It's on every coffee menu: the latte macchiato. Recognizable by the three different color layers. But how do you make this milk coffee at home? And what is the difference with a cappuccino?

Latte macchiato literally means 'spotted coffee'. A stain will form in the milk if you add the espresso in the right way.

Difference between latte macchiato and cappuccino

The ingredients of a latte macchiato and a cappuccino are exactly the same. Specifically, a shot of espresso, milk and milk foam. The difference is mainly in the amount of milk, the method of preparation and the presentation. A latte macchiato contains an espresso and about 250 – 300 ml of milk and milk foam. A cappuccino consists of a shot of espresso, a part of milk with milk foam on top.

To make a latte macchiato, first froth the milk. Then, evenly pour the espresso into the glass with the milk and milk froth – leaving the milk looking stained. Because the espresso will float between the milk and the milk foam, three beautiful layers are created. With a cappuccino you first make an espresso. Pour the milk and milk foam on top.

Latte macchiato glasses

Special latte macchiato glasses are used to make a latte macchiato. Because these glasses are long, the three layers of the latte macchiato are beautifully expressed.

Make your own latte macchiato

Do you have a fully automatic or semi-automatic espresso machine, or a coffee machine for which you use cups? Then you can also experiment at home to make the perfect latte macchiato. If your espresso machine doesn't have a steam pipe to froth milk, use a milk frother to create milk foam.

Step 1: Make a large amount of milk foam.

Step 2: Pour the milk foam into latte macchiato glass (or a tall glass) about one centimeter below the rim.

Step 3: Brew a 30ml espresso

Step 4: Pour the espresso evenly into the glass. Three nice layers are now created, because the espresso comes between the milk and the milk foam.

Ready-made latte macchiato

Do you want to make a latte macchiato quickly? With the latte macchiato cups from Gran Maestro Italiano, it's easy. Or try Celeste d'Oro's latte macchiato. You can also use these pads for your Dolce Gusto coffee machine, just like the Latte Macchiato coffee pods from Starbucks. For your Senseo, there are Latte Macchiato Classic coffee pods that allow you to make this delicious coffee variation in no time.

Recipe: Latte macchiato caramel

Do you like sweet milk coffee? Then you should definitely try the latte macchiato caramel. The difference with a 'regular' latte macchiato is that you finish it with whipped cream and caramel syrup. You do this on top of the three layers. Also discover the latte macchiato caramel from Celeste d'Oro, suitable for Dolce Gusto.