Knowing the difference between latte and macchiato can be a huge deal, especially in the way you enjoy your drink. For most people, coffee is the important drink of the day. It gives them the extra energy and boost of power. It wakes them up from slumber and sleepiness. It gives them the kick and the punch they need to go through the day. In short, the coffee is crucial to enable them go through the day.
However, let’s not forget that there are other variants of coffee out there? Are you the cappuccino person or are you into Americano more? Do you enjoy espresso more than macchiato? To understand the difference, read along and find out more about your favorite beverage.
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Macchiato and Latte
A lot of people think that latte and macchiato are just the same because they literally have the same exact ingredients. Yes, both of them are made from espresso, steamed milk, and foam. But let’s not forget that coffee is about different texture. When the proportion of each ingredient is different, it will result in different outcome too. So, let’s talk about the difference between latte and macchiato in terms of texture.
If you want to understand the difference, you need to compare both beverages side by side. Lattes are somewhat milkier and silkier. The color is milky cream with soft foam on the top. Macchiato, on the other hand, are darker and blacker. You can see a clear separation between the espresso and the foam/milk.
In latte, the amount of steamed milk is bigger and then topped off with the foam. After all, latte means milk so the beverage is mostly about the milk. Yes, there is an espresso on the bottom just to give a rather strong flavor of the coffee, but the proportion of the milk and the foam is definitely larger. When combined together, the latte has this nice milky and creamy look.
In macchiato, the amount of steamed milk and the foam is smaller. Macchiato is the softer version of the espresso. It is created for those who want to enjoy the strong punch of the espresso and yet still want to enjoy the little taste of sweetness and softness of the milk. That’s why it is still stronger and somewhat more bitter than the latte.
If you take a look at the appearance, you will see the dark espresso on the bottom and then the tad bit of the milk on the top. As I said earlier, there is an obvious separation between the two – and you can tell that this beverage is stronger by the look of it alone.
Conclusion for the Two
So, if you have to sum it up, there are some apparent difference between latte and macchiato. They are:
- Macchiato has a small coffee amount, simply as little as a single shot of espresso
- Macchiato has a strong coffee taste but it is a but diluted by the milk foam
- Macchiato only has a little amount of steamed milk
On the other hand, lattes have their own special signature too, such as:
- Latte is usually served in a large size, at least 8 oz or even more
- Latte has a lot of steamed milk. It affects the flavor and dilutes it, but it also adds the creamy and rich texture to the beverage
The Difference Between Latte and Macchiato in the Making
The difference between latte and macchiato is also seen from the preparation and the making process. When you are making latte, you need to make sure that you brew the coffee properly. If you want to get the high-quality result, make sure to choose the premium quality coffee beans or grounds.
While the coffee is brewing, prepare the milk. Steam the milk and make sure to let the steam out so the milk won’t be watery. You want to create the right milk – it isn’t too foamy and yet it isn’t too thin either. Once the steam milk is done and the coffee is ready, pour the milk in a circular motion so they will mix nicely – without you having to stir it or whatsoever.
When you are making a macchiato, the process is almost the same. However, when you are done, pour the coffee first and let it rest. Then pour the steam milk right on the center of the coffee. Remember, the milk is only a little so it won’t be a latte. If you use the clear glass, you should see a clear distinction between the espresso and the milk (and the foam). Here are some wonderful macchiato images from pinterest.
All in all, latte and macchiato are two different things. They have different taste, texture, and even looks! Even their preparation steps are different. There is no right or wrong when it comes to enjoying your favorite coffee. As long as you know the difference between latte and macchiato, you know what to expect and what to choose.