If you enjoy coffee drinks with a bit of style, a latte macchiato is a great choice. It’s simple, elegant, and known for its beautiful layers of steamed milk and espresso. Unlike a traditional latte where espresso is poured first, a latte macchiato starts with milk, and the espresso is gently “marked” on top, creating that signature look.

Making a latte macchiato at home is easier than you might think. With just espresso, milk, and a little technique, you can craft a drink that looks and tastes like it came from your favorite cafe. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step and share tips for getting the layers just right

How To Make Latte Macchiato

What Is a Latte Macchiato?

A latte macchiato is an Italian coffee drink where the word “macchiato” means “stained” or “marked.” The drink is made by pouring espresso over steamed milk, which “marks” the milk with a dark coffee layer. This is the opposite of a standard latte, where espresso is poured first and then milk is added.

Here are a few things that make latte macchiato unique:

It features a milk first approach with espresso added last.
Served in a tall, clear glass to showcase the layered look.
Has a creamy, smooth taste balanced by the bold espresso shot.

Latte macchiato ingredients including espresso shot, fresh milk, and syrup bottles. — Fresh espresso, creamy milk, and optional syrups are all you need for a classic latte macchiato.

Ingredients Needed for the Best Latte Macchiato

To make a classic latte macchiato, you don’t need many ingredients. The quality of each, however, matters a lot:

Espresso: Freshly brewed from your espresso machine or a stovetop moka pot.
Milk: Whole milk steams and froths best, but you can use oat, almond, or soy milk as alternatives.
Optional: Flavored syrups like vanilla or caramel if you want to sweeten your drink.

Use fresh, cold milk for frothing to get that creamy texture and fine foam that helps create layers. Good espresso beans make all the difference in taste, so choose your favorite roast.

How to Make Latte Macchiato at Home Step by Step

Steam and Froth the Milk
Pour cold milk into your frothing pitcher and steam it until it’s warm with a thick, creamy foam. If you don’t have a steamer, you can heat milk on the stove and whisk vigorously or shake it in a sealed jar.
Pour the Steamed Milk into a Glass
Use a tall, clear glass to really show off the layers. Pour the milk gently, holding back the foam with a spoon and then adding the foam on top.
Brew a Fresh Espresso Shot
Pull a shot of espresso using your machine or stovetop espresso maker.
Slowly Pour the Espresso Over the Milk
Pour the espresso carefully over the back of a spoon or directly into the milk. This slow pour helps create the signature dark “mark” on the milk and forms distinct layers.
Add Sweetener or Syrup (Optional)
If you like, stir in vanilla, caramel syrup, or your favorite sweetener.

Close up of freshly brewed espresso in a small cup. — A rich, freshly brewed espresso shot is the heart of a latte macchiato.

Tips and Variations for Latte Macchiato

For a dairy free option, try oat or almond milk. They froth well and add subtle flavors.
Experiment with flavored syrups like hazelnut or pumpkin spice to customize your drink.
On warm days, try making an iced latte macchiato by pouring cold milk and espresso over ice.
Practice your pouring technique slowly to get clear, distinct layers.

Serving Suggestions

Latte macchiatos are best enjoyed in clear glasses to show off the layers. Pair your drink with buttery pastries, biscotti, or fresh fruit for a perfect coffee break or light breakfast.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories	120 kcal
Carbohydrates	12 g
Dietary Fiber	0 g
Sugars	11 g
Protein	6 g
Total Fat	4 g
Saturated Fat	2.5 g
Cholesterol	15 mg
Sodium	90 mg
Potassium	300 mg
Calcium	200 mg
Iron	0 mg

FAQs About Latte Macchiato Recipe

1. What is the difference between a latte and a latte macchiato?
A latte is espresso poured first, then steamed milk added, resulting in a coffee-forward drink. A latte macchiato starts with steamed milk, and espresso is poured on top, creating distinct layers and a milk-forward flavor.

2. Can I make a latte macchiato without an espresso machine?
Yes. You can use a stovetop moka pot or strong brewed coffee as a substitute. Frothing milk can be done with a whisk, a jar, or a handheld frother.

3. What kind of milk works best for latte macchiato?
Whole milk steams and froths best for creamy texture. Oat, almond, and soy milk are good dairy-free alternatives but may create lighter foam.

4. How do I get the layered look in a latte macchiato?
Pour steamed milk first, then slowly pour the espresso over the back of a spoon or directly to create a “marked” layer on top of the milk.

5. Can I add flavors to my latte macchiato?
Absolutely! Vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, and pumpkin spice syrups are popular additions. Add them before or after pouring espresso, depending on your taste.