The world of espresso-based drinks can be confusing, especially when it comes to differentiating between piccolos, short macchiatos, and long macchiatos. While they all involve espresso and milk, the ratios and preparation methods vary significantly. This guide clarifies the differences and provides step-by-step instructions for preparing each drink.
What is a Piccolo Latte?
The piccolo latte, often simply called a "piccolo," is a small latte served in a 90ml glass or takeaway cup. It's characterized by a higher ratio of coffee to milk compared to a standard latte.
- Preparation: A single espresso shot (approximately 30ml) is pulled directly into the glass, followed by steamed milk. A thin layer of microfoam (5-10mm) tops the drink.
- Key Difference: Unlike a latte, the piccolo emphasizes the espresso's flavor due to the smaller milk volume.
What is a Short Macchiato?
"Macchiato" means "marked" or "stained" in Italian, referring to the small amount of milk used to "mark" the espresso. A short macchiato is essentially a single espresso shot "stained" with a dollop of foamed milk.
- Preparation: A single espresso shot is pulled into an espresso cup. A small amount of foamed milk is spooned or poured on top, creating a "stain" of white on the dark crema.
- Key Difference: The short macchiato is primarily about the espresso flavor, with the milk providing a touch of sweetness and texture.
What is a Long Macchiato?
A long macchiato is similar in concept to a short macchiato but uses a double shot of espresso (or a long black) and a slightly larger amount of foamed milk. It is served in a 170ml tulip style cup.
- Preparation: A long black (hot water followed by a double espresso shot so that the crema sits on top of the water) is prepared in a tulip cup. A small amount of foamed milk is spooned or poured on top.
- Key Difference: The long macchiato offers a more balanced flavor profile, with the milk complementing the bolder espresso. The crema sits on top of the hot water, and the milk sits on top of the crema.
Key Differences Summarized:
| Drink | Espresso Volume | Milk Volume | Glassware | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piccolo Latte | Single shot | More | 90ml glass/cup | Higher coffee-to-milk ratio |
| Short Macchiato | Single shot | Small dollop | Espresso cup | "Stain" of milk on espresso |
| Long Macchiato | Double shot/Long Black | Small dollop | 170ml Tulip Cup | "Stain" of milk on Long Black |
Milk Frothing Technique:
For all three drinks, the milk should be frothed to a smooth, velvety microfoam. The texture should be similar to wet paint, with no large bubbles.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the piccolo and long macchiato facing the customer to showcase any latte art.
- For macchiatos, the milk is typically not stirred in, allowing the customer to experience the different layers of flavor.
By understanding the key differences and following these preparation guidelines, you can confidently craft delicious piccolos, short macchiatos, and long macchiatos that will impress any coffee lover.
As mentioned in the video we have a downloadable document which will show you how every drink on our coffee menu should be made. See link below.
✅ Download our FREE Coffee Menu PDF - https://mailchi.mp/7826f48e084c/coffe...
