This is the drink everyone orders in movies and TV shows. It seems to be one of Starbucks more popular drinks. Yet, I've never had one.
I didn't even know what a macchiato was. (It's Italian for "stained - or marked - milk") But what I've learned is that with a macchiato the espresso is added to the milk (instead of the other way around - like when you add cream to your coffee.. this is like adding coffee to your cream). A macchiato also has much more foam than other espresso drinks like lattes.
So in this aspect it's a milkier beverage, but not super creamy.
I can see why this is a go to drink for many people. It has enough of a coffee flavor to give it some strength but not overpowering. And is has enough milk and foam to give it some sweetness, but not too syrupy. It falls nicely in the middle between an espresso and a white mocha.
The caramel part refers to the caramel drizzle on top of the foam. I was afraid this would make the drink too sweet, but it's actually not. The caramel isn't overpowering, giving it a little bit of buttery-ness to the drink.
The only downfall is that this drink has a little bit of a sugary aftertaste.
My conclusion - good. Mild and a little frothy. But not too sweet.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Espresso
Where else to start my journey into coffee than with the base of most coffee drinks - Espresso. And please, do not add an x in there. I cringe when I hear people call it eXpresso.
I've had this drink before, many times. I actually enjoy espresso by itself from time to time but usually with a biscotti dunked in it. For this experiment I went with no biscotti and a simple solo espresso. A quick internet search shows that espresso is defined as "a concentrated beverage brewed by forcing a small amount of nearly boiling water under pressure through finely ground coffee beans". In other words - a shot of coffee.
It's very tiny - comes in its own little cup (which is half the fun of ordering one!) and doesn't last long unless you are trying to savor it like I usually do. I generally have to be in the mood to order espresso alone. Like when I'm needing to really get that coffee flavor or just want a shot of caffeine but without all the extra liquid.
For those new to the coffee experience, espresso is VERY strong. You probably won't like it. It's basically super condensed black coffee so unless that appeals to you - try a lighter, sweeter drink first like a mocha.
My conclusion - Good for when I'm in the mood for something strong and small - but next time I'll get the biscotti with it.
I've had this drink before, many times. I actually enjoy espresso by itself from time to time but usually with a biscotti dunked in it. For this experiment I went with no biscotti and a simple solo espresso. A quick internet search shows that espresso is defined as "a concentrated beverage brewed by forcing a small amount of nearly boiling water under pressure through finely ground coffee beans". In other words - a shot of coffee.
It's very tiny - comes in its own little cup (which is half the fun of ordering one!) and doesn't last long unless you are trying to savor it like I usually do. I generally have to be in the mood to order espresso alone. Like when I'm needing to really get that coffee flavor or just want a shot of caffeine but without all the extra liquid.
For those new to the coffee experience, espresso is VERY strong. You probably won't like it. It's basically super condensed black coffee so unless that appeals to you - try a lighter, sweeter drink first like a mocha.
My conclusion - Good for when I'm in the mood for something strong and small - but next time I'll get the biscotti with it.
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