The Macchiato
The Italian word macchiato means “stained” or “marked”. This delicious drink is a rich shot (or shots) of espresso marked with a dollop of frothed milk on top. A macchiato is essentially an espresso with a dash of foamed or steamed milk that allows the taste of the espresso to remain prominent. The stained part referenced in its name is the milk stain.
The macchiato is for people who find cappuccinos too weak but espressos too strong. It is like a middle child between cappuccino and espresso. The espresso macchiato, also called a caffé macchiato in Italy, is served in a small espresso cup. Most countries have adopted the Italian name, but in Portugal, you may need to order ‘cafe pingado,’ which translates as ‘coffee with a drop’ (the splash of milk).
The Latte
A latte, or caffè latte, is another espresso-based coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk. To make a latte, steam milk and add it on top of the espresso shot to produce the signature creamy and lightly sweet milk-based coffees.
Comparison and Preference
If you wish to enjoy coffee with a flavor balance between a cappuccino and espresso, then a macchiato is your choice. Italian residents and people in many other countries often prefer cappuccino in the morning and enjoy a macchiato in the afternoon to experience the moderating effect of the milk on the espresso’s strong taste.