Note: This is an informational guide.
Quick answer: A traditional macchiato (espresso macchiato) is a single espresso stained with a small dash of steamed milk or foam — approximately 35-45ml total. It’s a small, strong drink that softens the espresso’s intensity slightly without fundamentally changing its character. The large, sweet, layered Starbucks “macchiato” is an entirely different drink that shares only the name.
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What Macchiato Means
Macchiato is Italian for stained or marked. An espresso macchiato is literally an espresso that has been marked with a small amount of milk — just enough to stain the surface and slightly soften the intensity. Nothing more. It’s an espresso drink, not a milk drink.
The Two Types of Macchiato
Espresso Macchiato
The traditional version. A single espresso (25-35ml) with a small spoonful of steamed milk foam placed on top — approximately 35-45ml total. Served in a demitasse cup. This is what you’ll receive at any quality independent café when you order a macchiato.
Latte Macchiato
The inverse — milk stained with coffee rather than coffee stained with milk. A tall glass of steamed milk with an espresso shot poured slowly through the foam on top, creating visible layers of white milk, coffee and foam. Much larger than an espresso macchiato — approximately 200-250ml. More milk drink than espresso drink.
The Starbucks Macchiato — A Different Drink Entirely
The Starbucks Caramel Macchiato is a large, sweet drink made with vanilla syrup, milk, espresso and caramel drizzle — approximately 350ml. It’s layered to look impressive but the flavour profile is predominantly sweet and milky. The name is borrowed; the drink bears no resemblance to a traditional Italian macchiato. Neither version is wrong — they’re just completely different drinks. Knowing which one you want before ordering matters.
How to Make an Espresso Macchiato at Home
Pull a single espresso. Steam a small amount of milk — approximately 50ml — to produce foam. Spoon a small dollop of foam onto the surface of the espresso. Alternatively, pour a small splash of steamed milk gently over the back of a spoon onto the espresso surface. The result should look like a small dark espresso with a white spot or patch on top.
Who Is the Macchiato For?
The espresso macchiato is for espresso drinkers who find straight espresso occasionally too harsh — the small milk addition takes the sharpest edge off without changing the fundamental character. If you enjoy espresso but want something very slightly softer, this is your drink. If you want a milk drink, look at the flat white, cortado or latte instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a macchiato strong?
Yes — it’s essentially a single espresso with a tiny amount of milk. Strength-wise it sits just below a straight espresso, significantly above a flat white or latte. If you want something strong but not quite as intense as pure espresso, the macchiato is the closest option.
What is the difference between a macchiato and a cortado?
A cortado has much more milk — approximately 50ml of steamed milk to 50ml of espresso, served in a small glass. A macchiato is just a dash of milk (10ml) on a single espresso. The cortado is a more balanced espresso-and-milk drink; the macchiato is fundamentally still an espresso drink. See our complete drink guide for the full comparison.