Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
• Total Time: 5-10 minutes
• Servings: 1
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Dietary: Vegetarian, Vegan-Adaptable

Essential Equipment You’ll Need

1. Espresso Machine
2. Milk Frother
3. Espresso Cup

Ingredients

• 1 shot espresso (25-40 ml)
• 1-2 teaspoons milk foam
• Optional: Milk Alternative

Pro Tip Breakdown

What Makes a Perfect Macchiato?

• Espresso Perfection: Rich crema is non-negotiable
• Milk Foam: Minimal, delicate “mark” on top
• Temperature: Precise 55-65°C milk sweet spot

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare Your Workspace

– Pre-warm your espresso cup

– Grind fresh coffee beans (if using whole beans)

– Ensure milk is cold for best frothing

2. Pull the Espresso Shot

– Extract for 25-30 seconds

– Look for rich, hazelnut-colored crema

– Aim for 7-10g of ground coffee

3. Froth the Milk

– Create dry, stable foam

– Tiny, uniform bubbles are key

– Avoid large, unstable bubbles

4. Assemble the Macchiato

– Gently spoon 1-2 teaspoons of foam

– “Mark” the espresso surface

– Do NOT blend or stir

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overdoing milk foam
• Scalding milk
• Using stale coffee beans
• Inconsistent espresso extraction

Vegan & Dietary Variations

• Swap dairy milk with:
  • Oat milk
  • Soy milk
  • Almond milk (barista blend)

Storage & Reheating

Crucial: Serve immediately

Cannot be stored assembled

Espresso loses quality quickly

Expert Variations

• Double espresso shot
• Add cinnamon or cocoa
• Experiment with different milk alternatives

Technical Insider Notes

• Authentic macchiato means “stained” or “marked”
• Originated in Italian coffee bars
• Distinctly different from latte macchiato

Nutrition Quick Facts

• Calories: 10-30 kcal
• Caffeine: 60-90mg per serving
• Low fat, customizable

Enjoy your perfectly crafted espresso macchiato!