Even many coffee aficionados face confusion when it is about differentiating two variants. The same applies to cappuccino and macchiato.
Different factors work together to make one cup of coffee separate from another. Are you also interested to know about the cappuccino vs macchiato? Then, the post is for you. Keep reading!
Cappuccino vs Macchiato
Many coffee buffs do not like the taste of strong espresso. Therefore, the milky variations of espresso are so much popular.
Both cappuccino and macchiato are milk-based espresso drinks. However, a comparison between the two will help one to opt for the most suitable option.
It is completely all right not to know much about cappuccino and macchiato. However, it is at least critical to know about their taste profiles before ordering one. Both of these options come with a bitter flavor and in almost the same sizes.
Both cappuccino and macchiato have the same source – “espresso.” Moreover, both of these variations have come with the amalgamation of espresso and milk types.
Thus, they are ranking with other well-known milk-based espresso drinks, such as mochas, lattes, and so on. Nonetheless, the major difference between cappuccino and macchiato lies in the quantity of milk added to them.
What Is Cappuccino?
Macchiato seems simpler than a cappuccino. However, the latter one more resembles with layered latte macchiato regarding the style. Nonetheless, when it comes to the taste, cappuccino shares similarities with espresso macchiato.
Cappuccino is a well-preferred espresso-based drink. It contains an equal quantity of espresso, steamed milk, and foam. Whereas espresso holds rich strong taste, milk products can complement it well.
However, milk products just enhance the flavor of espresso without any overwhelming effects. Nonetheless, the espresso macchiato variation comes with a stronger taste than a cappuccino.
What Is Macchiato?
The term “macchiato” means “stained.” And the meaning is self-explanatory. Hence, whether it is latte macchiato or espresso macchiato, espresso will come with steamed milk or a hint of other ingredients.
Espresso macchiato is a popular variation of macchiato.
Are you planning to order a macchiato on your next coffee shop visit?
Then, you will get espresso macchiato. White, small ceramic cups or espresso glasses contribute to serving this drink. It can surprise coffee connoisseurs, who are accustomed to drinking latte-style beverages in super-sized glasses.
Espresso macchiato is about extracting an espresso shot followed by adding steamed milk (few teaspoons).
Moreover, a dash of foam atop the drink is also there. However, the steamed milk can alone lower the strength of the espresso shot.
However, latte macchiato is another well-known option for macchiato. One needs to ask for it to get something different from whatever is usually served at a coffee shop.
The latte macchiato is about one-third to half the amount of steamed milk with the serving of a 12oz glass.
Espresso of one-shot or less creates the base of this drink. Due to the slow addition of espresso, latte macchiato features a layer almost like a regular latte.
Difference between Cappuccino and macchiato
Ratios:
The key feature of a cappuccino is its distinct ratios. It is about one-third espresso, one-third milk foam, and one-third steamed milk. However, the soothing layering provides a mesmerizing experience and makes cappuccino more intense and delectable.
Preparation
Milk-based espresso drinks often come with a combination of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
Milk foam is about steamed milk only with some air (due to whipping). Cappuccino comes with an equal volume of all these ingredients.
On the contrary, macchiato comes with only espresso and steamed milk. This drink contains a large volume of espresso along with a dash or layer of milk atop of it. That is why the servings of macchiato often come in smaller cups. It is because they contain the only espresso.
Flavor:
Due to the more content of steamed milk, a cappuccino comes with a softer as well as a milkier flavor as compared to a macchiato.
Although the milk does not cover the strong taste of espresso entirely, it creates an ideal option for milk-based espresso drinkers.
Moreover, a macchiato often tastes bitterer than an espresso. However, the content of caffeine remains the same in both of these variations. It is because both of them come with a single espresso shot and it acts as the only caffeine source in them.
Timing:
The macchiato is a way to relish an espresso in later parts of a day. On the contrary, cappuccinos are an ideal option for morning relaxation. It contains enough espresso to prepare one for the day and enough milk to appease the mind.
Since cappuccino is a combination of strong espresso and milk, it makes a perfect morning drink for coffee buffs. On the contrary, a bit tempered macchiato makes an ideal mid-day beverage.
Variations:
Just like macchiato, cappuccino also comes with a few variations, such as dry cappuccino, wet cappuccino, and bone-dry cappuccino. The dry cappuccino features less steamed milk and often with a dash of extra milk.
However, the wet cappuccino comes with more steamed milk and so it greatly resembles to latte. On the other hand, the bone-dry version does not contain steamed milk at all. Rather it features a huge volume of milk foam.
The Bottom Line
Now, you can choose between cappuccino and macchiato and indulge in flavorful delicacy. However, if you have relished neither cappuccino nor macchiato before, consider giving a try to both these options.
Since taste is the key aspect of preference for many people, you can also find your favorite option with ease.
Simply, a macchiato comes with more intense flavor as compared to a cappuccino. However, it is less strong than a direct espresso shot, owing to the milk content. That is why a macchiato makes an ideal mid-day drink for coffee aficionados.
On the contrary, a cappuccino comes with milder flavor due to the milk and foam content. The beautiful layering has made it a perfect caffeinated beverage for a refreshing morning.
Hence, it is the right time to pamper you with a cup of soothing caffeinated drink!
