Macchiato means stained or marked. A caffè macchiato is an espresso with a small amount of milk foam on top.
The traditional drink
A single espresso in an espresso cup, with a spoonful of foam — enough to mark the surface, not enough to change the drink much.
Around 1:0.2 coffee to milk. It softens the edge of the espresso and leaves it recognisably espresso.
Ordered constantly in Italian bars.
Why it exists
A middle ground between an espresso and a cappuccino, for someone who wants the coffee with just a little softening.
Latte macchiato
A different drink entirely, and the name is consistent. Here it is the milk that is stained: a tall glass of steamed milk with espresso poured through it.
The espresso sinks and sits as a band, giving the layered look.
Much milkier than a caffè macchiato — closer to a latte.
The coffee shop version
The large, sweetened, caramel-syruped drink sold under the name in international chains is a latte with syrup, with no meaningful connection to either.
That is not a criticism of the drink, only of the name.
Ordering
In Italy, “macchiato” without qualification means the espresso version. Add caldo for hot foam, freddo for cold milk.
Elsewhere, it is worth specifying which you want.
Last reviewed 8 August 2026