A cappuccino is frothed milk added to espresso in a ratio of roughly 5:1, milk to espresso. The foam on top of the cappuccino creates a little mound resembling the cap that cappucin monks traditionally have worn; hence, the name. Ideally, the milk froth should be silky smooth so that the froth can be taken in at the same time as the coffee when drinking. The foam should not be a barrier to the drink underneath. Cappuccinos are traditionally consumed in the morning for breakfast with a pastry called brioche.
One of the more confusing drinks to define, a macchiato might be any number of things depending on which coffee shop you are visiting. Some definitions are more or less standard but none are universal. the first definition is something like a very small cappuccino where the ratio of milk to espresso is 1:1.
The second definition is much like the first except espresso is added after the milk leaving a mark on the top of the foam. In this case, the espresso is less integrated with the milk and may be an acquired taste for some.
The third definition, adding the espresso to the milk in a latte making a mark like in the second definition.
The above is not an exhaustive list of drinks you might receive. We suggest telling your Barista exactly what type of macchiato you desire.
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