Latte macchiato

Latte macchiato is an Italian-style coffee beverage made by adding espresso to steamed milk, creating a layered drink with milk foam on top.

Latte macchiato is an Italian-style coffee beverage made by adding espresso to steamed milk, creating a layered drink with milk foam on top. The name means “stained milk” in Italian, referring to the way the espresso marks the milk. It is related to, but distinct from, caffè macchiato and caffè latte, and is widely available in Canadian coffee shops as part of standard espresso-drink culture.

Overview

Latte macchiato is a coffee drink made from steamed milk and espresso, usually topped with milk foam. It is known for its layered appearance and its name, which refers to milk being “stained” by espresso.

Preparation

The drink is prepared by pouring espresso into steamed milk, rather than milk into espresso. It is typically assembled by adding espresso to hot milk, often slowly enough to produce distinct layers: milk at the bottom, espresso in the middle, and foam on top. Many descriptions note that it is commonly served in a tall glass to show the layered effect.

Relation to other coffee drinks

Latte macchiato is often contrasted with caffè macchiato and caffè latte. Caffè macchiato is espresso with a small amount of milk, while caffè latte usually contains a larger amount of milk with espresso integrated more fully. Some sources describe latte macchiato as a sweeter, milk-forward drink than a traditional latte or macchiato.

Serving style and variations

It is commonly served hot, though some commercial descriptions mention cold versions. Presentation and ratios vary by café and region, but the layered look remains a defining feature.