Starbucks' Caramel Macchiato Vs Espresso Macchiato: Is There A Difference?

Tasting Table ^ | Jan 2025 | Wendy Leigh

[CondoleezzaProtege]

As a macchiato devotee for many years, I have a few ideas on what a true version of the drink should be. It's one of those espresso drinks that's often misunderstood, even amongst Starbucks baristas. Depending on location, there's about a 50/50 chance of having to very politely request a re-do.

The first thing to realize is that an authentic Italian macchiato consists of merely 2 espresso shots "marked" with a dash of frothy milk -- thus the name "macchiato," which means "marked" or "stained" in Italian. There's no caramel in the equation…

But Starbucks has its own interpretations of the drink: the Espresso Macchiato, and its more popular alter ego, the Caramel Macchiato…

In a nutshell, the Espresso Macchiato is similar to the Italian version…but…a Caramel Macchiato is defined by super-sweet vanilla-flavored syrup, a significant amount of steamed milk, and a signature cross-hatched drizzle of caramel sauce. The end result leans more toward a sweet latte-style drink.

From my experience in Starbucks stores around the world, the states, and the neighborhoods of Seattle, in-store barista interpretations of Espresso Macchiatos vary widely. More often than not, they arrive as what's basically a latte, where the espresso is highly diluted by milk. If receiving a genuine macchiato really matters to you, it helps to give some direction upfront.

For a true Espresso Macchiato as defined by Starbucks, order it by specifying 2 shots of espresso in an 8-ounce cup, with a very small amount of steamed milk, and one scoop of froth. When picking up the finished drink, it should be characteristically light, rather than excessively milk-heavy…If it's overly milky, or even worse, sweet with mistakenly added caramel, you'll be able to get it redone right away.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Depending on location, there's about a 50/50 chance of having to very politely request a re-do.

Doubt you did anything politely in your whole life Windy dear.

Make it at home and quit with the whining you boring broad.

[mfish13]

Who cares?