Caffè macchiato

Espresso macchiato Macchiato means "stained" or "spotted" in Italian, and the drink is exactly that: a single espresso in a small demitasse, marked with a spoonful or two of milk foam. It is meant to be two or three ounces, gone in a few sips, with the milk just taking the edge off. This is the most blurred name on any menu. Starbucks' caramel macchiato, for one, is a large milk drink sweetened with vanilla syrup and caramel, which is a different thing entirely. To get the real one, say "espresso macchiato," and expect something tiny. If you want a little more milk than this but less than a cappuccino, the cortado is your next step.