What is a macchiato vs latte?
Macchiato and latte are both popular coffee drinks that are made with espresso and milk, however, they have some differences in terms of ingredients and preparation.
Macchiato:
- A macchiato is a small espresso-based coffee drink that is typically made with a shot of espresso and a small amount of steamed milk or frothy milk on top.
- The word "macchiato" means "stained" or "spotted" in Italian, referring to the small amount of milk that is added to the espresso.
- There are two main types of macchiatos: a traditional macchiato, also known as an espresso macchiato, which is just a shot of espresso with a dollop of milk foam on top; and a latte macchiato, which is made by pouring a shot of espresso over a cup of steamed milk.
- A macchiato has a strong, bold flavor, with the espresso being the dominant taste and the milk adding a hint of creaminess.
Latte:
- A latte is a larger coffee drink that is typically made with a shot of espresso and a larger amount of steamed milk.
- The word "latte" comes from the Italian word "caffè latte," which means "milk coffee."
- A latte has a smoother and creamier texture compared to a macchiato, as it contains more milk.
- Lattes are often topped with a thin layer of milk froth or foam for added texture and presentation.
- Lattes can be flavored with syrups or spices, such as vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon, to create different variations of the drink.
Overall, a macchiato is a smaller, stronger coffee drink with less milk, while a latte is a larger, creamier drink with more milk. Both drinks are popular choices for coffee lovers and can be customized with different flavors and milk alternatives.