A Macchiato is NOT a Drink!
Setting the record straight. A macchiato is not a drink, it is a technique.
Ok, Before I lose some people, allow me to clarify. A macchiato is not a drink, but a Caramel Macchiato is. I bet now you are really confused. Caramel Macchiato drinkers, have you ever ordered a “macchiato” anywhere other than Starbucks? You most likely had to explain yourself to the pretentious 17 year old know-it-all behind the counter attempting to insult your intelligence. Even worse, the barista feared confrontation, so rather than confirming what you really wanted, they went ahead and made you what you ordered. To your surprise, you were presented with a thimble sized demitasse mug of espresso with an even tinier scoop of foam. Let me set the record straight for good.
Every independent coffee shop deals with this dilemma one time or another, when customer orders a “macchiato?”
Macchiato is an Italian word that is loosely translated to mean “marked or stained.”
A Caffe Macchiato or Espresso Macchiato is espresso marked with a dollop of foam.
Latte Macchiato: Instead of pouring milk over espresso, the Caffe Latte drink is inverted, and espresso is poured over the milk, thus “staining” the foam. To make things even more confusing, Starbucks came up with the Caramel Macchiato.
A Caramel Macchiato is actually a Vanilla Latte, except the espresso is poured over the top, thus “staining” the foam, and the drink is “marked” with caramel drizzle.
Also, for a limited time, they featured the Marble Mocha Macchiato, which was white chocolate and steamed milk “stained” by espresso and “marked” with dark and white chocolate.
Either way you look at it, the Caramel Macchiato happens to be the best-selling drink in the US, whether it be from a chain or the independents that choose to serve them. Most independents argue that the Caramel Macchiato goes against Italian tradition and refuse to put it on their menu or make it!
So, I pose a question to the Baristas out there who work at independents. How do you react when a customer asks for a “Macchiato?” Do you assume that 98% of Americans want a caramel macchiato? We all know what assuming does. Whenever I assumed, the customer was always a member of that small percentage that wanted an espresso macchiato. Only in this case, I was the only one that looked like the “ass” because the customer actually ordered somewhat correctly. Then, if you ask if they want a “Starbucks Macchiato,” most likely, the reaction will be, “If I wanted a Starbucks Macchiato, I would have gone to Starbucks!” That’s even if they want a Caramel Macchiato. I usually confirm they want a Caramel Macchiato while smiling with my best barista nod. Then, when they give me the deer-in-headlights stare, I use that as my opportunity to educate without insulting.
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