An apple macchiato is a coffee drink made with espresso and apple flavors. It combines the rich taste of espresso with the sweetness of apple, creating a delicious and refreshing beverage. Keep reading to learn more about how this drink is made, its ingredients, nutritional information, and where you can find it on coffee shop menus.
The Origins of the Apple Macchiato
The apple macchiato is a relatively new drink that started gaining popularity in the late 2010s. As specialty coffee drinks continued to grow in popularity, coffee shops began experimenting with different flavor combinations. Adding fruit flavors like apple to coffee drinks was a natural fit.
The macchiato style of coffee drink was already well-known in the specialty coffee world. Traditional macchiatos are made by pouring a small amount of foamed milk over a single or double shot of espresso. This results in a concentrated coffee flavor with a dollop of foam on top. Apple macchiatos build on this concept by adding apple syrup to the espresso before pouring over the foamed milk.
The combination of fruit and coffee flavors proved to be a big hit. Sweet, tart apple paired nicely with bitter, robust espresso. Baristas liked making the intricate layered drinks with espresso topped by milk foam. And customers enjoyed the sweet indulgence of the apple macchiato as a breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up drink.
How Apple Macchiatos Are Made
Making an apple macchiato requires precision and some specific ingredients. Here is an overview of how this specialty drink is crafted:
- Begin by brewing a single or double shot of espresso. Typically 1-2 ounces.
- Add apple syrup to the espresso. Around 1-2 pumps or teaspoons is standard.
- Give the espresso and syrup a quick stir to incorporate.
- Foam milk using a steam wand or milk frother. Aim for thick, microfoam texture.
- Pour the foamed milk over the espresso, just like a traditional macchiato.
- Top with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
The espresso is the base of the drink, providing its intense coffee flavor. Apple syrup infuses tart, fruity sweetness. Foamed milk gives the macchiato its signature light, frothy topping. Spices like cinnamon complement both the apple and coffee notes.
Espresso
High-quality espresso is essential for any macchiato. The espresso shot should be intense and concentrated, without any bitterness. Typically a single or double shot is used. Pulling the espresso shot directly into the glass or cup you’ll be building the macchiato in helps retain heat.
Apple Syrup
Apple syrup provides the defining apple flavor in an apple macchiato. You can find specialty coffee syrups at cafe supply stores or online. Home baristas can make their own by reducing apple cider or pureeing apples cooked with sugar and spices. Add 1-2 pumps or teaspoons of apple syrup per drink.
Foamed Milk
Foam is the hallmark of any macchiato. Use fresh cold milk and a steam wand or milk frother to create a light, airy microfoam texture. The foam should pour over the espresso like a cloud. Take care not to incorporate too much air to prevent large bubbles from forming.
Customizations
Apple macchiatos can be customized based on your tastes. Options include:
- Single or double shot of espresso
- Whole milk, low-fat milk, non-dairy milks
- Less or extra pumps of apple syrup
- Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice
- Whipped cream topping
- Caramel or chocolate drizzle
Apple Macchiato Ingredients
These are the main ingredients that go into making an apple macchiato:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso | 1-2 shots | Freshly brewed espresso |
| Apple syrup | 1-2 pumps or tsp | Sweet apple-flavored syrup |
| Milk | 2-4 oz | Foamed into microfoam texture |
| Spices (optional) | Dash of cinnamon | Cinnamon, nutmeg, etc. |
You can tweak the amount of espresso and syrup to your preferences. The milk foam and spices on top are what give it the distinctive macchiato look.
Apple Macchiato Nutrition Information
The nutrition facts for an apple macchiato will vary depending on the exact ingredients and amounts used. However, here are some general nutrition estimates based on standard recipes:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90-150 |
| Fat | 2-6g |
| Saturated Fat | 1-3g |
| Carbohydrates | 12-24g |
| Sugar | 12-18g |
| Protein | 2-5g |
| Caffeine | 75-150mg |
A few things to note:
- Calories and fat will depend on whether whole or low-fat milk is used.
- Carbohydrates and sugar mainly come from the apple syrup and milk.
- Caffeine levels depend on if a single or double shot of espresso is used.
- Provides some protein from the milk.
Overall, expect an apple macchiato to have around 100 calories and 15 grams of sugar per 8 ounce serving. The apple syrup adds sweetness, but it packs less sugar than many coffee drinks with pumps of flavored syrups or chocolate.
Where to Find Apple Macchiatos on Coffee Shop Menus
The apple macchiato rose to popularity on the menus at larger cafe chains like Starbucks and Peet’s Coffee. But you can also find great versions at local independent coffee shops.
Starbucks
Starbucks featured an Apple Macchiato as a limited edition fall drink in 2019. It combined espresso, apple syrup, and spiced whipped cream. This drink put apple macchiatos on the map and increased demand. While no longer officially on the menu, you can still customize a similar version at Starbucks locations.
Peet’s Coffee
Peet’s Coffee offers an Apple Cinnamon Macchiato. It’s made with freshly pulled espresso, apple syrup, steamed milk, and cinnamon. The cinnamon adds warmth that complements the apple flavors. Peet’s apple macchiato is available hot or iced.
Independent Coffee Shops
Many local coffee shops and cafes now offer their own unique apple macchiato versions. Independent shops are great spots to find apple macchiatos made with housemade apple syrups and specialty espresso blends. Some shops even make apple-pie spiced syrups for these drinks.
DIY
You can also make apple macchiatos at home with some basic equipment. A home espresso machine or moka pot along with a milk frother will let you whip up these at home. Use fresh apples and simmer with sugar and spices to infuse homemade syrup.
Tips for Ordering an Apple Macchiato
Here are some useful tips for ordering an apple macchiato at a coffee shop or making your own at home:
- Specify single or double shot of espresso based on your caffeine preference
- Request light, normal, or extra pumps of apple syrup to control sweetness
- Ask for dairy or non-dairy milk options like oat or almond milk
- Spices like cinnamon complement the apple flavor
- Whipped cream tops off the drink with a signature cakey layer
- Substitute chocolate sauce if you prefer a mocha flavor
- Customize with caramel drizzle for a caramel apple taste
Part of the fun of specialty cafe drinks is customizing to your ideal flavor, sweetness, and dietary preferences. An apple macchiato has lots of possibilities for personalization.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Apple Macchiatos
While most apple macchiatos stick to the standard recipe, creative variations put unique spins on this drink. Here are some fun flavor ideas to try:
Apple Pie Macchiato
Add apple pie spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to the syrup or milk foam. Top with whipped cream and caramel drizzle for an apple pie in a glass effect.
Caramel Apple Macchiato
Swirl caramel sauce into the espresso and milk for buttery caramel undertones. Top with caramel drizzle for a sweet caramel apple macchiato.
Harvest Apple Macchiato
Along with apple, add pumpkin pie spice mix into the syrup or foam. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle of spice for a harvest apple flavor.
Apple Crisp Macchiato
Rim the glass with brown sugar or crumbled graham crackers. Add touches of cinnamon to the espresso and foam for crispy apple crisp flavors.
Green Apple Macchiato
Use sour green apple syrup instead of regular apple syrup. Add lime zest to the milk foam for tangy green apple candy flavors.
Conclusion
With its sweet apple flavors, velvety steamed milk, and rich espresso base, the apple macchiato has become a favorite seasonal coffee drink. It provides the indulgence of an apple dessert beverage in convenient coffee shop form. Part of the fun is customizing your ideal apple macchiato with your choice of syrups, milk, and spices. Whether enjoyed first thing in the morning or as an afternoon treat, the apple macchiato’s balance of fruit and coffee is a winning combination.