What Is an Espresso Macchiato and How to Make It

When you order an espresso macchiato, you’re asking for a shot of espresso with just a touch of milk foam—nothing more. But why does it look almost like a tiny cappuccino, yet smell and taste more intense? The secret isn’t in the coffee bean, but in how little milk is added and where it ends up. This guide breaks down what makes a true macchiato, how it differs from similar drinks, and how to make it right.

An espresso macchiato is made with one 70ml shot of espresso and a small amount of steamed milk turned into foam—typically around 100cc of milk used just for foam. The foam is spooned onto the espresso, not mixed in. That’s it. No syrups, no extra milk, just a mark (‘macchia’) of milk on the dark espresso.

What Exactly Is an Espresso Macchiato?

The term ‘macchiato’ means ‘marked’ or ‘stained’ in Italian. In coffee terms, it refers to espresso that is ‘marked’ with a small dot or layer of milk foam. Visually, it might resemble a small cappuccino, but it’s not the same drink. The key difference is milk quantity: a macchiato uses just enough foam to change the colour slightly, while a cappuccino combines equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam.

Despite using the same basic ingredients—espresso and milk—the macchiato delivers a bolder, more aromatic experience. With less milk diluting the shot, the crema and coffee flavours remain front and centre. The small amount of foam doesn’t soften the taste but adds a slight contrast in texture.

Ingredients You Actually Need

To make an authentic espresso macchiato, you need:

• One shot of espresso (about 70ml in volume)
• 100cc of milk (used only to create foam)
• Coffee beans (choose your preferred blend or single origin)
• Sugar or cocoa powder (optional, for serving)
• A small espresso cup (designed for around 70ml)

Note: The milk is not poured into the drink but transformed into foam and added on top. This preserves the intensity of the espresso.

How to Prepare an Espresso Macchiato

Making a macchiato is simple but precise. Here’s the step-by-step method:

1. Start with a small espresso cup (70ml capacity).
2. Using a steam wand, froth 100cc of milk until it turns into microfoam suitable for cappuccinos or lattes. You won’t need all the milk—just the foam.
3. Before pulling the espresso shot, add the milk foam directly into the cup. You want just a small dollop on the bottom, but most of the foam goes on last.
4. Brew a single shot of espresso directly into the cup, on top of the foam already there. The dark espresso will contrast with the white foam, creating the ‘mark’ that gives the drink its name.
5. Optionally, finish with a light dusting of cocoa powder or sugar on top for contrast.

The critical part is that the milk is frothed in the cup, not in a separate pitcher, and the foam is what gets ‘marked’ by the espresso—not the other way around.

Espresso Macchiato vs Other Coffee Drinks

Many coffee drinkers confuse the macchiato with similar drinks like the cappuccino or latte macchiato. Here’s how they differ:

• Macchiato: 70ml espresso + a small amount of milk foam (usually under 30ml total liquid). Strong coffee flavour, barely diluted.
• Cappuccino: Equal parts espresso (30ml), steamed milk (90ml), and foam (90ml), served in a larger cup. Balanced flavour with a creamy texture.
• Latte Macchiato: Mostly steamed milk (around 200ml) with a small amount of espresso (30ml) added later, ‘marking’ the milk. Light coffee taste, milky body.

The macchiato is the most espresso-forward of the three, designed for those who want to taste the coffee itself with just a hint of milk texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much milk is in an espresso macchiato?

An espresso macchiato typically uses about 100cc of milk, but only a small portion of that is turned into foam and added to the drink—usually just enough to create a visible mark on top of the espresso. The actual liquid milk content is minimal, and the focus remains on the espresso.

Can I use any type of coffee beans for a macchiato?

Yes. You can use either a blend or a single origin (SOE) coffee for an espresso macchiato. The limited milk means the bean’s characteristics come through clearly, so choose based on whether you prefer balanced traditional notes (like FrontStreet Classic Blend) or pronounced fruity and floral profiles (like Ethiopia Humbera SOE).

Why is it called a macchiato?

The word ‘macchiato’ comes from the Italian word meaning ‘marked’ or ‘stained.’ In this drink, the espresso is ‘marked’ with a small amount of milk foam, usually resulting in a visual contrast between the dark coffee and the white foam on top.

What cup size is best for an espresso macchiato?

An espresso macchiato is traditionally served in a small espresso cup, around 70ml in volume. This size is perfect for holding a single shot of espresso with just a small amount of foam on top, preserving the intensity of the coffee.

Is an espresso macchiato stronger than a cappuccino?

Yes. Because an espresso macchiato contains far less milk—just a small amount of foam—it has a much stronger coffee flavour than a cappuccino, which combines equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam for a more balanced and diluted drink.

Should I add sugar or cocoa to my macchiato?

Adding sugar or cocoa powder is optional. Some people dust a little cocoa on top for contrast, or add sugar to balance the bitterness. The traditional macchiato is served without additions, allowing the espresso and foam to shine.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Espresso Macchiato

For an espresso macchiato, choose beans that highlight clarity and intensity. FrontStreet’s Ethiopia Humbera SOE offers tart berry and floral notes ideal for showcasing the coffee’s natural character with minimal milk. Alternatively, the FrontStreet Classic Blend delivers traditional balance with notes of nuts and dark chocolate, great for a fuller-bodied macchiato. For something richer, try the Brazil Queen Manor SOE with its sweet cookie and nut profile. All perform well as single shots. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.