Caramel Macchiato Coffee Recipe

Name: Caramel Macchiato
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 6 min
Ingredients: 1-2 shots espresso; 1 tbsp vanilla syrup; ¾ cup steamed milk; Caramel drizzle

Posted by

mugmee

September 8, 2025

On September 8, 2025

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Caramel Macchiato

Region: Modern Cafe Culture (Popularized globally by chains)

Brewing Time: 3 minutes (for espresso)

Total Time: 6 minutes

Indulgence: ☕️☕️☕️ (Rich)

The Story:

Macchiato means "stained" or "spotted" in Italian. However, the popular Caramel Macchiato is a sweeter, modern interpretation that inverts the classic espresso-to-milk ratio. It's a layered drink where espresso "stains" a base of vanilla-sweetened milk, finished with a crosshatch of caramel drizzle. It became a 1990s coffee shop staple.

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Prep Time 3

Brewing time 3

Total Time 6

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

1-2 shots espresso
1 tbsp vanilla syrup
¾ cup steamed milk
Caramel drizzle

Equipment

1 Espresso machine (with steam wand)

Method

Add vanilla syrup to the bottom of a glass.
Add steamed milk, holding back the foam with a spoon.
Gently pour the espresso shots over the back of a spoon so they float on the milk.
Top with a dollop of milk foam and drizzle generously with caramel sauce.
Pro Tip: For a true "stain," pour the espresso slowly over the milk foam. The key is creating distinct, photogenic layers.