Perfecting the Art of Macchiato: A Simple Yet Elegant Espresso Drink
Coffee enthusiasts know the joy of crafting the perfect cup of coffee at home. The macchiato, Italian for “stained” or “spotted,” is a simple yet elegant espresso drink that offers a bold coffee flavor with just a touch of milk. Ideal for those who appreciate the strength of espresso but with a slightly softer edge, this recipe walks you through how to make a classic macchiato right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 30ml espresso: The heart of the macchiato, where rich, dark coffee flavors shine.
- A little milk: Just enough to stain the espresso, enhancing its warmth without overpowering its natural robustness.
Directions
Step 1: Brew the Espresso
Begin by extracting a 30ml double shot of espresso into an espresso cup or a small glass. This concentrated coffee serves as the base of your macchiato.
Step 2: Steam the Milk
Next, steam your milk. If using an espresso machine with a steam wand, keep the wand about 1-2cm under the milk’s surface, ensuring it does not let in any cold air—no hissing or spitting should occur. Use the steam jets to create a whirlpool effect, making the milk spin smoothly. Alternatively, you can use an electric milk frother, or manually whisk heated milk (be careful not to boil it) to introduce air and create foam. For those without these tools, heating milk in a microwave or on the stovetop and using a French press to aerate the milk by plunging the filter up and down can also be effective.
Step 3: Assemble the Macchiato
For the final touch, pour just a drop of milk into the brewed espresso. Then, gently add a heaped teaspoon of the warm, frothed milk on top. This method ensures that the espresso remains the dominant flavor, with just a hint of creaminess from the milk.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 15 kcal
- Servings: 1
Total Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
This macchiato recipe is perfect for a quick coffee break that doesn’t compromise on quality or taste. Whether you’re starting your day or need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, this macchiato promises a moment of delightful indulgence with every sip. Enjoy the robust flavors of espresso with just a hint of milky sweetness, crafted to perfection.
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Macchiato
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
Description
A Macchiato is the perfect harmony of rich espresso and a delicate touch of steamed milk, creating a delightful coffee experience. The term “macchiato” means “stained” or “spotted” in Italian, which refers to the small amount of milk used to mark the espresso. This results in a beautifully balanced beverage that highlights the robust flavor of the coffee with just a hint of creamy texture.
Ingredients
30ml espresso
A little (depending on the minimum you’re able to steam) milk
Instructions
Step 1: Extract 30ml double shot espresso into an espresso cup or glass.
Step 2: Steam the milk. If you are using an espresso machine steam wand, hold the wand at least 1-2cm under the surface, making sure you don’t let any cold air in. It shouldn’t make any hissing noises or be spitting milk drops anywhere. Try to use the steam jets to spin the milk around in a whirlpool-like motion. If you have a separate steamer attachment to your bean-to-cup machine, steam the milk separately in a silver jug to pour it yourself. You could also use an electric milk frother or hand whisk (with milk heated in the microwave or stovetop – make sure not to boil). If you don’t have any of these, heat some milk in a pot or microwave and put it in a French press. Carefully plunge the filter in an up/down motion to push air through the hot milk to get foamy milk. If you find your milk too frothy, you can scrape the foamy top off with a spoon.
Step 3: Carefully pour a drop (a literal drop) of milk into the espresso and scoop about 1 heaped tsp of warm frothed milk over the top.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 15 Kcal