Latte Macchiato vs Espresso Macchiato: Which One Should You Choose?
Have you ever ordered a macchiato at a café, only to get something completely different than what you expected? You’re not alone! Many coffee lovers confuse the Latte Macchiato vs Espresso Macchiato—two drinks that share a name but taste worlds apart.
The word “macchiato” comes from Italian, meaning “stained” or “marked.” But what exactly is being stained—espresso with milk or milk with espresso? That’s where the difference lies!
In this guide, we’ll break down:
✔ What each drink is (hint: one is milk-heavy, the other is espresso-forward).
✔ How they’re made (the layering vs. the “dot” of milk).
✔ Which one suits your taste (do you like strong coffee or creamy sips?).
By the end, you’ll never mix them up again—and you might just discover your new favorite coffee order. Let’s dive in!
What is an Espresso Macchiato? (The Bold Coffee Kick)
If you love strong, rich espresso but want just a hint of creaminess, the Espresso Macchiato is your go-to.
How It’s Made:
- Base: A single or double shot of espresso (30–60ml).
- Milk Addition: A small dollop (1–2 tsp) of steamed milk or foam on top.
- Served in: A tiny demitasse cup (no fancy layering here!).
Taste & Texture:
✔ Flavor: Intense espresso with a slight sweetness from the milk.
✔ Strength: Stronger than a latte macchiato—ideal for espresso lovers.
✔ Mouthfeel: Thick and velvety, with a light foam topping.
Best For You If…
- You prefer bold coffee over milky drinks.
- You want a quick espresso boost with minimal dilution.
- You enjoy the pure taste of coffee with just a touch of smoothness.
💡 Pro Tip: Some baristas make it with just a dot of foam—almost like an espresso with a tiny cloud on top!
What is a Latte Macchiato? (The Creamy, Layered Delight)
If you’re all about silky, milky coffee, the Latte Macchiato is your match. It’s the opposite of the Espresso Macchiato—milk is the star, and espresso is the supporting act.
How It’s Made:
- Steamed Milk: Fill a tall glass ⅔ full with warm, frothy milk.
- Espresso Pour: Slowly add 1-2 shots of espresso over the milk.
- Foam Topping: Finish with a layer of light, airy foam.
Taste & Texture:
✔ Flavor: Mild, sweet, and creamy—more milk than coffee.
✔ Strength: Much gentler than an Espresso Macchiato.
✔ Visual Appeal: Beautiful three-layer separation (milk → espresso → foam).
Best For You If…
- You love milky, dessert-like coffee (think lattes or cappuccinos).
- You enjoy slow sipping rather than quick espresso shots.
- You like Instagram-worthy layered drinks.
☕ Fun Fact: Starbucks’ “Caramel Macchiato” is actually a sweetened latte macchiato—not a traditional one!
Key Differences: Espresso Macchiato vs. Latte Macchiato
Let’s compare them side by side:
| Feature | Espresso Macchiato | Latte Macchiato |
|---|---|---|
| Base Ingredient | Espresso | Steamed Milk |
| Milk Amount | Just a splash (1-2 tsp) | Lots (8–12 oz) |
| Coffee Strength | Strong & bold | Mild & creamy |
| Serving Style | Small cup (demitasse) | Tall glass (layered) |
| Best For | Espresso lovers | Milk coffee enthusiasts |
Quick Summary:
- Espresso Macchiato = Coffee with a tiny milk stain.
- Latte Macchiato = Milk with a gentle coffee stain.
Which One Should You Order? (Decision Guide)
Still unsure? Ask yourself:
Choose Espresso Macchiato if…
✅ You want a quick, strong caffeine hit.
✅ You love espresso’s pure, rich taste.
✅ You prefer less milk in your coffee.
Choose Latte Macchiato if…
✅ You enjoy creamy, milky coffee.
✅ You like visually stunning layered drinks.
✅ You want a sweeter, mellower coffee experience.
🌟 Bonus Tip: If you’re at a specialty café, ask the barista to explain their version—some shops have unique twists!
Fun Variations & Customizations
Want to spice things up? Try these twists:
Espresso Macchiato Hacks:
- Double Shot: For extra caffeine.
- Mocha Twist: Add a sprinkle of cocoa.
- Iced Version: Pour espresso over cold milk + ice.
Latte Macchiato Upgrades:
- Vanilla/Caramel Drizzle (like Starbucks).
- Cinnamon or Nutmeg Sprinkle for warmth.
- Oat/Almond Milk for a dairy-free option.
Final Verdict: Which Macchiato Wins?
Both drinks are delicious—but they serve very different purposes.
- For a quick, strong coffee fix → Espresso Macchiato.
- For a creamy, slow-sipping treat → Latte Macchiato.
The best way to decide? Try both! You might just fall in love with a new coffee style.
Your Turn!
Which macchiato do you prefer? Espresso-forward or milk-heavy?
FAQ’s
What is the difference between latte macchiato and espresso macchiato?
A latte macchiato consists of steamed milk with a shot of espresso poured on top, creating a layered drink with a milder flavor. In contrast, an espresso macchiato is a shot of espresso with a small amount of milk foam, making it stronger and more espresso-forward.
What’s stronger, a latte or macchiato?
A macchiato is stronger than a latte because it contains more espresso and less milk, offering a bolder coffee flavor. In contrast, a latte has more milk, which dilutes the strength of the espresso, making it creamier and milder.
Are there different types of macchiatos?
Yes, there are different types of macchiatos, including the latte macchiato, which features more steamed milk, and the espresso macchiato, which has just a small amount of milk foam.
Is espresso macchiato sweet?
An espresso macchiato is not inherently sweet since it consists of a bold espresso shot with just a touch of milk or foam. However, its natural sweetness depends on the coffee beans used, and you can add sugar if desired.
