Gourmet Coffee Corner

When you pour yourself a cup of coffee in the morning, you might add a touch of milk just to make the bitterness a bit more palatable. Did you realize you’ve basically created a macchiato in its most rudimentary form? In truth, a caffe macchiato is an espresso shot topped with a bit of steamed milk. Originally devised in Italy, this item is one of the most popular orders at coffee shops across America – as much due to its bold flavor as its distinctive, foamy look.

In recent years, people have been brewing this beverage from the comfort of home with an automatic espresso machine. “Caffe macchiato” refers to the espresso shot being lightly stained with steamed milk. A similarly named but notably different drink known as the latte macchiato is mostly milk with a stain of espresso. It’s basically the inverse of caffe macchiato, the yin to its yang, the inverse function.

Simplicity is just part of the drink’s appeal. In Roman sidewalk cafes, patrons relax and sip macchiatos that have been punched up with a dash of sugar. When you think about it, the beverage is the perfect blend of rich, distinctive flavors. You have the bitterness of the espresso shot, of course, soothed and toned down with the milk and then sweetened with a touch of sugar.