What the Heck is a Macchiato

As some of you may have noticed, we recently got a spiffy new drink menu at the cafe. When we made the new menu we thought long and hard about some of the most frequently ordered things that weren't actually on the menu, as well as the things that we got the most questions about. We addressed those items by adding and removing some drinks.

Two of the new items that have made an appearance on our menu include the word macchiato. So what does is it mean?

Macchiato SchiumatoLet's start with the basics.

Macchiato, pronounced “mah-key-ah-toh”, means "marked" or "spotted" in the Italian language.

Espresso, pronounced "eSSSSSSSSS-press-oh" (no, you don't really need to hold that S but I want to make it clear, it is an S, NOT an X in that word. Remember, this is a traditional Italian beverage. They aren't in nearly as much of a hurry as us Americans are with our Expressways, Express Services, etc).  Espresso is made by grinding darkly roasted coffee beans on an extra fine setting, packing the grounds tightly, and then forcing a small amount of nearly boiling water through the them with a high amount of pressure. The result? A small cup of bold coffee with rich, deep tones, and a bit of acidity.

Those are your basic terms that make up all you need to know about a traditional macchiato beverage.

A traditional macchiato is simply a shot of a espresso "spotted" or "marked" with frothed milk. So if you order a macchiato at a coffee shop, you should receive approximately 2 ounces of brewed espresso with a spoonful of warmed milk and some froth on top. Just enough to cut the acidity of the espresso and make it a little creamy. Simple and delicious - IF you like the flavor of espresso. 

Now, the Americanized version that we've grown to know and love - the Caramel Macciato.

new-signs 1-22-14Thanks to Starbucks, most Americans only know of this sweet, large, and mostly milky version of a macciato. So what is it?
Essentially, the Caramel Macciato is a Latte "marked" with caramel. It is made by adding the espresso after you put the milk in the cup, making that layered effect and "marking" it with espresso. Finished with a drizzle of caramel on top. If you order a Caramel Macciato Latte at the Comfort Zone, you will receive a warm latte (steamed milk and espresso) sweetened with vanilla and a rich creamy caramel drizzle on top of a small head of froth. 

As far as I'm concerned, both of these drinks are delicious, but they each have their place, and you need to know the difference in order to get something that you will enjoy. For many Caramel Macciato Latte drinkers a traditional Macciato will not hit the spot, and we want our customers to be THRILLED with what they get.

I hope that after reading this you will feel more comfortable ordering one of the new additions to our menu and that maybe you'll want to step out of your drink "comfort zone" and try something new!

Channeling my inner Italian
~Zenia

Comments  

# Chris 2014-02-10 13:34
I will have to have a Cramel Macciato when I stop by! Sounds delicious!
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote

Comfort Zone Cafe, Hamburg, NY