Are Macchiatos Hot Or Cold? Is Starbucks Macchiato Hot Or Cold?

A question asked by many coffee lovers is “Are macchiatos hot or cold?” and this is something that I will address and answer in this article.

If you are in a rush and looking for the quick answer, here it is:

A macchiato is a drink that can be enjoyed both hot and cold. Although the original is made hot, and traditionally a macchiato is hot, there have been variations that are enjoyed with ice and thus a macchiato can be enjoyed cold also.

Keep reading to find out more about this tasty drink.

Are Macchiatos Hot Or Cold?

While some like to have this Italian coffee drink hot, some people like to have it ice-cold and enjoy it with ice.

The correct and best answer and the most honest one is that it is absolutely up to the person that is drinking the coffee as this is one of those types of drinks that can be enjoyed hot or cold.

It is not like an espresso that can only really be enjoyed hot, or a cold brew that can only be enjoyed cold.

The proper name for a cold macchiato is a macchiato freddo with the correct name for a hot macchiato being a macchiato caldo. Although I’ll add it is uncommon for the term macchiato caldo to be used as when a macchiato is requested it is the hot version of the drink that is served.

This is something that stands true for all variations of this drink, be it a caramel macchiato, a latte macchiato or whatever.

Some drink customizations for a macchiato include it being made with cold milk instead of steamed milk while enjoyed hot.

Read: Latte macchiato caffeine content

 Is Starbucks Macchiato Hot Or Cold?

A Starbucks macchiato can be served both hot and cold. It is up to you, the drinker. If you want it hot, simply order a macchiato as a regular macchiato. If you want it cold, order an iced macchiato.

Is Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Hot Or Cold

As per above, a caramel macchiato at Starbucks can be enjoyed either hot or cold. It is a lovely drink that I recommend you try. It is made with a dash of vanilla syrup, an espresso shot is brewed on top of the shot and then milk is added and then topped up with milk foam and then caramel syrup is drizzled on top of the milk foam in the signature crosshatch design.

This drink from Starbucks is not a true macchiato but is more like a caramel macchiato latte as it is more like a macchiato latte with vanilla and caramel syrup added.

Read: What is a macchiato

Are Macchiatos Strong?

A macchiato when it is made in the original way, a shot of espresso with just a dash of milk is stronger and bolder than other coffee drinks in flavor due to the more prominent and pronounced bold coffee flavor. The exemptions to this are of course an espresso, ristretto and a lungo.

Due to the small amount of steamed milk, there is just a touch of creaminess and milk to this drink.

In terms of caffeine content, it only has touch more than a shot of espresso and a lot less than other coffee drinks.

The larger latte macchiato and caramel macchiato don’t have as much of a bold coffee flavor due to being subdued due to the extra milk used.

What Is A Macchiato?

In the most basic terms, a macchiato is a shot of espresso with a dash of milk added on top of it. Typically, only two teaspoons of steamed milk are used. More commonly a small amount of milk foam is added on top. It is one of the tastiest specialty coffee drinks that you can try if you love an espresso.

The word macchiato comes from Italian, and is pronounced Ma-Kee Ahh-Tow with four syllables. The word means stained in Italian and is in essence in reference to the small stain of milk on the shot of espresso.

Read: What is a macchiato?

Why Is It Called A Macchiato?

The name and reason why a macchiato is so-called is due to waiters and baristas needing a way to differentiate a regular espresso from a macchiato – which is often called by a number of other names, names such as an espresso macchiato, Italian macchiato, traditional macchiato, and a classic macchiato.

The term “macchiato” is of course in reference to the small stain of milk in the drink.

…and the rest as they say is history!

Frequently Asked Questions About Are Macchiatos Hot Or Cold?

Is Starbucks Macchiato Hot Or Cold?

A Starbucks macchiato can be served both hot and cold. It is up to you, the drinker. If you want it hot, simply order a macchiato as a regular macchiato. If you want it cold, order an iced macchiato.

Can A Macchiato Be Served Cold?

Yes, and it is one of the tastiest espresso-based drinks to enjoy cold. Simply ask your barista for an iced macchiato.

How Are Macchiatos Supposed To Be Drank?

The original and traditional macchiato from Italy, more commonly known as an espresso macchiato outside of Italy, is one that is supposed to be enjoyed hot.

It is not supposed to be stirred or shaken, despite some websites telling you so. The drink is supposed to be enjoyed with the dash of milk foam first, then the milk and then finally the rich thick crema and the espresso.

If you try your macchiato this way, layered, you will notice a big difference in the taste when compared to stirring it.

What Is The Difference Between A Macchiato And A Latte Macchiato?

The main difference between a macchiato and a latte macchiato is the amount of steamed milk in the drink. A regular macchiato has just a splash of milk, typically just two teaspoons. A latte macchiato has a lot more steamed milk added and more milk foam. 

How Do You Serve A Macchiato?

This coffee drink is best served in a beautiful demitasse cup or shot glass. Simply pull your shot of espresso first and add a dash of milk and a little milk foam if you so wish. A traditional espresso macchiato is best served in a shot glass.

Is A Latte Macchiato Hot Or Cold?

A latte macchiato can be enjoyed hot with hot coffee and steamed milk, which is how a regular latte macchiato is served, or it can be enjoyed with ice as a cold coffee.

Is A Caramel Macchiato Hot Or Cold At Starbucks?

As a standard order, a caramel macchiato is served hot. It can also be enjoyed as an iced drink too.

Is A Macchiato Better Iced Or Hot?

Personally, for me, it depends on the time of the year; in the summer a macchiato is better as an iced drink. In the winter, it’s a great drink to warm you up. 

Final Thoughts – Are Macchiatos Hot Or Cold?

The answer to the question are macchiatos hot or cold if you are skimming down to the bottom is of course that you can have this drink either hot or cold as it entirely up to you how you have it. 

Yes, an iced macchiato is quite tasty!

Join our online coffee community on Facebook/Meta. Start by introducing yourself and perhaps telling us about your hot or cold macchiato or any variation or coffee experiment that you tried. 

Derek Marshall

Derek Marshall, a certified barista by the Specialty Coffee Association possesses over two decades of experience in specialty coffee shops. He holds professional certifications for coffee brewing and barista skills. Derek is also an author with authoritative books covering various coffee topics including specialty coffee, sustainability and coffee, coffee brewing, coffee recipes, coffee cocktails and books focusing on Brazilian coffee, Vietnamese coffee, Indonesian coffee and Malaysian coffee. As a barista for over two decades, Derek Marshall has worked in specialty coffee shops across the United Kingdom, Spain, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. His expertise extends to the distinct coffee cultures, specialty beverages, and brewing techniques of each nation. Functioning as a coffee consultant, Derek charges US$50 per hour. To learn more about Derek Marshall and Latte Love Brew, visit his About Me Page. For coffee inquiries, contact him at +34-639-410-375 or Derek@LatteLoveBrew.com, mentioning your name and location