Latte Macchiato

A latte macchiato is warm, steamed milk “marked” with a splash of espresso. The volume sits between 180 and 250 ml, poured into a tall glass where the layering stays visible.

The name is confusing, because a regular macchiato is almost the opposite: espresso takes center stage with a small dollop of milk foam on top. A latte macchiato flips that build. Both use the same verb — to mark — but with the ratio between coffee and milk reversed.

Because of its large volume and milk-forward character, a latte macchiato sits closer to a latte in taste and experience than to a macchiato. The difference from a latte is mainly in preparation: with a latte macchiato, you pour the espresso into milk that’s already been poured, which creates the visible layers that define the drink.

Choose a latte macchiato when you want a large, mild coffee with a nice layered look in the glass, rather than an intense espresso moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a macchiato and a latte macchiato?

In a macchiato, espresso is the main event with a small dollop of milk foam on top — 35 to 40 ml total. In a latte macchiato, it’s reversed: warm milk with a splash of espresso through it, 180 to 250 ml. Same name, opposite build.

Is a latte macchiato the same as a latte?

Almost, but not quite. Both are mostly milk with a bit of espresso. The difference is in preparation: with a latte macchiato, you pour the espresso into the milk, creating visible layers. With a latte, the coffee is generally mixed more thoroughly into the milk.

Can I make a latte macchiato at home without an espresso machine?

Not in its classic form — the drink is built on espresso. Want something similarly large and mild without an espresso machine? Look at koffie verkeerd, which is built on drip coffee.