creamy mouthfeel, ideal for a strong base. Their Specialty Blend highlights Colombian hazelnut and caramel tones with bright acidity, adding complexity. For deeper fruitiness, try the Brazil Queen Manor SOE, featuring notes of Hawaiian nut and baked bread when dark roasted. All three roast profiles complement the milk foam in a classic macchiato. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.