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.

Supplies

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)

Step 1: Grinding the Coffee Beans

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.

Step 2: Putting the Coffee Into the Portafilter

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.

Step 3: Tamping the Coffee

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

Step 4: Putting the Portafilter in the 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.

Step 5: Pulling the Shot

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

Step 6: Prepping the Milk

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.

Step 7: Steaming Your Milk

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.

Step 8: Cleaning the Steam Wand

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

Step 9: Clean Portafilter

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)

Step 10: Prepping You Macchiato

Pour your espresso shot into the cup you are using to make your macchiato in.

Step 11: Dotting the Espresso

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.

Step 12: Your Macchiato Is Ready to Go!

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!

Introduction: How to Make a Macchiato