【Coffee Lab】Macchiato

Macchiato (Macchiato) detailed introduction + editor's explanation ☕️✨

Macchiato, derived from the Italian word "macchiato," meaning "mark" or "dye," is a coffee drink based on espresso, garnished with a little milk or milk foam. Traditionally, macchiato uses a small amount of steamed milk foam to create a "mark" on the espresso, achieving the desired middle ground between the richness of espresso and the smoothness of milk foam, a favorite among coffee lovers. ☕️🖤

Types of Macchiato

  • Espresso Macchiato : This espresso is topped with a small spoonful of milk foam. It offers a distinct coffee flavor with a gentle milky aroma. This is perfect for those who enjoy espresso but want a little extra milk foam.

  • Latte Macchiato : A small amount of espresso is added to a large amount of steamed milk, creating a layered coffee with a mild and sweet taste, suitable for those who like strong milk flavor.

Brief description of production method

  • Espresso Macchiato: Use one shot of espresso and top with about a teaspoon of dense milk foam.

  • Latte Macchiato: First pour in the steamed hot milk, then add a small amount of espresso to form a beautiful gradient between coffee and milk.

Flavor and taste

  • Espresso Macchiato has rich layers of strong coffee, while the milk foam brings a silky taste and slightly softens the bitterness.

  • Latte Macchiato is mainly milky, with a light and sweet coffee flavor and a softer taste.

  • Both are suitable for friends who want to try different levels of milk coffee.

Macchiato Culture in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong's boutique coffee shops, Espresso Macchiato is often recommended as a refreshing drink, offering a quick and easy way to enjoy the rich aroma of coffee. Latte Macchiato, with its beautiful gradation and rich milky flavor, is particularly popular among young people. Many coffee shops even offer caramel-flavored Macchiato variations, providing a diverse taste experience.

Sharing from the editor's perspective

I think the Espresso Macchiato brings out the purest flavor of coffee without being overly bitter, making it a perfect afternoon pick-me-up in Hong Kong's fast-paced lifestyle. Meanwhile, the Latte Macchiato is perfect for those who want a milky but less intense coffee. It's especially sweet and smooth in the winter, and it's truly heartwarming.

Having tried several different varieties of Macchiato, I highly recommend using Arabica beans. The flavor is rich and layered, and you get to experience the freshness of the fruit and the smoothness of the milk foam—a perfect combination!


Macchiato is the hallmark of Italian coffee, a perfect blend of coffee and milk. It's a must-try for Hong Kong coffee lovers exploring the diverse milk coffee scene! ☕️🌟🥛

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