You’re All Wrong About Macchiatos

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The macchiato. The drink with many forms.
Learn more about the drink in a written form:
perfectdailygrind.com/2020/05...
stories.starbucks.com/stories...
A little side note:
I have so much love and respect for Starbucks baristas. They put in the work and handle situations that many others will never have to. That being said, I think it’s important to recognize the harm Starbucks as a corporation has caused to their staff. I’m linking an article here that I think is valuable to read especially since this video discusses the siren coffee chain.
www.washingtonpost.com/busine...

[@SavannahBurris]

As a barista I don’t mind at all when people order it and want it like a Starbucks macchiato. What bugs me is that Starbucks named them after an existing drink and created a ton of confusion for everyone. :’)

[@elenareyes6963]

The only thing that bugs me besides Starbucks naming a drink after an existing, are a lot of small coffee shops replying this model, calling all their frappé drinks "frapuccinos" (like coffee frapuccino, cookies and cream frappuccino etc etc) and the caramel latte " caramel macchiato". I mean, I can understand they do it to ease things but... oh godddd... (and yep, customers are not the ones to blame or shame for that)

[@daftwulli6145]

Here in europe there is no confusion a small one is a macchiatoo, a big one a a latte macchiato (latte cause extra milk)

[@danm8004]

​@@daftwulli6145why do we still have to explain this in 2023 lol

[@daftwulli6145]

@@danm8004 Dude we had to constantly explain to people why you need to wear masks in a wordlwide pandemic with millions of deaths, and many still did not get it.

[@OldNations]

​@@daftwulli6145 There is Caffè macchiato and latte macchiato: Caffè macchiato is an espresso with some milk, latte macchiato is milk with some espresso. Caffè macchiato isn't too common outside of Italy

[@lafbrito]

I once walked into a Starbucks in Vegas, half drunk, trying to sober up a bit, and it took me quite a long time to explain that I wanted a *real* macchiato.... turns out they just call it "espresso macchiato"...

[@JadeNeoma1]

thats actually a good way to differentiate, a marked espresso vs a marked latte. I like it. I haven't actually ordered an espresso machiato before but I will next time I go to a coffee shop

[@springle_pringle]

lol gooooud storrie maayin.🥴

[@ughlwtmechangerhisthabks8349]

Coffee helps to sober up? Wouldn't it make the tachycardia and nausea worse?

[@Potapes]

After two minutes you are talking about different thingies. It is like asking for red. But red what, bricks, t-shirt or a gum?

[@JadeNeoma1]

@@ughlwtmechangerhisthabks8349 coffee doesn't sober you up per say but it can help you be more alert. Being overly tired and being drunk are very similar and coffee helps with the symptoms of both

[@teo_cisco]

As a former starbucks barista who transitioned in to specialty coffee. I am very thankful for this video for putting in to words what I have been feeling over this last year. I never want my customer to feel embarrassed for wanting something they want to enjoy.

[@butter2099]

I'd like a single plum floating in perfume, served in a man's hat.

[@Takapon218]

@@butter2099 if we had the stuff to make that, we would!

[@miss1of2]

And I'm the weirdo who drank traditional macchiato first... I was a little pissed when I got a drink filled with caramel...

[@Hydraina]

​​@@butter2099 I wasn't expecting to find a cyberpunk bartending reference in these comments and it made my day that I did.

[@MarsellaFyngold]

🥰 wholesome. We need more baristas like you!!!

[@cornellfoodie]

I loved this video! I used to train baristas on making drinks and can’t even count how many times I’ve said these same exact words. And I 100% agree that in hospitality it is our responsibility to ensure that the customer is completely satisfied when they walk away from the counter. They shouldn’t feel ashamed, belittled, or judged. Great video, Morgan!

[@miguelvazquez2239]

This is what everyone on the hospitality industry needs to understand. Me as a customer might come back if you serve me a blah meal, drink or coffee. But you can serve me the best drink, dish or coffee in the world but you have a bad attitude I’ll definitely never come back to your establishment

[@judeskingsbury5549]

@@miguelvazquez2239Truth!!

[@alexanderalfaro8314]

I was a barista in a Panera Bread type of counter service lunch place that also served Peet's coffee. Customers generally expected the Starbucks variety of drink whenever they ordered a macchiato, but sometimes I got orders where they wanted the smaller espresso variety. After having to remake drinks a few times, I just decided to save everyone some time and ask whether they wanted a latte macchiato or an espresso macchiato and explain the difference if they asked.

[@Eeyesablous]

I think that's the key difference in asking if they want the espresso or a latte macchiato bc both are correct, the difference lies in the espresso/latte base.

[@xandibarrett1144]

This is the way

[@piarateking8094]

theres a cafe in Melbourne that started serving macchiatos with the espresso shot, water and milk in separate glasses for people to mix themselves to preference latte macchiato is usually called a piccolo latte here though

[@michaelarighi5268]

Exactly.

[@ReubsWalsh]

Yeah, this. I've not been a barista but I'm a frequent customer. "If someone asks for a caramel macchiato they should receive a caramel latte macchiato" is fine, I'd rather the barista check, since it's possible they're imagining an *espresso* macchiato with caramel syrup, but I guess that's rarer. But then, if someone asks for a "macchiato", no mention of a syrup, the OK assumption would, to me, be that they want an espresso macchiato. Unfortunately for me, as someone who likes and orders both types of macchiato depending on the occasion, this is not an assumption I've ever seen made, in fact, if I just say "macchiato" (without naming a syrup) without a whole conversation about it I often end up with a caramel latte macchiato. It makes me think it wasn't very cool of Starbucks to repurpose the loan-word in that way, and that maybe they were *hoping* the confusion would keep customers loyal since if you think "macchiato" only means a bucket of milky coffeeish syrup, being served a traditional espresso macchiato is gonna seem like "this place serves tiny, bitter, portions"!

[@donrod]

What's funny is that macchiato translates as manchado in Spanish, and if you order a manchado in a Spanish cafetería, you will get "milk stained with a little coffee". If you want an espresso cut with a bit of milk you would order a cortado, which actually means "cut".

[@khills]

This is what I was accustomed to, so was very confused when I moved to Seattle and got caught in the beverage wars. 😂🤦🏼‍♀️

[@ghostoutofthebox]

Isn't cortado 1:1 espresso and milk while machiato is espresso with very little milk?

[@michaelarighi5268]

@@ghostoutofthebox That's been my experience.

[@marlyd]

​@@ghostoutoftheboxin Spain my experience is that 'café con leche' is 1:1 and cortado is just a smidge of milk to colour the coffee. Like a noisette in France.

[@joaoguilhermeoliveira947]

Well in Brazil we call it "Pingado" that basically means "Dropped" because you drop some coffee into the milk

[@amberbrown8254]

I once walked into a local Cafe, having just moved to a new state. I'm very familiar with coffee and espresso so I very casually ordered a macchiato for a quick drink to check out the place and taste the espresso quality. The barista immediately said to me, very snarkily "well we serve traditional macchiatos, I'm sure you'd prefer a Caramel latte" And I said No, I want the macchiato please. "This isn't starbucks, so don't complain when I give you what you asked for". I put my wallet right back into my backpack, and walked out of the door and I never came back. I went to a Cafe about a mile away, and ordered the same thing and the barista said "just to be sure, did you want the 3oz espresso macchiato?" I said yes and they made it and I loved it. I now drive past the rude Cafe every single time i go to get coffee outside. I wish everyone in hospitality understood that you can clarify things with the customer in a polite and kind way, you don't have to be pretentious about how you "know more" than we do.

[@TheNoNotReally]

Absolutely wild that someone working in the service industry would be this presumptuous and rude. Also, I agree that the machiatto is the perfect drink for checking out a new cafe.

[@aurorannerenee]

It’s not common, but it happens. They’re usually the same people who think a little too highly of themselves. I can understand being tired of people ordering something and getting upset after you tried to explain what it was and they didn’t listen, but assuming someone doesn’t know what they’re talking about even though they very well may is a different line and a different vibe.

[@censusgary]

There are a few places that have rude service as sort of a floor show, but with that exception, insulting the customers is a bad business plan.

[@censusgary]

Maybe that first barista had just had a bad experience with customers who were angry when they got what they ordered, instead of what they wanted. Still, in service industries, you have to grow a thick skin.

[@likeyoursilence]

I always said "we usually serve traditional macchiatos which would be this size(show them the cup). It's that what you're expecting or are you looking for something bigger like what you'd get at Starbucks, with vanilla?" the only time I can remember ever getting snarky with someone was when they told ME I should know they obviously wanted the bigger drink with an eyeroll. And even then I think I said something like "you know, my training didn't cover mind reading so I prefer not to make assumptions."

[@vrajesvari108]

Also worth noting that a latte macchiato is a TOTALLY LEGIT drink in Italy, and the way it's made is nearly identical to how Starbucks makes its macchiatos (although not necessarily with syrups added). So really, if someone thinks that a macchiato is *just* an espresso macchiato then they also do not know what they are talking about.

[@otsoko66]

Almost. in Italy, latte is feminine (la latte), so it is latte macchiata and can never be *'latte macchiato'. Coffee and espresso are both masculine, so they can be macchiato. So if Starbucks had called it a 'macchiata', you would have a point.

[@songokuboy10]

@@otsoko66 lol no you're wrong. Latte is masculine, it's il latte, and therefore latte macchiato is correct.

[@rike1775]

​@@otsoko66 I once ordered a Latte Macchiato in Italy, menu said Latte Macchiato too, so I'm not sure where in Italy that would be the case

[@VictorChavesVVBC]

@@otsoko66 I'm pretty sure latte is masculine in Italian so I'd recommend you double check your sources

[@_mossy_skull_7679]

​@@otsoko66 Native Italian speaker here, "latte", "caffé" and "espresso" are all considered "masculine" and as such they would all be addressed with masculine adjectives. As for the"caffé macchiato" is simply an espresso (the basic coffee here) with enough foamed milk to fill the gap between the coffee and the rim of the little cup. It's as quick to drink as an espresso, but it's less bitter.

[@squeaknsqurriel7060]

One coffee shop near me which is part of a chain, but not in the same way Starbucks is, had a solution for this. A gigantic wall art of illustrations and explanations of the drinks and what you'd get when you order a coffee.

[@michaelarighi5268]

Yes. I have one like that. It's a "chain" of 2 coffee shops.

[@lanithered3848]

I have seen this explanation board in a couple of cafés too, it's very helpful

[@anonelle28]

I love diagrams that show what and how much you’re getting, super helpful

[@yuzu-tsuyu]

Yes! I love when they do this--be it for coffee or other drinks/dishes. It makes for nice decor, gives you something to stare at other than your phone while you wait, and makes it easier for everyone to make sure they're getting what they want.

[@MissingSirius]

I love these. I wish more places did this. Makes coffee drinks so much more accessible.

[@bellacat4160]

I love that the most Coffee Shop I know solve this with offering: Latte Macchiato and Espresso Macchiato. Without judging or gate keeping.

[@TerkesHUN]

Yes, that's it. I did the same in my café, never had this problem. To be fair, I had no idea what starbucks has as a macchiato, I was just taught that these are 2 different drinks. Now I'm aware that is even more important to make the distinction.

[@wireland1992]

Last time I ordered a macchiato at a specialty coffee shop they asked me if I wanted "traditional or Starbucks". I already had a vague understanding that they were vastly different but I'd never had traditional. I went with traditional to try something new and really liked it.

[@z0mb3rt]

That's usually how I distinguish as well

[@ehhhhlyssa]

this is exactly the kind of energy we need in the coffee world. work office black coffee, mcdonalds vanilla latte, starbucks caramel macchiato, traditional cafe cappuccino, specialty single origin pour over… these are all coffee, and there’s nothing wrong with liking any, all, or none of these drinks! i for one would happily drink each one :)

[@jessislistless]

I couldn't agree more! It frustrates me a bit when I see people bully others especially online over their choice of coffee beverage.

[@Skyuni98]

@@jessislistless me but irl... i ordered a latte and some random guy behind me started scoffing telling me how i was a fake coffee lover like bro, who are u? TT

[@jessislistless]

@@Skyuni98 that’s messed up. Sorry you had to deal with that person 🥹

[@phoenixfritzinger9185]

Pretty much the only wrong option is decaf

[@derpybird3342]

I enjoy the distinction between "latte macchiato" and "espresso/traditional macchiato". That makes things nice and simple! I still think it's a bit silly to try to dance around a well-defined coffee beverage for the sake of one company, but maybe that's just because I'm from a country without many Starbucks locations.

[@xipalips]

Corporate cultural appropriation lol

[@JamesCook-4830]

Thing is, "traditionally" - as in, in Italy - you either order a caffe macchiato, or a latte macchiato. The first is an espresso marked with a little milk, the second is a glass of milk marked with espresso. So that useful distinction is there in the original use of the term.

[@1steelcobra]

The problem is that Starbucks is the biggest, most dominant coffee shop company in the US. Though in the midwest they're struggling quite a bit against regional chain Caribou.

[@natekiellach2940]

Starbucks barista here, worth nothing that you absolutely can order a traditional Macchiato here and we are trained on how to make them, they’re just very rarely ordered, at least at my store. a plain latte macchiato also used to be a featured menu item to help differentiate that and the caramel macchiato from a regular macchiato

[@kirale1172]

as a fellow sbux barista, here to add on that all of the drink names that people argue about actually do have the proper clarifying specifications in official print. traditional macchiato = Espresso Macchiato. latte, mocha, and americano are listed as Caffé Latte, Caffé Mocha, and Caffé Americano, respectively. like, the info is *there* on the menu (and the app), but the confusion comes from how the vast majority of our customers are ordering things they learned about by word of mouth (usually with the abbreviated names i.e. the drink stickers) rather than reading directly from the menu.

[@auraonline9073]

Just want to add as a former Starbucks barista that mileage may vary. I not only didn't know the traditional kind, I was explained that macchiatos were "When the espresso is poured on top" as in, the best you'd have gotten trying to order a traditional one from me would be a flavorless latte macchiato. So definitely describe size to your barista to be sure they've been trained properly!

[@Mostlyharmless1985]

It’s still annoying as hell as someone who enjoys the proper macchiato style. How many times I have to say “no, a real one, lots of coffee, little milk, no syrups, tiny cup.” And It’s STILL a crap shoot whether I’ll get what I wanted.

[@NoukSilver]

​@@Mostlyharmless1985 If this happens again and again, maybe start calling it an Espresso Macchiato? Also, don't blame the baristas for trying to clarify your wishes. A lot of people don't know their coffees and need to be asked these questions.

[@Mostlyharmless1985]

@@NoukSilver I just stopped going to Starbucks. Far easier to get a product I want from a place that knows what the hell they are doing.

[@axellis8333]

I've worked at both specialty cafe and starbucks and my trick when working at starbucks was to refer to the drink as a starbucks machiatto. Not everyone, but a couple people asked me for clarification and others said it helped them avoid a drink they think they might not have liked as much at specialty cafe's. Either way, I think just giving customers the idea that a starbucks drink may be different from the standard improved my life as a barista and I like to believe the customers ordering experience as well.

[@fluffycritter]

The best barista response I've had to me ordering a macchiato at a cafe I hadn't been to before was the barista just asking, "Are you ordering a traditional macchiato or a Starbucks macchiato?" Because they just wanted to make sure my order was right. No judgement, no implied condescension, just a simple clarification. My response was, "Oh, traditional, I can't stand Starbucks."

[@bluforrestleaf]

That’s my response as well. I’m a lead barista and only had one instance where my coworker struggled to understand what a traditional one was . So I’ll always ask if they want a traditional

[@Jenny-kk7ij]

Whenever a customer orders a macchiato at my cafe i just ring it up as a vanilla latte with caramel drizzle and ask if they want whip cream.

[@CoffeeKadachi]

That’s what my favorite local shop says too! Honestly it’s that question that set me down the expensive path of making my own espresso. I was curious what a traditional macchiato is and googled it, and started learning more about espresso preparation. Now I have a breville smart pro grinder and an entry level de longhi machine.

[@oldsof69]

Yess, I've also gotten "the big or small one?"

[@jasmirris]

A barista asked me the same thing when I was on vacation and I appreciated it so much. Instead of getting the Starbucks version I got the traditional and I learned a little more that day. :)

[@Altaico]

I can't stop staring at Morgan's hair going *boing boing boing* I keep imagining a slight springy sound every time it happens.

[@nessturner2856]

Melbourne barista here. Was trained to layer macchiatos, espresso then a light dash of steamed milk that sits just under the crema and then spooning foam on top. Hardly ever get confused customers, unless they’re visiting from America or regular Starbucks customers; even then it’s easy to remake or ask for clarification when I take the order. Big fan of your content 🙂

[@lauranicholls4859]

Same here in Wellington, NZ. Had never heard of a caramel macchiato before but has a couple of USA tourists order one. I was confused but you do you with coffee, right? They looked very confused when I asked them if they were wanting long or short. They ultimately received a long macchiato with a shot of caramel in it... Props to them though because they drank the entire thing! Edit: to be fair we only have three Starbucks for half a million people so it wasn't as well known 11 years ago 😅

[@insederec]

My local shop simply says, "Just to make sure, have you had our macchiato before?" And they explain what the recipe is. It's also labeled that way on the menu. I was already familiar with the traditional drink but, nonetheless, they explained in a way that didn't feel pedantic. So it can be done.

[@jillyschneider6187]

I am a Starbucks barista. Sometimes a customer ordered a macchiato but when I tried to clarify if they want a traditional one or the caramel macchiato, they got confused, even after explaining the difference to them. Not only confused but got an attitude with me as well, even though I’m trying to help and understand them lol I don’t mind if they prefer one drink over the other, just don’t get an attitude with me when all I’m doing is trying to get the order right 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@kaithdvd]

Why DO they give you an attitude? I'm always grateful for baristas who ask how I like my drinks and clarify what I want still, don't stop explaining because I know there's always gonna be that one customer who appreciates knowing something new from a server

[@jillyschneider6187]

@@kaithdvd I guess they’re having a bad day and just want coffee as soon as possible? Lol I can understand. And of course I won’t stop explaining, mainly because the traditional macchiato and caramel macchiato are different prices so don’t want to overcharge the customer. And there have been some customers who truly didn’t know anything about coffee and wanted to try Starbucks as a gateway, which I have been more than happy to explain the drinks to them and they were so grateful for the explanations.

[@TEDodd]

​@@jillyschneider6187 you're a rare breed in my experience. I shy away from Starbucks because it's always a mad house and noone has time to explain, converse, or any such communication. If you can rattle off 20 tweaks to a drink you're fine. But a question? No chance.

[@jillyschneider6187]

@@TEDodd Right it’s difficult to engage with customers during peak busy times because most of those customers don’t want to have any small talk and just want their drink as quickly as possible. In this case, I still try to be friendly as possible. I’m so sorry you had bad experiences.

[@RosenrotRtLiebchen87]

maybe the term "traditional" makes them think they're being judged? idk, see if you have better experiences saying "espresso macchiato"?

[@Augustus_Imperator]

Usually 3 Macchiatos are more common in Italy, the first is Macchiato caldo, which is a regular Espresso with hot foamy milk added to it, the second is Macchiato freddo, which is same regular espresso, but this time with a splash of cold milk, and the third is Latte macchiato, which is basically a bigger Cappuccino: more milk, same double shot of Espresso. The first two have their meaning in being an espresso sweetened by milk, in the case of Macchiato freddo it also cuts the temperature a bit to make it more readily enjoyable, the third one is basically a Latte so just a bigger breakfast beverage than regular Cappuccino with a milder milkier taste. Also: the "stained" translation is top notch, definitely gives the idea better than marked as far as it is intended in italian.

[@morgandrinkscoffee]

Excellent addition!

[@hachi_ko]

You forgot the Caffelatte, the twin brother of Latte macchiato but without foam

[@Augustus_Imperator]

@@hachi_ko Technically not one of the Macchiato family, but yes, Caffelatte is basically a latte macchiato with not foamy hot/cold milk, usually more like lukewarm

[@sisterpanic9588]

Interestingly here in Germany in almost any Café/Bar that offers more than just black coffee, the menu always differentiates between Espresso Macchiato and Latte Macchiato. But we did not really have Starbucks until the early 2000s and I remember people being irate and confused about all the Starbucks drinks. So it was basically the other way round with the confusion. Thank you Morgan for another lovely video. :)

[@songokuboy10]

Yeah because we have a big Italian immigrant community in Germany so we don't have this problem because we already differentiate between both variants

[@RaspK]

@@songokuboy10 Not just an immigrant community, Southern Germany and Northern Italy are heavily cross-mixed culturally and demographically, just like Northeast France and Northwest Germany etc.

[@dkalisd]

I really love that you always say that you enjoy sugar and milk with coffee even if you are a very professional barista. Never gatekeeping or belittling people. After all it's just a drink and everyone has different tastes. Thank you for the clear clarification of the myth of macchiato. Really appreciate your effort to promote coffee while NEVER gatekeep.

[@maxierose564]

I definitely used to die on the “Starbucks doesn’t make a macchiato “ hill as a barista. But I really love how you presented them both, and they both are really delicious.

[@lautaromoreno3916]

Hey! I just wanted to share how we refer to this topic on most "traditional" bars of Argentina, a country with heavy italian roots. To what is in this video called a Macchiato (marked), we call it "Cortado" (cutted?); mostly espresso, a bit of milk. When it's about 50-50 milk and coffee, it's a "café con leche", simple as that. Also, this is usually served in a bigger cup, like 6-7 oz. And my favourite, the Latte (milk), made of mostly milk with a bit of coffee, we call it "una lágrima", meaning "a tear", and I find that very much cute. Anyways, I find the distinction of "latte macchiato" and "esspresso macchiato" quite simple and understandable.

[@OldNations]

I like cortado leche leche or a nice little barraquito.

[@gretx.]

Boludx no me había dado cuenta, siempre que voy los pido con el nombre “universal” aunque acá en Uruguay los cafés tradicionales (los más viejos, no de especialidad) también usan cortado, café con leche, y lágrima, pero como en Buenos Aires hay muchos más cafés de ese estilo que en Montevideo nunca había hecho la relación 🤯

[@ajk2749]

The coffee as served in Spain when I was a summer school student 23 years ago was "café con leche", or coffee with milk. It was espresso with steamed milk but for me it was too diluted. One of my fellow students of Cuban ancestry told me to ask for "café cortado" and that seems to be what a macchiato is in some coffee shops here, but not all! No sugar, please! At the local coffee shop by me, a cortado has more milk than the macchiato so I ask for a macchiato there. I love your videos, Morgan!

[@dylan.606]

I've always just explained the latte macchiato vs espresso macchiato difference. From what I understand, they roughly translate to milk marked with coffee and espresso marked with milk, respectively. In my opinion, Starbucks named their drink accurately because it's just a riff on a latte macchiato.

[@SPak-dd7zk]

An Italian woman I used to work with explained to me once that usually when people in her hometown said "macchiato," they meant a very milk-heavy latte macchiato, which is often offered to children as like, a baby's first coffee, almost comparable to a chocolate milk

[@jazmindodds]

Omg that is actually so cute

[@petertiggerdine2631]

Thanks for pointing out how the "S" place creates harm for its employees in your description :). One could assert they have this to create confusion and alienate other coffee shops. Love the approach you took on this. Given the size and ingredient difference, I hope the customer understands when they get what they ordered, it's twice the price that what's on the board.

[@grumpyoldguy4817]

Something similar happened to me. I went to a local coffee place and ordered a Flat White, the lady that owns the place told me that a "Flat White" only comes from Starbucks and what I wanted was a Cafe au lait. I was confused, because I wasn't aware Starbucks had a flat white. I thought I knew what I wanted. I gladly accepted my newbie mistake and smiled when she gave me my drink. It was, in fact NOT what I wanted, not bad, but it wasn't a Flat White. I had one once on vacation and I thought I knew what I wanted. As I often do, I knew that the internet would answer all of my questions. SOOOO... fast forward about two years, I now have an espresso machine, a grinder, a favorite coffee roast, many KZbin coffee channel subs, and no more counter space. I don't go to the local place or Starbucks anymore. I can't see the rest of the world anymore from the depths of this rabbit hole, but I'm among friends, I think, and I have this lady to thank for all the time and money I have spent to get here. Love your channel by the way, keep up the great content.

[@Lynxdoc]

I got confused when flat white came out because I was expecting a white chocolate drink with milk. (was taken aback when I saw it was flat or white but coffee colored)

[@kikobbell]

you’re such a great educator, and you definitely convinced me! I used to work at Flour in Boston, which if you’ve never been is more pastry and food-focused so the drinks were not really what they’re known for. I’ve found that at busy cafes in the middle of the city, people are in a RUSH, generally in worse moods, and usually more used to Starbucks-style drinks. about 20% of the time someone ordered a macchiato and we didn’t clarify how we prepared it, the guest would come back and ask for a different drink (and usually not very politely). at that time I was more likely to curtly explain what a macchiato ACTUALLY is. I felt that if people were going to give me a hard time for doing my job correctly, they could stand to feel a little bit embarrassed for not knowing what they wanted to order. these days work at a specialty shop and I try to just be informative and friendly. if someone orders a caramel macchiato, then I’ll inform them that we make a more traditional macchiato - I don’t want to assume they don’t know what they’re ordering, but for what they’re paying they should get what they want. I’ve found when I do this is that a lot of folks who order a caramel macchiato actually DID want it Starbucks-style and I always offer to prepare it closer to how they do at Starbucks. but what you really convinced me on is that the word itself has lost its original meaning and that’s okay - it’s all just beans, water, milk, and hot air. as long as people get it how they like it, it doesn’t really matter oops this comment also became an opinion piece

[@pigeonmaster1]

i work in a restaurant and my usual follow-up was 'American-style or European-style?' Our restaurant is across from a starbucks in a financial district of a major city, so we get both categories of diners you presented. Thanks for giving me a better follow-up! Now I'll be asking if they want an espresso macchiato or a latte macchiato :)

[@CineSoar]

Here in Zurich, and various places around Europe where I took notice, I tend to find "Espresso Macchiato" and "Latte Macchiato" right there on the big board. The confusion does seem to be US-centric. In California, if I found myself ordering in Starbucks, I would say "I would like a Latte Macchiato" and if I saw a flicker of indecision on their face, I would add "No syrup, just a Latte, with the espresso added last."

[@kianaleman2604]

i work at a small coffee shop, and we're all taught to basically explain "we do traditional macchiatos, just a double shot with milk foam, is that what you want?" if they say yes, we make it; if not, we help them figure out what they do want (usually a latte lmao). that way we make sure they get exactly what they want and (usually) no one gets upset!

[@OhHeyFergy]

This was a great thing to bring up. I remember early on in my coffee journey I went to a higher end coffee shop in my hometown and the barista definitely gave me the whole "are you sure you actually want a macchiato" spiel and made me feel like a real idiot, even though I really did want a "traditional" macchiato. It was a really poor introduction to that shop and craft coffee in general, so I hope other baristas (and coffee nerds in general) take this conversation to heart!

[@gonzaloplot3083]

Hi, I'm a barista and coffee shop owner in Argentina. We actually have a name in my country for the Starbucs macchiato, we call it "lagrima" wich means "tear" as you kind of drop a tear of coffee on the milk, staining it. The clarification of this name as a latte macchiato, opposed to the caffe macchiato as the small one is I believe a very balanced and fair way to tell them appart because you stain the milk with coffee in the big one, and stain the coffee with milk in the small one.

[@bookbunny9]

I love watching very thorough and compassionate explanations of everyday controversies I knew nothing about. Thanks for the video!

[@mightyn8]

I grew up in Romania, and other than in Starbucks if you went to a cafe, they had "latte machiatto", not just a "machiatto". Until I watched this video, I had no idea people ever served just a simple "machiatto", whatever that means. I had heard of espresso machiatto and latte machiatto, and they were very clearly different from each other. That may be because we're closer to Italy (and our languages are similar, being Romance languages), so I guess it may be more of a western world issue of figuring out what someone means when they say "machiatto", if it doesn't have another word before it to qualify what exactly is the main thing being "stained". Very fascinating video!

[@Sanutep]

Original Macchiato: espresso stained with milk Starbucks Macchiato: milk stained with espresso and caramel crosshatch.

[@wolfganghammatt5406]

If you order a macchiato in Starbucks you'll get espresso and a small amount of milk, if you order a Caramel Macchiato in Starbucks you'll get vanilla syrup, milk, espresso and caramel sauce on top

[@christiedaprix5400]

I love your attitude! I work in retail, and I I find the best way to make sure the customers have a positive experience is to ask questions. I try to never assume that I know what they want, and everyone ends up being a lot happier.

[@L337Dratini]

Can I just say I really love how you framed the shot - the edges of the video are parallel with the tall counter and the lines in your cabinetry and it is *so* satisfying.

[@too_tired_for_this]

Yes!!! This is what I was taught in my Italian class, back in 1999/2000. I am always tempted to tell people about the macchiato vs. a latte macchiato! I’m so glad someone else is talking about it! 😅

[@evancrockett9899]

I only drink decaf coffee once a week, but I find these videos endlessly fascinating. Good work as always, Mo!

[@morgandrinkscoffee]

Decaf is lovely! Glad you’re here :)

[@lilyrolyat6726]

Hey! Barista here, I really enjoy decaf espresso! Just so you know it is an option in some places

[@NaraKwonPoD]

same here! love the taste of coffee but do not actively drink caffeine. i stopped a decade ago bc it gave me too many headaches!

[@alexandraw909]

Absolutely love this!! Please do more skits and opinion pieces because having/hearing different opinions/perspectives on things from different people is how we all learn!!

[@Bonasita2]

I wish people would take your approach just to life in general. I've run into so many people, especially on Facebook, who nitpick things to death. Can't we all just try to be the kind of person that leaves somebody with a smile on their face? Because that will generally leave a smile on yours as well. Thank you for your kindness!

[@andrewposner6703]

I was at a restaurant that had an espresso bar. I saw they had a traditional macchiato, which I wanted to try (I usually like cappuccino but wanted something lighter. The waitress told me they do traditional macchiatos and made sure I knew the difference and got what I wanted. I found it really thoughtful even though I knew what it is.

[@7ApSc]

The first "macchiato" I had was a latte macchiato in Italy. Became my favourite drink. Forgot when travelling elsewhere that the "latte" specifier was important and was surprised when I got handed what in France we'd probably call a noisette (although not sure most French restaurants foam milk for a noisette...

[@cannonrange9977]

As a one time long long ago in a land far far away brista, at a small coffee shop, I thoroughly appreciate your clarity, thorough understanding of such a nuanced and sumptuous art, and your skill at translating that information to all of us. I'd also like to say how I admire and like your personal style; your look is so clean and polished, yet warm and friendly, and in all that it never distracts. If I had a coffee shop, I'd have images of your rendered in warm sepia or painted on gallery canvas accenting my walls. Thank you so much for the care and passion you put into these videos and your charming short videos, I don't usually generalize, but I feel confidant this once I can say: we all appreciate you!

[@letsgolesbiansletsgo4934]

this is my favorite video you’ve ever made!! so education but we still see YOU. you’re brilliant and actively helping me better my trade ❤

[@flor3224]

Great video! Very informative. The traditional macchiato seems to be very similar (although maybe less foamy) to what here is called a cortado. We also have a drink that to me would be an inverse cortado called a lágrima (literally a tear) where the proportions are inverse and a cup of steamed milk is splashed with a little bit of coffee. Love those :)

[@Painteagle]

I was able to study abroad in Italy with one of the baristas at my school's student coffee shop. When we learned about the difference, a group of us agreed, that in that coffee shop, we would designate between a caffè macchiato and a latte macchiato. It was a fun inside joke between maybe half a dozen people. Nowadays, I find it a useful way to order exactly what I want at these 3rd wave coffee shops without making them question what I actually want.

[@rosemarymetallic9741]

i love wholesome opinion talks like this, and it ends with a great note and lesson for all of us too! love your videos!

[@fayem4091]

More please. I don't drink coffee (sensitive to Caffeine and getting straight to the bathroom) but your videos are so relaxing and you are helping me learn a lot of stuff.

[@murphychris9811]

Fridays with Morgan makes my bad day abit better

[@Psychoh90]

Hi Morgan :) just wanted to say that a traditional macchiato, as a traditional cappuccino, as a traditional espresso, is one shot of espresso. Double shot now are all over the world, also triple sometimes. But in Italy, unless you ask for a double, when you ask for every coffee based drink, it would be a single shot. Of course key word here is traditional. And as you mentioned, macchiato means stained. So its like a single shot of espresso with just a hint of milk liquid and foam (Sprometheus made a video on the macchiato spot on on the traditional one). Since 2000, macchiato in Italy has changed to one shot of espresso and a bit more than a stain of milk. So it would be like 1/3 espresso, 1/3 milk, 1/3 foam. Specialty coffee places in Italy are traditional but accustomed to a more international view of nowadays espresso culture.

[@thekatalexander]

So how many ounces is a single shot in Italy? I’m an American Barista, from my understanding and Single shot is one ounce a Double is two. It’s standard here to pull a two ounce shot from one porta filter with a double spout, it holds 18 grams of espresso. There’s also single spout porta filters with smaller baskets that hood less espresso. Thanks for your thoughts!

[@Psychoh90]

@@thekatalexander Hi :) so 1 oz is 28gr. Considering that a single shot contains 7-9 gr of coffee, the single shot espresso will fluctuate generally between 14-25 grams of liquid in the cup. 10 grams variance is huge but as you know coffee extraction depends on the type of coffee. Generally speaking in northern Italy you can find a medium roast in bar and cafe, so the single shot would be around 20-25gr. In southern Italy, especially in Naples, you have medium to dark roast, lots of cream, so that would be 14-20 gr of coffee but with a coffee that has a more pronounced creamy sensation, and visually it fill the cup in the same way as it would be with a 25 gr of espresso, since it has much more coffee foam. Single shout Porta filters are very common here. just to add to this point, if you ask a cappuccino it would be a single shot and 130 ml of milk+ foam. Things can vary of course but I am talking about the common aspects.

[@arom8438]

❤Your explanation was lovely and kind. Your heart for growing specialty coffee comes through. ❤ I wish you the best. People like you should have a huge platform

[@chrysvandork08]

Yes! I love this! As someone who loves the history and theory behind coffee/food creation, this is super great!!! Thanks for taking the time!

[@catarinalermontovdesenna645]

I LOVE all your content. It always makes me laugh ❤

[@lucituci97]

I just came back from midschool and then i just check the time and i see “you are all wrong about macchiatos” and i’m like, “suddenly my homework js gone”

[@stillnessnmindelaine8810]

LOVE THIS format! More please!

[@kamilleschmahl403]

I love how you point out to "meet the customer where they are at" and both sides of what a macchiato is is valid. I am a barista who would inform or "correct" them but in a way that I'm asking for clarification of what they want and then tell them what to call it if they would like the drink again in the cafe I worked at so they can order what they want with confidence and clarity next time 😊

[@libbymorehouse4466]

I've never been a barista, so I'm always asking what different drinks are (I forget all the time the difference between lattes and cappuccinos) so I really appreciate the way you explain drinks without judgment

[@NoukSilver]

A good barista will always explain without judgement and try to get you the drink that suits you best. No one was born with coffee knowledge, we all had to learn.

[@KellyS_77]

The way I remember a cappuccino has foam on top is by picturing a capuchin monkey with fluffy white fur on the top of its head.

[@SieghartPercy]

Great video, this did change my mind a bit! I’ve always felt awkward on how to approach a conversation with the customer when they order a macchiato. Also great point about if you’re going to be elitist about a traditional macchiato, then you have to be elitist about everything; which would be tiring!

[@PerfectPride]

You really make me appreciate the world of coffee. I’ve always been a tea person and that’s still where my heart lies, but as I’ve gotten older and started drinking better quality coffees from specialty cafes or coffee bean brands I’ve come to really enjoy coffee. I love watching your videos cuz I see how diverse coffee can really be and just has wonderful and extravagant as tea!

[@shyaberman9729]

Thank you for injecting kindness and empathy into this topic. I only drink “traditional macchiatos”, but I always appreciate tolerance and try not to be (too) judge-y.

[@xandocommando]

congrats on 1M!

[@morgandrinkscoffee]

Thank you!

[@allisoncombs8624]

Thank you for the empathy, understanding, and positivity you put out onto the internet. This energy is what the world needs. Thank you for what you do

[@silverkijh]

Really love all your videos! Haven't seen one in my feed for awhile and it popped up again today. Just wanna say congratulations!!!

[@velvetvert9431]

I wasn't wrong about them because I'm OLD and Australian. I was *so* surprised when I moved to the US and macchiato was popular. Really? Sweet tooth Americans love espresso with a drop of milk? Then I went to starbucks and found out 😂

[@DigiFox0]

Definitely gonna use the Espresso/Latte Macchiato distinction going forward. The amount of times I've made a traditional Maccihato only for the customer to look really confused is uncountable, I just wanna make people the drinks they want 😭

[@SilleeMee]

I am a person who has never really enjoyed coffee, but I am also a person who enjoys watching videos about subjects that the hosts love. Your passion for coffee got me hooked from the first video of yours I came across, and watching you speak about coffee always piques a little bit of curiosity in my mind- almost enough to try coffee again. Sadly, my timing is poor, and I’m usually watching in the evening before bed, so giving in to my curiosity whenever I watch would not help my sleep schedule 😂. Thank you for making coffee so interesting to learn about!

[@zenmaster8]

I saw this in my recommended randomly and great job. I loved this style it was so cozy and educational

[@hackleberrym]

The espresso macchiato/latte macchiato differentiation makes sense to me and should be used more.

[@ondrejmitas3325]

I would be deeply grateful for a video in this style about how to ask properly in an American cafe for the small chance that they are willing/able to make an espresso from something that isn’t very dark roasted. Those places are hard to find, and it seems necessary to have some very awkward conversations and drink very bitter coffee before finding them.

[@beckkelly1273]

This was really informative! I worked at Starbucks briefly while trying to get my foot in the door with writing and never knew what a traditional macchiato was. A lot of the specialty coffee shops in my area closed in the last few years, so I haven’t had the chance to try some of the classics. Thank you for this!

[@Julie_Rios]

Wonderful, Morgan! It doesn’t matter if you’re really into coffee or not, or where you get your coffee, respect does go a long way & people will see that following your channel. Educational & fun!

[@adrianamo819]

Here’s my thing…I generally like something in between the two drinks 😂. I mostly just order flat whites because it’s the closest I’ve found to what I want, but a traditional macchiato with like, 6 drops of vanilla syrup would be delicious.

[@scottriley7145]

I love this video a lot. We don't have this specific problem in Australia (Starbucks aren't really here) but drink definition is still a big thing. We have piccolo lattes in most places, but Perth would call it a long macchiato, which is actually a better description (a piccolo is basically a slightly longer mack after all).

[@morgandrinkscoffee]

When I visited Australia recently, I loved seeing the different coffee drink names that you have! I feel like having so many more “named” drinks really benefits folks trying to order very specific beverages

[@scottriley7145]

@@morgandrinkscoffee it really does. There is pretty good uniformity in the definitions too. Barista friends of mine have argued over things like a "magic", which I believe is a double ristretto with 2/3 textured milk, but at that point we're just being pedantic. A name is just meant to convey what you want to drink. 😁 Glad you enjoyed it out here!!

[@tashgill3560]

hey, I'm from Perth! we're uniquely wrong about macchiatos - short is the European style, long is European but with more espresso. we also do something particularly wrong and order long macs topped up - about three espresso shots in a mug topped up with textured milk, an order we blame on a dependence on commercial iced coffee. if you try ordering a long mac topped up elsewhere, they'll usually top it up with hot water and add a dash of milk - you can get a Perth long mac by ordering a triple- or quad-shot latte!

[@khills]

Sadly, still have the snobby and rude baristas. I was at a coffeeshop near the Univeristy of Sydney and ordered a flat white. I was told I couldn’t possibly know what I was ordering and there was no way I’d like it… I have an American accent. 🙄 Took my Aussie husband intervening before they’d make my bleepin’ drink. …just off the plane, all I wanted was good caffeine. 😂

[@scottriley7145]

@@tashgill3560 yes long Mac topped up!!! I haven't been over there for a few years, I forgot about that one. Everyone has some weird names, but as long as you can understand what you're getting then it's all fine with me.

[@verneser]

Wow, this came up randomly on my feed. But I love the vibe! You made my day about loving coffee!

[@sweetsmiler]

As soon as I saw you put the lid on the grinder I knew it was an Opus! I’m soo in love with mine 🥹❤️ Thank you for the video ! 💜😌

[@needmorebeans]

In Australia, Starbucks has tried and failed to penetrate the market multiple times. No one here would know Starbucks' cup sizes and their menu items. Unfortunately, if someone who's a regular Starbucks customer walks into a slightly above average Aussie cafe, they may be approached with the rude shock of the cafe not even stocking syrups or whipped cream.

[@ayajade6683]

Australia has Starbucks there's 56 they just don't go into the rural areas. By the end of the year there's 45 more planned to be built

[@PK-ts8iz]

There's like 3 or 4 in the Sydney CBD

[@needmorebeans]

@@PK-ts8iz most people would go for their dessert drinks but not coffee usually. Especially when there's Mecca, Skittle Lane, Diggy Doos, Industry, Single O, Regiment, Normcore around.

[@lesliewit]

All I know is that every time a barista or bartender for that matter has talked down to me when I ordered a drink I never went back in there. I'm pretty into coffee, but I'm more into kindness and community. As a barista you make a version of the drink that your business says it is. And if that's not what the customer wanted, then you work with them to get them what they want.

[@devinmurphy6480]

Excellent skit and video as always! Love your content

[@momol3082]

i like the way you educate all people:) I like the flexibility and kindness on educating people and point out being too harsh.

[@SophiaPetrillosBuddy]

Your Starbucks Macchiato story is kind of similar to mine. I was 12 years old and had never been to Starbucks, but it was what all the cool kids were drinking, so I wanted to try it. I thought I was ordering a Frappuccino, but all the names sounded similar, so I ended up getting a Caramel Macchiato. Ah, to be young and naive about anything related to coffee

[@egauci1]

Years ago I went into a Peet’s coffee shop and while I’m normally aware and order a medium size, this time my brain wondered and I ordered a grande. The barista knew exactly what I wanted but he decided to make a snarky remark anyway. Not a big deal but I still remember it. It was completely unnecessary.

[@morgandrinkscoffee]

That’s a bummer, I’m sorry that happened

[@MichaelAlthauser]

I had a barista make a snarky remark about my drink once - I don't even remember exactly what I ordered, but he commented on the amount of syrup in the drink as if I wasn't completely aware of what I'd ordered. Definitely rude and uncalled for.

[@stacischuhmann]

Such an informative video! I also appreciate how you shared your change in opinion and growth in perspective over time!

[@chrisavetrano]

This video is so detailed and wonderful!

[@AkhierDragonheart]

So has no one considered just asking the customer if they want a Starbucks style Macchiato or a traditional style Macchiato when you don't know what they want?

[@jessicaausborn]

I grew up in Germany, where a latte is always called latte macchiato, so there is not much confusion ;-) I wonder if this problem in the US stems from you guys’ habit of abbreviating everything. Since moving here I had to figure out so many acronyms, it’s not even funny anymore 😂 I’m sort of surprised people don’t just order an “L” when they want a latte by now 😂

[@yin4296]

Dawg as an American I literally have no idea what you’re talking about lol, especially not when it comes to coffee since I’ve been a barista for 4 years

[@luisalcarazleal]

Loved the format. ❤ Good content. 🎉

[@KttyCat..]

Wow your voice is so calming and relaxing-

[@judeskingsbury5549]

As someone who taught Customer Service for two decades, I applaud you!! Fabulous attitude and perspective. ❤️👏

[@chrisDeBona]

Padantic(sp?) is a word I have not heard in a very long time...this is why I watch you...humor, educational, all around entertaining with sophistication...well done!

[@ItsBugtronic]

I really appreciate this video. It was both entertaining and informative in a clear and concise way. Most of all it views to me as a call to remove snobbery, so many industries fall into the trap of elitism and coffee is no exception. It is admirable to educate yourself in your passion but it is off-putting to believe that education makes you able to make a "better" choices for others or to impose that choice on other. If the passion is also your occupation then it is even more important, as your ultimate goal is to please your customer and not alienate them. Shown clearly here though the lens of a Macchiato, I applaud Morgan's accessible explanation of these not so obvious concepts. Wonderful video as always, I look forward to seeing more!

[@Ni5ei]

Great video Morgan! Taking your time to REALLY explain things.

[@angelinegiselle]

i love this ❤ not only do i finally understand how the starbucks version came about, it also answers a question that my sister & i have had for years : why a latte in germany is called a latte macchiato. i LOVE coffee but i also love many things that are coffee flavoured, which some coffee purists do not. and i do go to both specialty coffee shops & starbucks. however i only order fancy stuff at starbucks & rarely straight up espresso or standard coffee. it’s also almost always an iced drink because their coffee is not nuanced enough to appreciate by itself as a hot beverage. i take those elsewhere instead where i can choose from the shop’s coffee of the week & select a brew method, chat to the barista to find out more about the week’s options etc. i totally agree about the neutral space being a cosy gathering spot with no judgement as well - this in fact is why i go to starbucks with friends since i am equally happy with a frappucino whereas they may be stressed having to choose between a yirgacheffe & a timaña or whatever else similarly complex !

[@jeniphirtaylor-mcintire81]

I have never been in a Starbucks, I spent ten days in the UK only ordering "flat whites" because it was. . .close enough, and unapologetically enjoy and stick with my supermarket-brand drip coffee from an 8-cup machine, but I find your delivery so charming and your information so interesting, I'm really enjoying yr videos! Thank you for sharing yr expertise; it's always a treat to learn from someone who is passionate about their craft.

[@emilyo5731]

Thank you for this! Also loved the skit at the beginning like your shorts :)

[@rbruski1]

Such a great response, well done

[@BigBear21740]

Talk about a video I wasn't looking for but found that I needed. Very informative. Ty.