Flat white vs. Macchiato
I was a teenager when I first visited my family in Italy. When I went to the local cafe with my parents, I ordered a Macchiato. I thought I would get a flat white but realized that a macchiato is an espresso stained with just a touch of milk foam.
Coffee is a serious business. There are dozens of ways to order it and even more ways to drink it. So read on, and discover which one is best for you! This guide will help you understand the differences between two of the most popular coffee drinks: flat whites and macchiatos.
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Popular Brewing Methods
Before we talk about Flat white vs. Macchiato, let’s talk about the two popular brewing methods for coffee in the US: Drip and Espresso.
Drip brewing is the most common method; hot water drips over the coffee grounds and filters into a cup below. This method can be done with various devices, from simple pour-over cones to automatic coffee makers.
Espresso brewing uses pressure to force hot water through tightly-packed coffee grounds; this method results in a much more robust cup of coffee. Espresso is the basis for many popular coffee drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites (read more about Flat Whites further below).
How do you like your coffee?
Now that we know how coffee is brewed let’s talk about some of the most popular coffee drinks out there. Regular drip coffee is just hot water filtered through ground coffee beans. Black or “American” style coffees are typically served this way. If you want something a little stronger, try an espresso; if you want it even stronger, ask for a double espresso or “Doppio.”
You have a few options if you want your espresso with some milk: A latte is an espresso with steamed milk and some foam on top. Cappuccinos are similar to lattes but with more foam and less milk. Macchiatos are espressos with a glob of steamed milk. And finally: Flat Whites are espressos with steamed milk and no foam (popular in Australia and New Zealand).
Of course, these are just basic guidelines—you can always ask for your drink to be made however you like it.
What is Flat White?
As mentioned earlier: A flat white is an espresso with steamed milk and no foam. The coffee is brewed using an espresso machine, and the milk is steamed until it’s hot and smooth. The resulting drink is a rich, creamy cup of coffee with a strong flavor.
A flat white is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a strong cup of coffee with a smooth texture. Flat whites are popular in Australia and New Zealand, but they’re also gaining popularity in the United States. Many coffee shops now offer flat whites on their menus, and some even have special machines for making them.
What is Macchiato?
A macchiato is an espresso shot with just a touch of milk foam. The coffee is brewed using an espresso machine, and the milk is steamed until it’s hot and frothy. A small amount of foam is then added to the top of the espresso, “staining” it with milk.
Macchiatos are a classic Italian coffee drink, and they’re becoming increasingly popular in the United States. They’re often served in small cups, so they’re perfect if you’re looking for a quick caffeine fix. Macchiatos are also a great choice if you want a strong cup of coffee with a bit of sweetness.
By the way, the word Macchiato in Italian means “stained.” So a Macchiato is literally an espresso that has been “stained” with milk foam.
Cafes in north America usually serve a softened version of the classic Italian macchiato. With more than just a spot of steamed milk, these drinks can be closer in appearance (and taste) to a latte.
Which is More Popular in the US: Macchiato or Flat White?
In the United States, flat whites and macchiatos are gaining popularity. However, flat whites seem to be more popular overall. This could be because flat whites are more common in Australia and New Zealand, where they originate from. Additionally, many coffee shops in the US now offer flat whites on their menus.
Which One Should You Choose?
There’s no right or wrong answer when choosing between a flat white and a macchiato. It all depends on your personal preference. If you’re looking for a strong cup of coffee, go for a flat white. If you want something a little sweeter, try a macchiato. And if you can’t decide, why not order one of each?
Flat white vs. Macchiato – Conclusion
Espresso drinks can be confusing, but they’re pretty simple once you get the hang of it.
Though the ingredients are the same, the difference between Flat whites and Macchiatos lies in the proportion and preparation. A flat white is an espresso shot with steamed milk and no foam. A macchiato is an espresso stained with just a touch of milk foam (the word Macchiato in Italian means “stained”). Both drinks are delicious, and it ultimately comes down to A flat white is an espresso with steamed milk and no foam.
No matter how you take your coffee, there’s a perfect drink out there for you. Flat whites are becoming increasingly popular in the US due to their rich, creamy texture and intense flavor. At the same time, Macchiattos are popular among classic espresso lovers.
I was a teenager when I first visited my family in Italy. Now, as an adult, I’m something of an espresso connoisseur. I’ve tried different variations on the classic Macchiato, from lattes to cappuccinos. But no matter how fancy they get, I always return to that simple Italian drink I first had when I visited Italy with my parents. Something about the smooth espresso combined with the creamy milk foam hits the spot for me.
If you’re overwhelmed by all the choices, ask yourself if you want a regular drip coffee or an espresso-based drink. From there, decide if you want it black or with milk, and then choose your favorite flavorings (if any). And don’t forget to tip your barista!
If you want to read more about Italian coffee culture? Check out our post on “How to order coffee in Italy.”
