Short Macchiato

5 min read JUN 14, 2022

There's nothing quite like a short macchiato to perk you up in the morning – or any time of day, for that matter. This coffee drink is perfect when you need a quick caffeine fix without all the sugar and calories of a regular latte.

Short macchiato drinks usually contain one or two shots of espresso, steamed milk, and a small amount of foam. The milk is added to the espresso to create a smooth, creamy texture. The foam adds a bit of airiness and depth to the drink.

In this article, we are going to look at what a short macchiato is, how it differs from other types of macchiato, and how to make one at home. 

What This Article Covers:



What is a Short Macchiato?


A short macchiato is a type of coffee that originated in Italy. It’s made with espresso and milk, with the addition of foam on top.

A short macchiato is a smaller version of the traditional macchiato and is typically around 2-2½ oz in volume. It’s served in a small cup or glass and has a strong espresso taste with just a hint of milk.

tall macchiato

If you're looking for a coffee that is strong and full of flavor but doesn't have the bitter taste of some espresso-based drinks, then a short macchiato is a great choice. It's also a good option if you're looking for something to keep you energized throughout the day.

A Short Macchiato Recipe


If you want to experiment with making different types of coffee at home, a short macchiato is a great place to start. This espresso-based drink is simple to make and can be customized to your taste.

What You'll Need:


  • Espresso machine
  • Coffee beans
  • Milk (optional)
  • Sugar (optional)
  • Cup

Method:


Step One


Start by grinding your coffee beans. You can use low acid coffee such as caramel macchiato coffee beans from Lifeboost Coffee if you have a less bitter taste. For a short macchiato, you will want to use about 18 grams of coffee beans. You'll want to use a coarse grind for this recipe. This is because a finer grind will result in over-extraction and make your coffee too bitter.

Step Two


Next, you'll need to brew your espresso. For this recipe, you'll want to use 30 ml of water and brew for 25 seconds. If you don't have an espresso machine, you can use a stovetop Moka pot or French press.

What is a Short Macchiato

Step Three


Once your espresso is brewed, it's time to add milk (optional). For a short macchiato, you'll want to use about 60 ml of milk. If you're using whole milk, steamed milk is best. This will give your drink a smooth and creamy texture. You can also use milk alternatives like almond milk or oat milk.

Step Four


Now it's time to add your espresso and milk to your cup. For a short macchiato, you'll want to use a ratio of two parts espresso to one part milk. You can also add sugar at this stage (optional).

Step Five


Now you can enjoy your short macchiato. If you want to experiment with different flavors, you can try adding a flavored syrup or using flavored milk. You can also change the ratio of espresso to milk to suit your taste.

Remember that the perfect short macchiato needs a good starting point. If you want something that will really give you a kick, have a look at Lifeboost Coffee’s Dark Roast Coffee Beans. They’re packed with flavor and low in acid so they’re kind to your stomach.

How Short Macchiato Differs from Other Types of Macchiato


Short Macchiato vs Iced Cinnamon Almond Milk Macchiato


An iced cinnamon almond milk macchiato is the drink of the summer. It's light, refreshing, and has just the right amount of sweetness.

The difference between these two drinks is the espresso. Iced cinnamon almond milk macchiato uses cold brew espresso, while short macchiato uses hot espresso. This gives the short macchiato a more intense flavor.

short macchiato vs iced cinnamon almond milk macchiato

Short Macchiato vs Double Espresso Macchiato


A double espresso macchiato is a more intense version of the short macchiato. It has twice the amount of espresso and is, therefore, more caffeinated.

The double espresso macchiato is also less sweet than the short macchiato. This is because there is less milk in a double espresso macchiato.

Short Macchiato vs Creme Brulee Macchiato


A creme brulee macchiato is a sweet, rich drink that is made with espresso, milk, and flavoring. The most popular flavor for creme brulee macchiato is vanilla.

Creme brulee macchiato is similar to short macchiato in terms of the amount of espresso used. However, creme brulee macchiato has more milk and flavoring. This makes it sweeter and richer than short macchiato.

Short Macchiato vs Cocoa Cloud Macchiato


A cocoa cloud macchiato is a sweet, chocolatey drink that is made with espresso, milk, and flavoring. The most popular flavor for cocoa cloud macchiato is chocolate.

This macchiato differs from a short macchiato in several ways. The first is that a short macchiato has less milk. This makes the drink less sweet and more intense. 

Another difference is that a short macchiato is made with hot milk, while a cocoa cloud macchiato is made with cold milk. This gives the short macchiato a more velvety texture.

short macchiato vs cocoa cloud macchiato

Final Thoughts


Short Macchiato is a great coffee drink for those who want a delicious and energizing treat. It is also a great choice for those who are looking for a healthy alternative to sugary drinks.

When making it at home, don't be afraid to try different variations. For example, you can use different types of milk, add a shot of espresso, or even top it off with whipped cream. 

Experiment and find the perfect recipe for you. Don't forget to enjoy your coffee.

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