How to Make a Macchiato

Have you ever wondered why a macchiato seems to be different at different coffee shops? That is because most coffee shops don't serve the traditional macchiato.

A traditional macchiato is a shot of espresso with a small layer of foamed milk. Macchiato in Italian means "marked", as the espresso is marked with a small dash of foamed milk.

This set of instructions will not only put you ahead of professional baristas in coffee knowledge but also gives you a chance to make it home.

• Espresso Machine (or french press)
• Steam Wand (or milk frother)
• Tamper (handheld or electric)
• Coffee Beans
• Coffee Grinder (optional)
• Rag
• Cup
• Milk
• Thermometer
• Spoon (optional)

• Start by grinding your coffee beans into a fine powder

For a single shot of espresso, it will be 12-14g of grounds

For a double shot, it will be 21g of grounds.

• You will then put your coffee grounds into the portafilter.

This is a double shot and it is 21g in the portafilter. It is preference.

• You can use a handheld tamper or an electric one.
• This condenses the grounds in the portafilter to go into the espresso machine.

• You are getting ready to pull your shot.
• Make sure to not leave this in the machine for too long before pulling the shot because it will make your shot taste burnt.

• Put a glass underneath the portafilter, making sure the glass is catching the espresso.

• Since the drink is so small, only 4oz of milk is necessary.
• Spray your steam wand before putting it in your milk to steam to get the air flowing.

• To get a lot of foam, put the wand barely on the surface of the milk and let air in the milk for around 5-8 seconds.
• Then put the wand all the way in the milk to get to the desired temperature.

• Using a damp rag, wipe the steam wand off after steaming milk so that the milk does not build up on the wand.

• Take your portafilter out of the espresso machine and dump it into a trashcan.
• Use a rag to get the excess off and then put it back into the machine to keep it warm (if you are making more drinks)
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• Pour your espresso shot into the cup you are using to make your macchiato in.

• To ensure that you are just getting foam for your macchiato, use a spoon to scoop that layer of foam off of your steamed milk.
• Take that foam and put it on top of your espresso.

• Making sure it is not too hot to drink, your macchiato is now good to serve or drink!

You now know how to make a traditional cafe macchiato!