- Availability: Specialty
The caramel macchiato is a Starbucks creation from the 1990s and bears almost no resemblance to the Italian espresso macchiato beyond the name. It is built milk-first, with vanilla syrup at the bottom, steamed milk in the middle, espresso "marking" the top, and caramel drizzled across the surface. Most Brooklyn specialty bars do not serve it; if you want a sweet caramel-and-coffee drink at one, ask for a latte with a flavor add.