Americano vs Macchiato. We discuss the differences so you are clear on which is which.
If you are into coffee, I have no doubt you have heard about the Americano and the Macchiato. Have you tried them? Are you aware of how they differ? While both of these drinks are made with espresso, they differ in taste, strength, and preparation.
An Americano is a simple yet satisfying coffee beverage with espresso shots mixed with hot water. On the other hand, a Macchiato is a bolder and more intense drink made by adding a small amount of steamed milk to a shot of espresso.
Keep reading because we dive deeper into the aspects that make these coffee drinks different.
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What is an Americano?
An Americano is a popular espresso-based drink that’s enjoyed all over the world. But what exactly is it?
An Americano is a coffee drink made by diluting espresso with hot water. It’s a simple drink but delicious and packs a punch of caffeine.
You’ll need an espresso machine and hot water to make an Americano. The espresso is brewed first, and then hot water is added. The ratio of espresso to hot water can vary, but it’s typically around 1:2. This creates a drink similar in strength to drip coffee but with a more intense flavor.
One of the great things about an Americano is that you can customize it to your liking. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, you can add less water. If you want a milder taste, you can add more water.
Regarding caffeine content, an Americano has about the same amount as a regular cup of coffee. However, because it’s made with espresso, it has a more concentrated caffeine content per ounce.
What is a Macchiato?
A macchiato is a type of espresso-based coffee made with steamed milk and a small amount of milk foam. The word “macchiato” actually means “stained” or “marked” in Italian, which refers to the way the milk is added to the espresso.
A traditional macchiato is made with a bold espresso shot, then “stained” with a small amount of steamed (or foamed) milk. This creates a layered look, with the espresso at the bottom and the milk at the top. The amount of milk used in a macchiato is minimal.
When it comes to taste, a macchiato has a bold, strong flavor with a hint of sweetness from the steamed milk. It’s a great choice for coffee lovers who want a robust and flavorful drink without the added sweetness of a latte or cappuccino.
Origins and History
I am a big history lover. So, let me share a bit about the origins of the Americano and Macchiato.
Americano
The Americano coffee drink originated in Italy during World War II. At that time, American soldiers stationed in Italy found the local espresso too strong for their taste. They added hot water to dilute the espresso to make it more palatable, creating the Americano.
The name “Americano” comes from the fact that American soldiers created the drink in Italy. It’s a simple drink that’s easy to make and has become a staple in coffee shops around the world.
Macchiato
The Macchiato is another coffee drink that originated in Italy. The word “macchiato” is derived from the Italian term “macchiare,” which means “to stain” or “to mark.” This drink is made by adding a small amount of milk foam to a shot of espresso, creating a “stain” or “spot” on the surface of the espresso.
In Italy, there are two main types of macchiatos: caffè macchiato and latte macchiato. Caffè macchiato is prepared by adding a small amount of milk or milk foam to a shot of espresso. The milk is used to “stain” the espresso, giving it a slightly creamy texture and taste. This type of macchiato is typically served in a small espresso cup. In this article, we are comparing the Americano to this beverage.
On the other hand, a latte macchiato is prepared by pouring a shot of espresso over a larger amount of steamed milk. Unlike caffè macchiato, which is more espresso-forward, a latte macchiato is characterized by a larger milk-to-espresso ratio.
The milk is “marked” or “stained” by adding espresso, resulting in a layered look with the milk at the bottom and the espresso on top. This is more along the lines of what you will find in chain coffee shops when you see the word “macchiato.”
Over time, the concept of a macchiato has evolved, and variations of this drink can be found in different parts of the world.
Americano vs Macchiato: Taste and Texture
When it comes to taste and texture, the Americano and Macchiato have some distinct differences. Here’s what you can expect from each:
Americano
An Americano is a full-bodied beverage with a less bitter taste than other espresso-based drinks. It’s made by adding hot water to a shot of espresso, which dilutes the coffee and makes it less strong. This results in a less acidic drink with a nutty, floral note. The flavor is subtle, with a balanced taste that is not bitter or sweet.
The texture of an Americano is smooth, thanks to the addition of hot water. This makes it a great option for people who prefer a less bitter, more mellow coffee experience.
Macchiato
A Macchiato, on the other hand, is a dark roasted espresso shot with a small amount of milk foam on top. It has a bitter flavor that is more intense than an Americano, with a strong, full-bodied taste. The bitterness of a Macchiato makes it a favorite among espresso lovers.
The texture of a Macchiato is thick and creamy, with a strong espresso flavor that lingers on the palate.
To summarize, if you prefer a less bitter, creamy coffee experience, go for an Americano. If you prefer a strong, bitter coffee experience, go for a Macchiato.
Americano vs Macchiato: Size and Strength
When it comes to size and strength, there are some notable differences between the Americano and Macchiato. Here’s what you need to know:
- Size: In most coffee shops (at least in the US), an Americano is typically a larger drink than a Macchiato. While the size of an Americano can vary, it’s usually around 8-12 ounces. Keep in mind that larger-sized Americanos sold in coffee shops are made with more than one espresso shot or do not respect the 1:2 espresso-to-water ratio (the drink is more diluted than it should be). A Macchiato, on the other hand, is usually a smaller drink, typically around 2-4 ounces (but a single shot Americano following the 1:2 espresso-to-water ratio is about the same size).
- Double Shot: Both the Americano and Macchiato can be made with a double shot of espresso, which can affect the drink’s strength. However, because an Americano is typically a larger drink, it may be more diluted than a Macchiato, even with a double shot.
- High Pressure: An Americano and a Macchiato are made with espresso brewed under high pressure. However, because a Macchiato is a smaller drink, the espresso has less distance to travel before it hits the cup, which can result in a stronger, more concentrated flavor.
To summarize, when it comes to size and strength, the choice between Americano and Macchiato comes down to personal preference.
Americano vs Macchiato: Preparation Methods
When it comes to preparing an Americano or a Macchiato, you can use a few different methods. Here are some of the most common:
Americano
- Start by brewing a shot of espresso using an espresso machine. This will typically take between 20 and 30 seconds.
- Pour the espresso into a cup.
- Slowly pour hot water (around 195-205°F or 90-96°C) over the espresso, filling the rest of the cup. As a general rule, you’ll want to use about twice as much water as espresso.
- Voila! You are ready to enjoy an Americano.
Macchiato
- Begin by brewing a shot of espresso using an espresso machine.
- Steam some milk to create a layer of foam. The amount of foam you make will depend on how much milk you use and how long you steam it.
- Pour the espresso shot into a small cup.
- Pour one spoon of milk foam on top of the espresso shot.
- If desired, add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top.
It’s worth noting that these methods have a few variations depending on personal preference, the type of machine you’re using, and the type of coffee grounds you’re using. For example, some people prefer filter coffee to espresso for their Americanos, while others may use different types of milk foam for their Macchiatos.
Regardless of your method, the key is to experiment and find the best combination for you.
Americano vs Macchiato: Nutritional Information
The number of calories in an Americano can vary depending on the size and the number of espresso shots used. Here’s a general guideline for the calorie content in an Americano:
- Single Shot (1 ounce) Americano: Approximately 5-10 calories
- Double Shot (2 ounces) Americano: Approximately 10-20 calories
- Larger Sizes: If you order a larger Americano, the calorie count will increase accordingly.
A macchiato made with the same number of espresso shots has about the same calories as an Americano (since milk is minimal).
Please note that these calorie estimates are approximate and may vary depending on factors such as the brand of coffee beans, the specific brewing method, and whether any additional ingredients like sugar or cream are added.
Americano vs Macchiato: Variations
Here are some variations of the Americano and Macchiato that you can order the next time you visit a coffee shop.
Variations of Americano
- Caramel Americano: This is a sweet variation of the classic Americano. It’s made by adding caramel syrup to the coffee and topped with whipped cream. It’s perfect for those who have a sweet tooth.
- Mocha Americano: If you love chocolate, you’ll love this variation. It’s made by adding chocolate syrup to the coffee and topped with whipped cream. It’s a perfect drink for those who want a little bit of sweetness in their coffee.
- Iced Americano: This is a perfect drink for hot summer days. It’s made by pouring espresso over ice and topped with cold water. It’s a refreshing drink that will keep you cool and energized.
Variations of Macchiato
- Caramel Macchiato: This is a sweet variation of the classic Macchiato. It’s made by adding caramel syrup to the espresso and topped with steamed milk. It’s perfect for those who want a sweet and creamy coffee.
- Mocha Macchiato: This variation is perfect for chocolate lovers. It’s made by adding chocolate syrup to the espresso and topped with steamed milk. It’s a perfect drink for those who want a little bit of sweetness in their coffee.
- Latte Macchiato: As discussed in a previous section, this drink is prepared by pouring a shot of espresso over steamed milk.
- Black Macchiato: This is a variation for those who love strong coffee. It’s made by adding a double shot of espresso to a cup and topped with a dollop of foam. It’s perfect for those who want a strong and bold coffee.
Common Misconceptions
Before closing the article, I want to address some common misconceptions:
- The Americano is just a watered-down espresso. While it is true that the Americano is made by adding hot water to an espresso shot, it is not just a watered-down version of the original. Adding hot water changes the taste and texture of the coffee, giving it a lighter and less intense flavor.
- The Macchiato is just a fancy name for a latte. This is a common misconception, but it is not true. A Macchiato is made by adding a small amount of milk foam or steamed milk to an espresso shot, while a latte is made with more milk and less espresso. The Macchiato has a stronger coffee taste and a thicker foam layer than a latte.
- You can’t differentiate between the two just by looking at them. While it may be difficult to distinguish between an Americano and a Macchiato just by looking at them, some visual cues can help you differentiate. An Americano will have more volume and a lighter color, while a Macchiato will have a darker color and a thicker foam layer.
- The Macchiato is just a smaller version of a cappuccino. While both the Macchiato and the cappuccino have a layer of foam on top, but they are not the same. A cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam, while a Macchiato has just a small amount of foam on top of the espresso shot.
To summarize, it’s important to understand the differences between the Americano and the Macchiato to appreciate and enjoy each one fully. Don’t be afraid to ask your barista for clarification if you’re ever confused or unsure.
Buying Recommendations
If you are interested in preparing Americanos or Macchiatos at home, here is a list of the equipment, coffee, and other items to consider.
De’Longhi Stilosa Manual Espresso Machine, Latte & Cappuccino Maker
Mr. Coffee Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
Zulay Powerful Milk Frother Handheld Foam Maker for Lattes
Lavazza Espresso Italiano Whole Bean Coffee Blend, Medium Roast
Illy Classico Espresso Ground Coffee, Medium Roast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a macchiato and an Americano?
A macchiato is a shot of espresso with a small amount of steamed milk, while an Americano is a shot of espresso diluted with hot water. The macchiato has a stronger espresso flavor, while the Americano tastes milder.
Which has more caffeine, macchiato or Americano?
If the drinks are made with the same amount of espresso shots, the drinks have the same amount of caffeine.
What is the difference in strength between an Americano and regular coffee?
An Americano is made with espresso, which has a stronger and more concentrated flavor than regular coffee. However, because it is diluted with hot water, an Americano has a milder taste than a straight shot of espresso.
I hope you have enjoyed the article and learned something new.
Americano vs macchiato, which one do you prefer?