Macchiato (traditional vs Australian)
Traditional Italian macchiato = espresso "marked" with a small dollop of foam. Australian macchiato = often a short-sized latte with a small amount of milk, often served in glass.
Category: Coffee Drinks — Australian Menu
In Italy, a macchiato is an espresso "stained" with a small dot of milk foam — served in a demitasse, mostly coffee with just a hint of milk. In Australia, a "long macchiato" is an espresso topped with hot water and a dollop of milk; a "short macchiato" is closer to the Italian original.
Why it matters — The two macchiatos are almost different drinks. Australian café menus typically list both "short macchiato" (Italian style) and "long macchiato" (Australian invention) — knowing which one a customer wants matters.
Good to know
- A short macchiato is usually served in a demitasse; a long macchiato in a glass.
- Don't confuse with the Starbucks "macchiato" drinks (caramel macchiato, latte macchiato) — those are a different invention again.