☕ How to Make a Macchiato: A Complete Guide
The Macchiato is one of the purest ways to enjoy espresso—simple, bold, and beautifully balanced with just a touch of silky milk foam.
In Saudi Arabia, the Macchiato is moderately popular, especially among customers who want a stronger coffee flavor than a Latte but don’t want the heaviness of a Cappuccino.
However, through my work running Saudi Coffee Crafters, tasting drinks across Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province, I have observed that the Macchiato is often misunderstood. Many customers expect the large, sugary “Caramel Macchiato” served by international chains, rather than the small, intense Italian original.
This guide focuses on the authentic Espresso Macchiato that specialty cafés serve—and exactly how to make it like a pro.
What Is a Macchiato?
The word Macchiato means “stained” or “marked” in Italian.1
A traditional Espresso Macchiato consists of:
- Double Espresso Shot (The base)
- A “Mark” of Milk Foam (1–2 teaspoons max)2
It is not a Latte (too much milk).
It is not a Cappuccino (too much foam).
It is a bold, intense drink where the milk exists only to slightly soften the harshness of the espresso.3
Why the Macchiato Is Appreciated in Saudi Arabia
While Lattes dominate the mass market, the Macchiato has a loyal following among serious coffee drinkers. Here is what our data shows:
| Trend | Insight |
| The Purist Choice | Customers in Riyadh who prefer strong, pure coffee often choose Macchiato over sugary alternatives. |
| The Progression | We often see customers evolve: They start with Spanish Latte $\rightarrow$ move to Cortado $\rightarrow$ and eventually settle on Macchiato. |
| Regional Twists | While Dammam sticks to the classic style, cafés in Jeddah are experimenting with sweeter versions like Saffron Macchiato. |
How to Make a Macchiato (The Expert Method)
This technique is based on how the best specialty cafés in Riyadh prepare their Macchiatos.
Step 1: Pull a Double Espresso Shot
Because there is almost no milk to hide behind, the espresso MUST be perfect.
- Dose: 18–20g.
- Yield: 36–40g.
- Time: 25–30 seconds.
- Roast: Medium-Dark (Recommended for that chocolatey punch).
Expert Opinion: Always use a double shot. Many commercial places use a single shot, which makes the drink taste weak and unbalanced.
Step 2: Steam a Small Amount of Milk
You don’t need a full pitcher. You only need enough to create a small amount of foam.
- Temperature: 55–60°C (Warm, not hot).
- Texture: You need Microfoam (silky), not stiff, dry Cappuccino bubbles.
- Tip: Do not stretch the milk for too long. You want it creamy, not airy.
Step 3: The “Mark” (Spoon vs. Pour)
This is the defining step.
- The Technique: Take a spoon and gently dollop 1 or 2 teaspoons of foam onto the center of the espresso crema.
- Why Spoon? Pouring often adds too much hot milk, turning the drink into a Cortado. Spooning ensures you only add the foam “mark.”
Step 4: Serve Immediately
A Macchiato has a lifespan of about 30 seconds. It must be drunk immediately while the espresso crema is still intact and the foam is distinct.
- Cup Size: Serve in a 60–90ml demitasse cup.
The “Caramel Macchiato” Confusion
It is important to clarify this for your readers.
- Espresso Macchiato (Traditional): Small cup. Strong coffee. Little foam.
- Latte Macchiato (American Style): Large cup. Mostly hot milk. Vanilla syrup. Espresso poured on top. Caramel drizzle.
Note: If you order a “Macchiato” in a specialty café in Riyadh, you will get the small, strong version. If you want the sweet version, you usually have to specify “Caramel Macchiato.”
Saudi Macchiato Variations (Trending)
- Pistachio Macchiato: A shot of espresso marked with pistachio cream instead of plain milk foam.
- Saffron Macchiato: Espresso marked with saffron-infused milk foam.
- Iced Macchiato: A double shot poured over ice with a splash of cold foam on top (very popular in summer).4
Common Mistakes (What We See in Cafés)
- Too Much Milk: If you fill the cup with milk, it becomes a Cortado or Piccolo, not a Macchiato.
- Dry Foam: If the foam is stiff and looks like a meringue, it ruins the texture. It should be silky.
- Wrong Cup: Serving a Macchiato in a 150ml cup makes it look empty and sad.
- Waiting Too Long: If the crema dissipates, the flavor profile collapses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a Macchiato?
It is a double espresso “marked” with a small spoonful of steamed milk foam.
2. How much milk is in a Macchiato?
Very little. Typically just 1–2 teaspoons of foam and a splash of liquid milk.
3. Is a Macchiato strong?
Yes, very. It is the strongest milk-based drink because it has the highest ratio of coffee to milk.
4. Is the Macchiato popular in Saudi Arabia?
It is moderately popular, specifically among “serious” coffee drinkers who want to taste the bean origin.
5. Can a Macchiato be sweet?
Traditionally, no. However, “Caramel Macchiatos” are very sweet.
6. What is the difference between a Latte and a Macchiato?
A Latte is mostly milk with some coffee. A Macchiato is mostly coffee with a touch of milk.
7. Should I stir my Macchiato?
It is personal preference, but most purists swirl the cup gently to mix the foam and crema before sipping.
My personal favorite Macchiato was served at a roastery in the Eastern Province. They used a natural-process Colombian bean. Because the Macchiato uses so little milk, the milk didn’t mask the coffee—it just highlighted the bean’s natural fruity acidity. It was a perfect example of how less can be more.
If you enjoyed this Macchiato guide and want to continue mastering specialty coffee at home, explore our other expert brewing tutorials. For a sweeter, milk-forward favorite, check out our Spanish Latte recipe, one of the most ordered drinks in Saudi Arabia. If you prefer refreshing options, try our Cold Brew guide, perfect for Riyadh and Jeddah’s hot climate. You can also learn to craft café-standard classics like the Cappuccino, the smooth and balanced Americano, or indulge in an elegant dessert-style drink with our Affogato recipe.
- Spanish Latte → https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-a-spanish-latte/
- Cold Brew → https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-cold-brew/
- Cappuccino → https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-a-cappuccino/
- Americano → https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-an-americano/
- Affogato → https://saudicoffeecrafters.com/how-to-make-an-affogato/
1 Comment