Inside the Lab

What is a macchiato?

The macchiato is a true classic in the coffee world. Its name comes from Italian, meaning “stained” or “marked,” because the espresso is “marked” with just a touch of milk or milk foam. The result is an intense espresso experience with a small twist – coffee in its purest form, slightly softened but never diluted.

Flavor and experience

A macchiato is for those who love espresso’s bold flavor but appreciate just a hint of smoothness. The small amount of milk takes the edge off the bitterness without hiding the natural notes of the beans. Served in a small espresso cup, the macchiato delivers a compact, concentrated, and full-flavored experience. We recommend all of our espressos for a macchiato but our Campo Das Vertentes would probably be our best suggestion.

Macchiato vs Latte, Cappuccino, and Cortado

With so many milk-based coffee drinks, it’s easy to mix them up. Here’s how the macchiato stands apart:
Latte: A large drink with plenty of steamed milk and just a thin layer of foam – much milder than a macchiato.
Cappuccino: Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam – creamy and airy, but still more milk-heavy.
Cortado: Equal parts espresso and warm milk, no foam – softer and rounder than a macchiato.
The macchiato is the most intense of the group. Think of it as espresso’s closest companion, with just a light touch of milk.

Two variations: Espresso Macchiato and Latte Macchiato

There are actually two versions of macchiato, which often causes confusion:
Espresso macchiato: The traditional Italian version – an espresso “stained” with a spoonful of milk foam.
Latte macchiato: The reverse approach – a tall glass of steamed milk “marked” by espresso poured in at the end, creating a layered, milder drink.
Both share the same philosophy but deliver very different experiences.

Why choose a macchiato?

A macchiato is perfect for those who want to enjoy espresso in its purest form, yet softened just slightly. It’s a quick, intense coffee break, a chance to savor the bean’s complexity without drowning it in milk. In short: small, strong, and unforgettable.