The Espresso Macchiato is a classic Italian coffee drink, known for its bold, intense flavor with just a hint of milk foam. Unlike larger, milk-heavy beverages, this drink highlights the rich taste of espresso while providing a smooth, velvety texture. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee lover or new to espresso-based drinks, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Starbucks Espresso Macchiato including its preparation, sizes, prices, and nutrition information.
What is an Espresso Macchiato?
An Espresso Macchiato is a small but powerful coffee drink consisting of one or two shots of espresso “marked” with a small amount of steamed milk or milk foam. The word “macchiato” means “stained” in Italian, referring to the small dollop of milk that enhances but does not dilute the espresso’s bold taste.
Key Features of an Espresso Macchiato:
- Rich and intense espresso flavor with minimal milk.
- Less milk than a cappuccino or latte, keeping the focus on the espresso.
- Typically served in small sizes (Solo or Doppio at Starbucks).
How to Make an Espresso Macchiato
Traditional Preparation:
Making an Espresso Macchiato at home is simple if you have the right tools:
- Brew Espresso: Use a high-quality espresso machine to pull a single (Solo) or double (Doppio) shot.
- Prepare the Milk: Steam a small amount of milk until it forms a light foam.
- Combine: Spoon a small amount of milk foam onto the espresso, “marking” it.
For a dairy-free variation, substitute almond, oat, or soy milk for unique flavors and textures.
Espresso Macchiato at Starbucks
Starbucks serves the Espresso Macchiato following traditional Italian methods. However, it is often confused with the Caramel Macchiato, which is a completely different drink featuring steamed milk, vanilla syrup, and caramel drizzle.
Espresso Macchiato vs. Caramel Macchiato
| Feature | Espresso Macchiato | Caramel Macchiato |
| Size | Small (Solo/Doppio) | Tall, Grande, Venti |
| Milk Content | Minimal milk foam | More milk, steamed |
| Sweetness | Unsweetened | Contains vanilla syrup |
| Texture | Strong, slightly creamy | Smooth, creamy, sweet |
| Best For | Espresso lovers | Those who prefer sweet lattes |
Sizes, Prices, and Calories (U.S. Locations)
Starbucks offers the Espresso Macchiato in espresso shot sizes. Prices may vary by location. check the latest price on Starbucks Website
| Size | Price | Calories |
| Solo (0.8 fl oz) | $3.65 | 10 |
| Doppio (1.6 fl oz) | $3.87 | 15 |
| Triple (2.3 fl oz) | $4.08 | 20 |
| Quad (3.1 fl oz) | $4.41 | 25 |
Since this drink contains minimal milk, it remains low in calories and carbs.
Nutritional Breakdown
The Starbucks Espresso Macchiato is one of the lowest-calorie drinks on the menu. Here’s its nutritional content:
| Nutrient | Solo (0.8 fl oz) | Doppio (1.6 fl oz) | Triple (2.3 fl oz) | Quad (3.1 fl oz) |
| Calories | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
| Fat | 0g | 0g | 0g | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0mg | 0mg | 0mg |
| Sodium | 0mg | 0mg | 0mg | 0mg |
| Carbs | 1g | 2g | 3g | 4g |
| Protein | 0g | 1g | 1g | 2g |
| Caffeine | 75mg | 150mg | 225mg | 300mg |
Note: Caffeine content is an approximation and may vary.
Comparing Espresso Macchiato to Other Coffee Drinks
Understanding how the Espresso Macchiato compares to other espresso-based drinks helps in choosing the right one for your preference.
Espresso Macchiato vs. Cortado
| Feature | Espresso Macchiato | Cortado |
| Espresso-to-Milk Ratio | Mostly espresso, small milk foam | Equal parts espresso & steamed milk |
| Texture & Flavor | Bold, strong with slight creaminess | Smoother, balanced |
Espresso Macchiato vs. Cappuccino
| Feature | Espresso Macchiato | Cappuccino |
| Espresso-to-Milk Ratio | Mostly espresso, small milk foam | More milk foam than espresso |
| Texture & Flavor | Bold, strong with slight creaminess | Frothy, creamy |
Espresso Macchiato vs. Latte Macchiato
| Feature | Espresso Macchiato | Latte Macchiato |
| Espresso-to-Milk Ratio | Mostly espresso, small milk foam | Mostly milk, “marked” with espresso |
| Texture & Flavor | Bold, strong with slight creaminess | Light, milky, smooth |
Customization Options
The Espresso Macchiato is simple but highly customizable at Starbucks:
- More foam: Ask for extra foam for a creamier texture.
- Alternative milk: Swap dairy for almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk.
- Extra espresso shots: Add shots for a stronger caffeine boost.
- Sweetener: Add vanilla or caramel syrup for a touch of sweetness.
- Less milk: Request “no foam” for an even stronger espresso flavor.
Best Espresso Machines for Home Brewing
For those looking to replicate a Starbucks-quality Espresso Macchiato at home, here are top recommendations:
- Breville Barista Express: Best for beginners; built-in grinder for fresh espresso.
- DeLonghi Magnifica: Fully automatic machine with customizable settings.
- Gaggia Classic Pro: Ideal for traditional espresso lovers; manual control.
Each of these machines provides high-quality espresso shots with the ability to steam milk for the perfect macchiato.
Why Coffee Lovers Adore the Espresso Macchiato
- Quick & Convenient: A strong coffee hit in a small serving.
- Bold Espresso Flavor: No excessive milk or sugar masking the taste.
- Low in Calories: Perfect for those watching their intake.
- Authentic Italian Tradition: A timeless favorite among espresso lovers.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try it
The Espresso Macchiato is one of those drinks that’s simple, but totally satisfying. Whether you’re a coffee newbie or a seasoned espresso lover, this little drink packs a lot of flavor into a small cup. It’s quick, bold, and energizing. It’s perfect for when you need a fast caffeine boost without extra sugar or heavy milk.
So, Next time you’re at Starbucks or your favorite coffee shop, try the Espresso Macchiato. It’s simple and delicious. It might just become your new go-to coffee order!