What is macchiato and how to prepare this coffee at home (3 recipes)

General information about macchiato

Macchiato is espresso with a little milk foam.
The drink is prepared on the basis of espresso. It got its name because of its appearance from the Italian word macchiato, which means “spotted”. When pouring coffee into the foam, dark spots appear on the surface, with the help of which drawings and images are often created.

Macchiato is liked by many celebrities. Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Aniston and other Hollywood stars love him.

What it is?

In essence, the drink is a classic espresso coffee with a white spot of milk foam on the surface. The proportions of the main ingredients may vary, the main thing is that the milk part by volume should not be more than half the coffee part.

Additionally, cinnamon, grated chocolate, vanilla, caramel, sugar or syrup can be used if you want to diversify the recipe.

Organoleptic characteristics of espresso macchiato:

• strong, rich coffee aroma;
• the white head of frothed milk does not completely cover the coffee foam;
• the taste of the drink is bitter, slightly softened by the other components;
• the volume is small, easily fits in a standard coffee cup;
• caffeine content per 1 serving is 50-68 mg;
• calorie content 7.5-11.5 kcal per cup, if sugar (5 g) is added - the energy value increases to 30 kcal.

History of the drink

The drink was first prepared in Italy in the 30s. XX century According to legend, a visitor came to the coffee shop and ordered coffee with milk. The man wanted something unusual, something he had never tried before. The barista, who wanted to please the guest, whipped the warm milk until foamy and added espresso to the shot. The result was strong coffee with a mild taste, which quickly became fashionable, gaining fans among visitors to the establishment, and later among connoisseurs around the world.

Properties and Features

Depending on the selected blend of beans, 1 serving contains from 80 to 120 mg of caffeine. Milk foam partially softens its effect, but does not completely neutralize it. Because of this, experts do not recommend drinking macchiato in the afternoon. The drink can cause sleep problems. In addition, high caffeine content is considered a relative contraindication during pregnancy and lactation.

Milk foam softens the effect of caffeine.

It is not recommended to drink on an empty stomach. It should also not be consumed after meals, as the drink reduces the quality of digestion. It is better to drink a cup 60-90 minutes after breakfast or after lunch. Can be consumed with a small portion of dessert.

How to serve and drink

Macchiato is usually served in a tall glass goblet with a heat-resistant glass handle. This will allow you to demonstrate the main quality of the drink - three-layered. It is served to the table immediately after preparation.

There are many debates that arise based on the correct use of macchiato. Some believe that the cocktail should be stirred before drinking, while others should drink it in layers. It is worth considering that it is possible both ways. When stirred, its taste will be softer and milkier. If you drink the cocktail in layers, you can feel the taste of each part. To do this, such coffee is served with a straw. To taste the taste of milk foam, macchiato is often served with an elongated spoon.

Making coffee at home

When preparing macchiato at home, consider a number of nuances.

Ingredients

It is best to use a coffee blend of 85% Arabica and 15% Robusta. This way the drink will be strong, but will not be bitter. Those who like weaker coffee can use 100% Arabica. It is not recommended to add too much robusta, as it negatively affects the taste.

A coffee mixture is used for preparation.

Be sure to use bottled water. When using tap liquid, there is an unpleasant bleach taste that will ruin the macchiato.

It is better not to use skim milk. Give preference to products with a fat content of 2.5% to 3.2%. This will make the foam thicker and the taste more delicate.

Proportions

Italians add 1 part milk to 2 parts coffee. The classic drink turns out strong, the soft taste of the foam emphasizes the bitterness of the liquid part.

Australians prefer to mix ingredients in equal proportions. Locals gave the modified drink the name piccolo latte.

In Europe, instead of the classic variation, they often offer a drink in which there is 1.5-2 times more milk than coffee. This variety is characterized by a creamy taste.

The nuances of frothing milk

It is necessary to whip the milk until it forms a homogeneous foam. To do this, it is allowed to use an automatic or mechanical cappuccino maker.

The product is poured into a metal jug, a pitcher. The cappuccino maker is immersed 5 mm in liquid. As you beat, the jug is slowly lowered lower so that the device is always at the same distance from the surface. When the foam rises so that 3-4 cm remains to the edges of the pitcher, the steam generator is immersed to the very bottom.

To froth milk, you can use a mechanical milk frother.

Then the foam must be compressed. To do this, the container is raised twice 30-40 cm above the table and placed on it again. To separate the foamed part from the liquid part, rotate the pitcher 2-3 times.

The difference is in the selection

Milk is included in both cocktails. But a macchiato should have thicker foam. To get such foam, you need to take more fat.

To prepare latte macchiato, you must use milk with a fat content of at least 3.2%. Anything below will not work. Some people prefer to mix it with cream. In this case, the coffee takes on a sweet taste. This method can also be used if milk of suitable fat content is not available. Cream can be added only before whipping. Usually the ingredients are taken in a 50/50 ratio.

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Simple recipes

The drink is easy to prepare at home yourself.

Classical

Take:

• 0.5 servings of espresso;
• 10-15 ml of milk cooled to +4°C;
• grated chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla or caramel syrup (to taste).

Classic coffee is prepared with the addition of grated chocolate.
Whisk the milk until it reaches +60°C. At the same time, holding the pitcher will become difficult and unpleasant due to the increase in temperature. Brew espresso and pour into a preheated ceramic cup. Add milk foam in a thin stream to the coffee. If desired, stir in sugar, syrup, sprinkle with cinnamon, cocoa, and chocolate chips.

Caramel

When preparing foam, add 1-2 tbsp to the milk. l. caramel. Pour freshly brewed espresso into the resulting mixture. If desired, decorate with cinnamon, cocoa or caramel syrup.

With liqueur

To prepare, take:

• 10 ml condensed milk;
• 30 ml Baileys;
• 250 ml milk;
• shot of espresso.

Mix liqueur with condensed milk until smooth. Pour into a tall glass. Heat the milk to +60°C, beat with a mixer to get a stable foam. Make espresso. Carefully add the foam to the alcohol, leaving a small amount for the top. Pour coffee in small portions in the center.

To make a macchiato you need Baileys liqueur.

Then add the remaining foam. It is allowed to sprinkle the drink with grated chocolate.

With syrup

To prepare, take:

• 10-15 ml milk;
• a shot of espresso;
• syrup to taste.

Pour syrup into the bottom of a ceramic cup. Then cook according to the classic recipe. Stir before drinking, being careful not to damage the foam.

Other variations of the coffee drink

A number of coffee cocktails are prepared based on macchiato.

Ristretto

The mixing technology coincides with the classic recipe. The taste is softer, chocolate. There is no characteristic bitterness. To prepare you will need 2 servings of ristretto, 10-15 ml of milk.

Ristretto is a strong coffee with a classic recipe.

Fredo

Chilled milk is added to the fredo. The barista brews a shot of espresso. Dairy products are served in a separate container, without pouring into coffee. The guest himself determines the proportions in which he will mix the liquids.

Piccolo latte

A popular variation in Australia is made from a shot of espresso and 30 ml of milk. The cooking technology is the same as for the classic variety.

Piccolo latte is a popular variation of macchiato.

Cortado

Cortado is an espresso macchiato made with baked milk. In the USA and a number of Spanish-speaking countries, the coffee content does not exceed half a serving. Cortado is sweeter than the classic variation and has a delicate creamy flavor.

Cappuccino

A coffee cocktail differs from the classic variation in the amount of milk. In cappuccino its content is 2-3 times higher than in black coffee.

Cappuccino differs in the amount of milk.

Espresso

A classic variation made with espresso. Popular in Italy.

Caldo

Translated from Italian, “caldo” means “hot.” To prepare this variation, the barista heats the dairy products very hot. This variation warms well in winter or autumn. It is customary to drink it in the morning.

It is customary to drink Caldo in the morning.

How is it different from other types of coffee?

There are many varieties of drinks using milk, for example, latte, cappuccino. Espresso macchiato differs from them in the proportions of the main ingredients and preparation technology. It is closer in appearance and taste to coffee; milk only slightly softens the bitterness.

The main differences from other milk-coffee cocktails:

• less milk than the main component;
• white foam does not completely cover the surface of the coffee;
• First, the coffee part is poured, only then the milky speck is placed on the surface;
• the basis of the drink is espresso, other types are not used;
• served in small coffee cups or branded disposable cups; glass glasses or tall mugs are not suitable.

Macchiato caldo involves the use of hot milk in the production process, and macchiato fredo uses cold milk. The designation doppio means a double shot of espresso.

As the basis for an early morning cup, espresso lungo can be used as an exception or variation on the traditional recipe. The drink is characterized by longer preparation (50-60 seconds), volume (70 ml) and strength, exceeding even doppio. The grinding of the beans is slightly coarser than the classic variety, but must be fresh; it is not advisable to use ready-made ground powder. The taste is tart, slightly burnt, with a pronounced bitterness.

The nuances of serving and drinking macchiato

Coffee is poured into small ceramic espresso cups. In this case, you are allowed to make a drawing on the foam. The drink must be accompanied by sugar and a spoon for stirring. Sweetening is not recommended as it can spoil the delicate taste.

There is no need to stir vigorously. To dissolve the sugar, it is better to make several smooth circular movements with a spoon. At the same time, try not to damage the foam. You can drink at once, in several sips. You are allowed to eat the foam first with a spoon, and then consume the liquid part. You can serve with fruits, berries, cheeses or dark chocolate. The drink is not suitable for meat or fish.

Differences from coffee milkshakes

It is possible to distinguish macchiato from various cocktails by a number of characteristics:

1. The amount of milk in the mug. In cocktails, the product is added to the coffee part in a ratio of 1:1, 1.5:1 or 2:1. In a macchiato, the volume of foamed milk is less than half the serving.
2. Cooking process. Macchiato is made by adding foam to the coffee part. To create a cocktail, the barista pours coffee into milk.
3. The basis. For latte, cappuccino or raffa, any black coffee is suitable, regardless of the method of preparation. Macchiato is prepared only with espresso or dopio.
4. Container for serving. Cocktails are poured into large ceramic cups and tall glass glasses. For espresso with milk foam, small ceramic mugs are used, less often - small plastic glasses (if the guest orders takeaway).

A blemish on the white riding hood's "reputation"

The pristine white surface of the frothed milk cap remains clean and unblemished over a delicious, smooth latte. It can only be decorated with patterns of chocolate chips or cocoa without violating the integrity of the dome. A small brown spot is clearly visible in the center of the milk foam above the latte macchiato. This is the basis of the difference between the two lattes. This is the mark from pouring espresso coffee into frothed milk.

The exact translation of the phrase Latte macchiato from Italian is: stained milk. Although the coffee stain stained the white surface of the drink, it did not spoil the taste of your favorite drink. By changing the order of combining the components of the cocktail and their proportions, the unknown barista received a new type of latte, not inferior in popularity to regular lattes and cappuccinos.

A speck of coffee on white foam.