- Origin: Italian
- Ratio: 1 espresso : 1 spoon foamed milk
- Availability: Common
In Italian, macchiato means "marked" or "stained" — a traditional espresso macchiato is a single or double shot finished with a small spoon of milk foam, served in an espresso cup. It is one of the most espresso-forward milk drinks on the menu. The American chain-coffee "caramel macchiato" is a different drink entirely (a flavored latte with caramel) and is not what a Brooklyn specialty bar will serve when you order a macchiato.
Etymology
From Italian 'macchiare' — to stain or mark. The dollop of foam 'marks' the espresso.