Latte Macchiato is a classic Italian coffee drink that combines creamy milk, bold espresso, and soft milk foam. Its name means “stained milk,” which perfectly describes the way espresso marks the milk when poured.

Originally created for children to enjoy less caffeine, it has now become a favorite for coffee lovers everywhere.

Unlike a regular latte, Latte Macchiato uses more milk and longer-roasted coffee beans, giving it a smooth but slightly stronger flavor. It’s a drink that looks as good as it tastes, with layered milk, espresso, and foam creating a visually striking effect. Today, we’ll show you exactly how to make it step by step.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start, gather these ingredients for one serving:

- Espresso: 30 ml (or 60 ml for a stronger version)

- Hot milk: 200 ml

- Sugar or syrup: 1–2 teaspoons, optional for sweetness

- Milk foam: from the 200 ml milk

- Toppings (optional): cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or cinnamon

You’ll also need a 300 ml tall glass and a long spoon or straw for serving. Having these tools will help you maintain the layers while enjoying your drink.

Step 1: Heat and Froth the Milk

1. Pour 200 ml of milk into a small saucepan or milk frother.

2. Heat gently over medium-low heat until the milk reaches about 65–70°C, just warm but not boiling.

3. If desired, add 1–2 teaspoons of sugar or syrup and stir until fully dissolved.

4. Froth the milk using a frother, whisk, or spoon until soft foam forms on top.

Tip: The foam should be thick enough to sit on top of the espresso but smooth enough to pour gently. Well-frothed milk makes a big difference in taste and appearance.

Step 2: Prepare the Espresso

1. Brew 30 ml of espresso using your espresso machine or stovetop espresso maker.

2. For a bolder coffee flavor, increase to 60 ml for a double shot.

3. Set the espresso aside in a small cup, ready to pour over the milk.

Tip: Use freshly ground coffee beans for the best aroma and taste.

Step 3: Layer the Latte Macchiato

1. Pour the warm milk into your tall glass as the bottom layer.

2. Slowly pour the espresso over the back of a spoon or directly into the milk to create a middle layer. Pouring slowly helps maintain the separation between milk and espresso.

3. Gently spoon the milk foam on top to create a smooth, creamy top layer.

Tip: Sugar in the milk helps the espresso float briefly, making the layers more distinct. Over time, the layers will gradually blend, but the initial effect is beautiful and satisfying.

Step 4: Decorate and Serve

1. Sprinkle cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or cinnamon over the foam for extra flavor and decoration.

2. Optional: drizzle a small amount of caramel or vanilla syrup on top.

3. Serve with a long spoon or straw to enjoy the layers without mixing them too quickly.

Tip: The visual appeal of Latte Macchiato is part of the experience, so take a moment to enjoy the layered look before sipping.

Step 5: Adjusting Coffee Strength

If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, we can easily make a double-shot Latte Macchiato. Simply increase the espresso to 60 ml. This adjustment enhances the coffee taste while still keeping the milk creamy and balanced.

Tip: Experiment with ratios to find the perfect balance for your taste buds—some of us enjoy milk-forward flavors, while others prefer espresso to shine.

Tips for the Perfect Home Latte Macchiato

- Warm your glass slightly before pouring to maintain layers longer.

- Froth the milk well to get thick, smooth foam.

- Pour espresso slowly over the foam to create clear layers.

- Adjust espresso amount to control coffee strength.

- Try different toppings like cinnamon, cocoa, or flavored syrup for creative twists.

These small techniques make a big difference, letting us enjoy a café-quality drink right at home.

Enjoy the Experience

Making Latte Macchiato is more than preparing a drink—it’s about enjoying a moment. We love the process of layering milk and espresso, decorating the foam, and sipping slowly to savor each taste. It brings a touch of Italian charm into our daily routine and turns ordinary mornings or afternoons into special moments.

Let’s Sip Together

Lykkers, why not try making your own Latte Macchiato today? With these simple steps, a tall glass, and a little creativity, we can enjoy a creamy, layered, and delicious coffee drink at home. Let’s raise our spoons and savor every sip together, experiencing the perfect balance of milk, espresso, and foam in each moment!