What is the Difference Between Macchiato and Piccolo

The main difference between macchiato and piccolo is that macchiato is basically an espresso with a small splash of milk on top, while piccolo is a ristretto topped with milk and served in a small glass.

In short, macchiato and piccolo are two types of coffee beverages that are made with espresso and milk. Although they have several similarities, including their appearance, they also have notable differences.   

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Macchiato 
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Piccolo
     – Definition, Features
3. What are the Similarities Between Macchiato and Piccolo
     – Outline of Common Features
3. What is the Difference Between Macchiato and Piccolo
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Caffè Macchiato, Espresso Macchiato, Macchiato, Piccolo, Piccolo Coffee 

What is Macchiato

Macchiato, better known as espresso macchiato or caffè macchiato, is a type of espresso coffee. It’s actually a mix between espresso and cappuccino. It’s ideal for those who find a cappuccino too weak and an espresso too strong. Macchiato is basically espresso with a small splash of milk on top.  Macchiato is an Italian word with meaning’ strained or spotted’, so its literal meaning is coffee with a spot of milk. Typically, the barrister drops the foamed-milk on the espresso with a spoon.

Moreover, macchiato is usually stronger than an average cappuccino. This is because macchiato only has a small amount of milk. Furthermore, macchiatos usually come in smaller cups. If you are calorie conscious or drinking coffee for the sake of staying awake, a macchiato may be a good choice because it mainly contains espresso.

What is Piccolo

Piccolo, also known as piccolo coffee or piccolo latte, is a small milk beverage that’s usually served in a 3–4 oz glass. We can also describe it as a ristretto shot topped with milk and served in a small latte glass. A ristretto shot is a beverage we make with the same amount of coffee that we use to make an espresso shot, but halving the amount of water we use for the shot.

Piccolo is also an Italian name, meaning small, so piccolo latte actually means small latte. This beverage among Australian coffee lovers. To make a piccolo coffee, you need an espresso machine, your favourite coffee ground, milk of choice, and a frother or streamer (only if your espresso machine doesn’t have one). Then brew a ristretto shot using the espresso machine. Next, steam the milk, but make sure not to make it too frothy. You will mainly need milk, not foam, as you are working with a smaller glass. Now you can mix the ristretto shot and milk and enjoy your piccolo.

Similarities Between Macchiato and Piccolo

• Macchiato and piccolo are two types of coffee beverages that we make with espresso and milk.
• Both contain more coffee and less milk.

Difference Between Macchiato and Piccolo

Definition

Macchiato is basically an espresso with a small splash of milk on top, while piccolo is a ristretto topped with milk and served in a small glass.

Range of Coffee

Macchiato is somewhere between espresso and cappuccino while piccolo is somewhere between a macchiato, café latte, and cortado.

Size

A piccolo is typically served in a smaller glass than a macchiato.

Conclusion

The main difference between macchiato and piccolo is that macchiato is basically an espresso with a small splash of milk on top, while piccolo is a ristretto topped with milk and served in a small glass.

Reference:

1. Marie, Sophie. “What Is a Piccolo Coffee? A Complete Guide to My Favourite Coffee Drink!” Australian Coffee Lovers, 11 Feb. 2021, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Macchiato FourBarrel” By Jonathan McIntosh – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Glass of Heart” By Rahim Packir Saibo (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr