Latte vs Macchiato
For coffee lovers, understanding the difference between a latte and a macchiato is essential. Both drinks originated in Italy and are primarily made of coffee mixed with a certain amount of milk, resulting in a thick consistency. However, despite their similarities, these two popular coffee drinks have distinct flavors and characteristics.
What is Latte?
A latte is a combination of espresso and steamed milk, topped with a small layer of milk froth. It differs from black coffee, which is made without milk. The latte we know today is believed to have been invented in the 1950s by an Italian barista when one of his customers claimed that his cappuccino was too strong. In Italian, the word “latte” means milk, so a latte is essentially espresso mixed with milk. It is sometimes referred to as “café latte,” as it is a mixture of coffee and milk. To make a latte, espresso and milk are poured together into a cup, and a layer of milk froth is added on top. When a trained barista pours latte from a jug, they can create artwork on the top of the latte, which can be visually appealing.
What is Macchiato?
A macchiato, also known as espresso macchiato, is an espresso “stained” with milk. The Italian word “macchiato” means stained, so an espresso macchiato is espresso mixed with a small amount of milk. In the past, only a small amount of milk was added to the drink, but today, milk foam is often added on top. The way a macchiato is prepared can vary depending on the location.
Key Takeaways
- In coffee drinks, a latte is coffee mixed with milk, while a macchiato is coffee with a milk “stain”.
- In a latte, the milk is added for its flavor and the milk foam on top is for visual presentation, whereas, in a macchiato, milk is added primarily for visual presentation.
- A latte was created because customers thought that a barista’s cappuccino was too strong, so more milk was added into the mix. In contrast, a macchiato has less milk compared to a latte and the milk is mainly used for visual purposes.
