Caffè macchiato is a drink made up of coffee and milk foam; it is similar to a cappuccino or a latte, but with different proportions of the ingredients. A traditional caffè macchiato is an espresso enriched with a small amount of frothed milk, but there are also flavored and cold variants that you can try. Many bars and cafes serve different types, but you can make it yourself with a few tools.
Ingrediants
Traditional Macchiato Coffee
For one person
- 18 g of coffee beans
- 60 ml of water
- 30 ml of milk
Iced Coffee Macchiato
For one person
- Espresso cup (about 50 ml)
- 240 ml of cold milk
- 10 ml of sugar syrup or sweetener
- 5 ice cubes
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Traditional Macchiato Coffee
Step 1. Grind the beans
Caffè macchiato is made with an espresso, and a normal double requires 18-20 g of powder, depending on the intensity you want to achieve. Measure the required dose and transfer the beans to a coffee grinder, then grind them until they become a powder.
- They should have a consistency similar to that of fine salt; it is the ideal graininess for an espresso coffee.
- If you don't have the right appliance, you can buy pre-ground coffee at supermarkets or coffee shops.
Step 2. Fill the portafilter with the right amount of ground coffee
A home or professional machine is equipped with a filter holder that can be removed from the brewing group. Pour the freshly ground coffee into the container (making sure it is clean) and gently tap it with one hand to distribute the powder evenly; finally, press the product to compact it.
- If you don't have a domestic or professional coffee machine, you can use the classic moka; pour the ground coffee into the inner basket, taking care to distribute it evenly.
- Use a strong blend if you use the mocha and have no way to make an espresso.
Step 3. Prepare the espresso
Insert the filter holder into the brew group and rotate it to lock it; place a cup under it and activate the flow of water to extract the drink. Wait 30 seconds to prepare a coffee rich in aroma; then mix the drink to distribute the cream, which consists of the foam that accumulates on the surface.
If you are using a coffee maker, fill the water tank up to the valve; insert the basket filter and screw on the top. Put the mocha on the stove over medium heat until the coffee begins to boil in the upper portion and at the end pour the drink into a cup
Step 4. Whip the milk
Pour the cold one into a tall metal container. Tilt the container 45 ° with respect to the steam wand; add the latter to the milk and activate the steam. Whip the milk until it increases in volume and the bowl becomes very hot to the touch, then remove the lance and clean it with a damp cloth.
The ideal temperature for steamed frothed milk is 60 ° C
Step 5. Pour the milk over the coffee and serve the hot drink
When the milk is ready, add it to the espresso cup with the help of a spoon to let the foam fall; Serve the macchiato immediately. You can add sugar, garnish it with cinnamon, or drink it as is.
Method 2 of 3: Personalize the Drink
Step 1. Add some flavorings
These are generally sweet syrups with different flavors that are poured into coffee or other drinks; There are many different types and you can buy them in the supermarket and some bars. Add about 15 ml to each cup after pouring the espresso.
The most used aromas for a macchiato are vanilla, caramel and chocolate
Step 2. Garnish the cup with whipped cream
Macchiato usually isn't served with this greedy addition, but nothing stops you from doing so if you wish. After incorporating the syrup of your choice and the milk, add a splash or dollop of whipped cream.
Step 3. Garnish with chocolate
Grated one is a delicious finishing touch for macchiato, especially if you already have whipped cream in it. When the drink is ready, grate a piece of chocolate directly onto the milk or cream.
You can use dark, milk or even white
Step 4. Give the drink a spicy touch with cinnamon
Another way to vary the flavor of the macchiato is to add a pinch of cinnamon to the milk; if you have decided to enrich it also with whipped cream, put the spice last.
You can also consider nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom
Method 3 of 3: Iced Coffee Macchiato
Step 1. Make an espresso
There are various ways to make an iced coffee macchiato; first, you need a professional machine to get an espresso; alternatively you can prepare it with the classic mocha on the stove. If you can't find better solutions, boil some water with ground coffee, but make it a very strong drink.
To make strong American coffee instead of espresso, use heavily roasted beans and a two-cup coffee pot with 20g of ground coffee
Step 2. Combine the various ingredients
Pour the milk and ice into a blender. Add liquid sweetener, such as honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup; you can also choose a vanilla or caramel flavored product to add a more complex flavor to the drink. Finally, add the freshly brewed coffee (espresso or americano).
If you are using American coffee instead of espresso, pour in only 120ml of milk
Step 3. Blend the ingredients
Turn on the appliance for a minute to crush the ice and mix the mixture; continue like this until you get a uniform drink with no pieces of ice.
Step 4. Serve the coffee cold macchiato
Pour it into a glass and garnish it with some caramel or chocolate syrup to make it truly irresistible.
