A latte macchiato can be seen as a reversed cappuccino: you start with the milk and then add the espresso. This creates the unique three-layered effect in your latte macchiato: milk, espresso, and foam.
Making a latte macchiato yourself isn’t difficult at all. Read on to discover how you can serve a beautiful and delicious latte macchiato.
Latte Macchiato Ingredients
- 38 ml espresso
- 200 ml milk (or milk alternative)
- If you drink cow's milk, go for organic whole milk.
Latte Macchiato Recipe
Step 1: Fill your milk pitcher with milk
Use a large milk pitcher and fill it just below the spout (about halfway), so you have around 200 ml of milk—enough to fill a large glass with room for foam.
Step 2: Froth the milk with your steam wand
For a latte macchiato, you want a thick, firm foam layer—different from what you might be used to for latte art. Larger air bubbles are fine.
So, add plenty of air to the milk foam to create a nice, sturdy foam layer. This will highlight the three distinct layers of milk, espresso, and foam.
Step 3: Pour the milk into your chosen latte macchiato glass and let it sit
While we prepare the espresso, the milk and foam will naturally separate.
For the best visual effect, choose a tall, narrow glass of about 250 to 300 ml.
Step 4: Make your espresso
We always use a double espresso (around 38 ml) so that the espresso flavor stands out more. You can also opt for a single espresso.
Use an espresso cup to collect your espresso.
All of our coffee beans taste great in a latte macchiato. Check out our selection of specialty coffee beans.
Step 5: Slowly pour the espresso into your latte macchiato glass
Because the milk is cooler, your espresso should settle nicely between the milk and the foam layer.
Having trouble getting it to layer? Add a little hot water to your espresso. This makes it both hotter and thinner, ensuring it floats above the milk.
And your latte macchiato is ready to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions about Latte Macchiato
What is the difference between cappuccino and latte macchiato?
A cappuccino has a different ratio of milk, espresso, and foam compared to a latte macchiato.
In a cappuccino, the espresso is poured into the cup first, followed by steamed milk, and topped with a layer of milk foam.
In a latte macchiato, you start with milk, then add espresso, creating layers of milk, espresso, and foam.
What is the difference between a latte and a latte macchiato?
The main difference between a latte and a latte macchiato lies in the proportions of milk and coffee.
A latte macchiato focuses more on the milk, while in a latte, the espresso is more prominent.
They are also served differently: a latte macchiato has clear layers of milk, espresso, and foam, whereas a latte is more blended.
What is the best milk for latte macchiato?
As with all coffee recipes involving milk, full-fat milk is the best choice. It provides the best creamy taste and firm foam and is traditionally used when ordering a latte macchiato.
Of course, you can substitute it with lower-calorie or animal-friendly alternatives that still make a delicious latte macchiato.
What are good latte macchiato glasses?
The perfect glass for a latte macchiato is ideally tall and relatively narrow in diameter. You definitely want a nice transparent glass without any prints to clearly see the layers of your latte macchiato.
Do you prefer drinking from a mug or a cup? That’s perfectly fine too. Take a look at our range of latte cups here.
Latte macchiato glasses should hold about 250 to 300 ml.
What is the right latte macchiato ratio?
For a tasty latte macchiato, the ratio is 1:5.
We use a double espresso of 38 ml with about 200 ml of milk. This gives us a nice balance between the espresso and the milk without losing the coffee flavor.
Of course, you can adjust the ratio to taste! In total, a latte macchiato is thus 238 ml.
How many calories are in a latte macchiato?
This naturally depends on the milk you use. A latte macchiato made with full-fat milk contains about 125 kcal when you use 200 ml of milk.
Check the kcal per 100 ml of your favorite milk and double it to calculate the calories of your latte macchiato.
