Caffè macchiato

Caffè macchiato is a traditional Italian coffee drink, often enjoyed as a mid-morning or afternoon beverage. The name "macchiato" means "stained" or "spotted" in Italian, referring to the method of preparation where a shot of espresso is "stained" or "marked" with a small amount of milk.

History

The origins of caffè macchiato are rooted in Italian coffee culture. It is believed to have been created as a way for baristas to distinguish between regular espresso orders and those with a small amount of milk. The drink has since become a staple in Italian cafés and has gained popularity worldwide.

Preparation

Caffè macchiato is traditionally made with one shot of espresso and a small amount of milk, usually frothed. The milk is added to the espresso, creating a "stain" or "mark". This differs from a latte, which has a larger milk to coffee ratio, and a cappuccino, which is equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothed milk.

Variations

There are several variations of caffè macchiato, including:

• Latte macchiato: This is a milk-based drink with a small amount of espresso, essentially the reverse of a caffè macchiato.
• Espresso macchiato: This is another name for the traditional caffè macchiato.
• Cortado: This is a Spanish variation of the caffè macchiato, typically made with equal parts espresso and milk.

See also

• Coffee
• Espresso
• Latte
• Cappuccino