Macchiato, a special feature of Italy, is gaining popularity in the Vietnamese culinary market and beyond. It captivates diners with its rich flavor, eye-catching decoration, and impressive presentation.
1 What is Macchiato?
In Italian, Macchiato means ‘marked’ or ‘spotted’
In Italian, Macchiato means “marked” or “spotted.” It symbolizes a white fabric with spots or small dots to create accents. Similarly, a macchiato cup consists of a layer of white milk foam, decorated with coffee powder in various images or symbols. The main ingredients of Macchiato are espresso coffee and milk.
2 Origin of Macchiato
The origin of this name is derived from the use by baristas to distinguish it from Cappuccino or Latte.
Macchiato, also known as Cafe Macchiato or Espresso Macchiato, is a type of Espresso coffee with a layer of creamy milk foam on top, providing a much stronger taste compared to other beverages. The name originated from baristas distinguishing it from Cappuccino or Latte. In Portugal, this drink is called “café pingado,” meaning coffee with a drop. In some countries like Mexico, Macchiato is called “cortado.”
3 Variations of Macchiato
Espresso macchiato
Espresso macchiato
Espresso macchiato is a drink for those who love strong, bitter taste. It consists of coffee with a little hot fresh milk and a small amount of milk foam added.
Latte macchiato
Latte macchiato
Latte macchiato is the opposite of Espresso macchiato. It consists of a hot frothed milk layer with a thick layer of milk foam, while coffee occupies a very small portion, creating a creamy and aromatic drink for those who enjoy sweetness.
Caramel macchiato
Caramel macchiato
This beverage features a rich and fatty caramel sauce, making it a popular choice among young people.
4 How to Drink Macchiato Correctly
How to Drink Macchiato Correctly
Do not use a straw
Unlike other beverages, macchiato is meant to be enjoyed by sipping it directly from the cup, without the use of a straw. This allows you to fully experience its wonderful flavors.
Drink layer by layer
Begin by sipping the top layer of milk foam to taste the bitterness. Then, gradually drink the subsequent layers, allowing the flavors of milk and coffee to blend together. This method allows you to fully savor the flavors of the macchiato cup. The layer of milk foam also adds a unique and interesting touch to the drinking experience.
Mix and then drink
While macchiato cups are traditionally enjoyed layer by layer, some people prefer to mix the layers together before drinking. This allows for the gradual blending of flavors, with the bitterness of coffee, the sweetness of milk, and the richness of the caramel sauce all coming together in each sip.
5 How to Make Macchiato
Ingredients to prepare
- 200ml sterilized fresh milk
- 20ml caramel sauce
- 5ml sugar water
Preparation steps
Pour the fresh milk into a container and froth it using an egg beater or a manual whisk.
Prepare the milk mixture
Add 15ml of caramel sauce and the appropriate amount of sugar water to the bottom of the cup. Then, create a thin layer of foam around the cup and a thicker layer of foam on top of the caramel sauce.
Pour the frothed milk into the cup, leaving about 0.3cm of space from the mouth of the cup.
Pour milk into coffee
Next, pour the espresso coffee into the cup so that the coffee is between the layer of milk and milk foam.
Scoop an additional small spoonful of foam onto the coffee and use 5ml of caramel sauce or coffee powder to decorate the drink for an eye-catching appearance.
Complete the Macchiato cup
With just a few simple steps, you can create a Macchiato cup with three distinct layers that are not mixed together. It is not only delicious but also visually appealing.
6 Other Exciting Macchiato Recipes
Black tea macchiato
Black tea macchiato
Black tea macchiato has a gentle fragrance and a slightly bitter taste. It offers numerous health benefits. The combination of the gentle sweetness of tea and the creamy, soft aroma of macchiato creates a delightful flavor experience.
Milk tea macchiato
Milk tea macchiato
Ingredients to prepare
- 50g black tea
- 100ml sugar water
- 200ml fresh milk
- 200ml topping base
- 100ml whipping base
How to do
Put 50g of black tea in boiling water at around 90 degrees C for about 15 minutes.
Pour 200ml of topping base, 100ml of whipping base, and 150ml of fresh milk into a container. Mix well using an egg beater in a clockwise direction to create a soft and smooth foam layer.
Remove the tea leaves and use the tea essence to prepare the drink. Mix 80ml of tea essence, 50ml of fresh milk, 50ml of sugar water, and ice cubes. Stir the mixture to ensure the ingredients are well blended. Finally, pour Macchiato on top.
Caramel macchiato
Caramel macchiato
Ingredients to prepare
- 1 shot of espresso coffee
- 200ml of sterilized fresh milk
- 20ml of caramel sauce
- 5ml of sugar water
How to do
Pour the fresh milk into a milk frother and heat it with a steam wand in a coffee maker to create milk foam for macchiato. Be careful not to froth the milk for too long, as it may cause the foam to break and lose the rich flavor of the milk.
Pour 5ml of sugar water into a glass, then pour the frothed milk on top. To make the drink more visually appealing, you can separate the foam into a separate glass, fill the cup with milk, and use a spoon to scoop the foam around the cup.
Finally, gradually pour the coffee into the middle of the cup and decorate the surface of the drink with caramel sauce. For an extra flavor twist, you can combine caramel macchiato with milk tea.
With the correct method of making and enjoying Macchiato, why wait? Take a little time to make delicious Macchiato cups that are not only economical but also enjoyable with your family.
