Latte vs. Macchiato: Coffee Face-Off
If you are a coffee lover, you may have noticed how the world of coffee has grown tremendously in recent years. There are now endless options to choose from when it comes to coffee, and two of the most popular ones are lattes and macchiatos. However, the question remains: what’s the difference between a latte and a macchiato? In this article, we’ll compare and contrast these two popular coffee drinks to help you choose the one that suits your taste buds the best.
What’s a Latte?
A latte, also known as a café latte, is a hot coffee drink that originated in Italy. The word latte literally means milk in Italian, and that’s what a latte mainly consists of. A latte is made of espresso and steamed milk, with a thin layer of milk foam on top. In other words, it’s a shot of espresso with steamed milk and a small amount of foam. The standard latte is made with one shot of espresso, but you can ask for an extra shot if you’re looking for a stronger flavor.
What’s a Macchiato?
A macchiato is also an Italian coffee drink that is made with espresso, but it’s different from a latte. The word macchiato means “stained” or “marked” in Italian, and that’s exactly what a macchiato is. A macchiato is made of a shot of espresso with a small amount of steamed milk, topped with a dollop of foam. The milk is only added to “mark” the espresso, so a macchiato is sometimes referred to as an espresso macchiato for clarity.
Latte vs. Macchiato
Now that we’ve established what a latte and a macchiato are, let’s take a closer look at the differences between these two popular coffee drinks.
The main difference between a latte and a macchiato is the amount and type of milk used. A latte has a higher amount of steamed milk when compared to a macchiato, which is why a latte is creamier and less strong than a macchiato. A macchiato has less milk and more espresso, making it a strong and bold option for coffee lovers who crave a strong taste of coffee.
Another difference is the method of preparation. A latte is prepared by pouring steamed milk over a shot of espresso and a small amount of foam. On the other hand, a macchiato is prepared by adding a small amount of steamed milk to a shot of espresso, topped with a dollop of foam. The foam in a macchiato is denser and thicker compared to a latte, adding to the unique taste and texture of this coffee drink.
Lastly, the size of the cup is another difference between a latte and a macchiato. A latte is usually served in a larger cup when compared to a macchiato, which is usually served in a smaller cup. This is because a latte has more milk, making it a bigger drink.
Conclusion
In summary, a latte and a macchiato are both delicious coffee drinks, but they differ significantly in terms of taste, texture, and preparation method. A latte is creamier, less strong, and has a higher amount of steamed milk, while a macchiato is strong, bold, and has less milk. So, whether you prefer a creamy and milder coffee or a strong and bold one, there’s a drink out there that will suit your taste buds.
