What Is a Macchiato? Espresso, Latte, and Caramel Macchiatos Explained
A macchiato is a shot of espresso “marked” or “stained” with a small amount of milk. That’s the original Italian definition — and that’s where the simplicity ends. Today, the word “macchiato” describes three very different drinks: a 2-ounce espresso-forward Italian original, a 6-ounce milk-forward layered drink, and a sweet 12-ounce flavored Starbucks creation. They all share the name. They are very different drinks. This guide explains exactly what a macchiato is in 2026, why the same word describes three drinks, what’s in each version, where the name comes from, the caffeine math, and how to order what you actually want. ...