What Is A Macchiato And How Does It Differ From A Latte?

Like most espresso-based drinks, both the macchiato and latte originate from Italy. While these caffeinated drinks are traditionally made with the same two ingredients– steamed milk and espresso – the main difference between the two lies in preparation. For reference, macchiato translates to marked in Italian, while latte means milk. To prepare a macchiato, add a splash of steamed milk to a shot of espresso (if that's too vague, the ideal ratio is typically one part milk to two parts espresso). No need to be too strict about this, as it's also up to personal preference and interpretation. 

In terms of ratio, lattes are the inverse of macchiatos. The traditional ratio is one part espresso and two parts milk, but nowadays plenty of interpretations use more milk and top the latte with a bit of milk foam. To make a latte, start with espresso before adding steamed milk.

To make things more complicated, the names of these drinks can vary in Italy and generally throughout the world. Macchiatos are sometimes called caffè macchiato or espresso macchiato, while lattes tend to be called latte macchiato or caffè latte, although the ordering of the milk and espresso can vary. Be aware that if you order a latte in Italy and don't add on a qualifier you will likely wind up sipping steamed milk. That is, unless your barista decides to double check and make sure you really want a glass of warm milk to start your day.

If you order a cappuccino in Italy, although the name and ingredients are the same, the ratio of espresso and dairy may differ. In the U.S. the ratio tends to be one part each of espresso, milk, and foam. Meanwhile, in Italy, cappuccinos consist of a shot of espresso followed by an equal layering of milk and foam. Oh and if you want to follow the coffee rules, the only time you ought to drink cappuccino in Italy is before noon. This is because Italians traditionally believe having hot milk later in the day is too heavy and can be bad for digestion.

The general rule of thumb is if you prefer a stronger coffee taste, opt for macchiatos or straight espresso. If a more milky character better suits your palate, cappuccinos and lattes are the way to go. If you want a stronger brew, order drinks with more espresso or request an extra shot of espresso, otherwise known as a double shot. Flat whites are a fantastic option since they are traditionally served with two shots of espresso. They're quickly becoming a very popular drink in the U.S., despite being comparatively new in the states. 

If you're looking to make coffee without a coffee machine, a French press and AeroPress are two ways to enjoy good coffee without relying on an spendy or complicated espresso machine. These methods are especially nice since they're both relatively affordable, with Utopia Kitchen's French Press costing around $20, whereas the Original AeroPress Maker often sells for under $50.