Guide · Espresso machines
What is a macchiato? Espresso macchiato vs latte macchiato
A macchiato is espresso 'marked' with milk, but a latte macchiato is the opposite: milk marked with espresso. Here's how they differ and how to make each.
So, what is a macchiato? In its classic form, it’s a single shot of espresso with a dash of hot milk or a little dense froth on top. The name comes from the Italian for “marked” or “stained”: the milk marks the espresso. Confusingly, the latte macchiato and the chain-shop caramel macchiato are very different drinks. This guide explains all three and how to make them at home. We haven’t tested this in person. Our facts come from De’Longhi’s published recipes. Read how we compare.
What is a macchiato? The espresso macchiato
De’Longhi UK describes an espresso macchiato as a shot of espresso with a dash of hot milk or dense froth added to the top. It says the milk softens the intensity of the neat espresso.
So it’s a small drink: mostly espresso, with just a touch of milk. If you’ve had an espresso and found it too sharp, but a cappuccino too milky, a macchiato sits in between.
Who it isn’t for: anyone who wants a big, milky coffee. A macchiato is only a little larger than an espresso.
Latte macchiato: the other way round
A latte macchiato flips the idea. De’Longhi describes it as hot steamed milk “stained” with a small amount of espresso. So it’s mostly milk, marked by the coffee, rather than mostly coffee marked by the milk.
De’Longhi says it’s similar in make-up to a caffè latte. In its UK latte recipe, De’Longhi describes the latte macchiato as a mix of coffee, hot milk and milk foam, and its method heats the milk first, then adds the espresso straight into it.
Caramel macchiato: the coffee-shop version
The caramel macchiato on many coffee-shop menus is closer to a sweet latte macchiato than to an espresso macchiato. De’Longhi’s recipe builds it in layers: vanilla syrup at the bottom, then frothed milk, then a single espresso poured slowly over the milk, and caramel sauce on top. De’Longhi says the espresso poured over the milk is the “mark” that gives the drink its name.
Macchiato drinks compared
| Drink | What’s in it | Order | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso macchiato | Espresso with a dash of hot milk or froth | Espresso first, milk on top | Small |
| Latte macchiato | Mostly steamed milk with a little espresso | Milk first, espresso added | Large |
| Caramel macchiato | Vanilla syrup, milk, espresso, caramel sauce | Syrup, milk, espresso, caramel | Large |
For how lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites compare, see latte vs cappuccino vs flat white.
How to make an espresso macchiato at home
Following De’Longhi UK’s recipe:
- Pull a single espresso. De’Longhi says this uses around 7 to 8g of coffee beans and takes about 18 to 23 seconds (or 22 to 26 seconds for a double).
- Heat a dash of milk, or a milk alternative, with your machine’s steam wand.
- Add it to the top of the espresso.
New to espresso? Our guide on how to make espresso at home covers the basics. If your machine doesn’t have a steam wand, see how to froth milk without a frother.
Who it isn’t for: anyone without an espresso machine. You need a proper espresso shot as the base.
How to make a latte macchiato at home
Using De’Longhi UK’s latte method:
- Heat your milk first. De’Longhi says you want lots of heated milk and a little foam, and suggests tapping the jug to get rid of large bubbles.
- Pull a single espresso and pour it straight into the milk.
- Dust with cocoa if you like.
De’Longhi suggests whole or semi-skimmed milk for a creamy finish, and names oat and almond milk as dairy-free alternatives it likes.
Using pods
If you have a pod machine, latte macchiato pods make it simpler:
- Nescafé Dolce Gusto Latte Macchiato, 16 pods for 8 drinks, £5.00 at Morrisons, checked 3 Oct 2026
- Tassimo L’OR Latte Macchiato, 8 cups, £6.25 at Tassimo UK, checked 3 Oct 2026
- Tassimo Jacobs Latte Macchiato, 8 cups, £6.25 at Tassimo UK, checked 3 Oct 2026
Who it isn’t for: anyone who wants an espresso macchiato. We didn’t find espresso macchiato pods at either shop.
Macchiato vs other coffees
- Macchiato vs espresso: a macchiato is an espresso with a dash of milk added.
- Latte macchiato vs latte: De’Longhi says they’re similar in make-up. In its caramel recipe, it says the difference is the order: a latte blends espresso and milk, while a macchiato pours espresso over the milk.
- Macchiato vs americano: an americano adds hot water rather than milk. See espresso vs americano.
FAQ
What does macchiato mean? De’Longhi says it means “marked” or “stained” in Italian.
Is a macchiato stronger than a latte? An espresso macchiato is mostly espresso with only a dash of milk, so it tastes more intense than a milky latte.
What’s the difference between a macchiato and a latte macchiato? An espresso macchiato is espresso marked with a little milk. A latte macchiato is steamed milk marked with a little espresso.
Is a caramel macchiato a real macchiato? It uses the same idea of espresso “marking” milk, but De’Longhi’s recipe adds vanilla syrup and caramel sauce, so it’s a much sweeter, larger drink.