Iced Macchiato vs. Iced Latte (Explanation & Recipe)
Introduction
Have you ever wondered what the differences are between an iced macchiato and an iced latte? If you aren’t sure which to choose the next time you are in a cafe or you want to try making some fancy coffees at home, it’s important to understand this.
An iced latte is three parts milk and one part espresso, poured across ice. Iced lattes often have additional flavorings, too. A macchiato can vary depending on the cafe, but it is often two shots of espresso with a little steamed milk poured on top. The two drinks are very similar in most cases.
Iced Latte Compared With Iced Macchiato
Iced Latte
An iced latte is generally quite a standardized drink, and it usually consists of one part coffee to a ratio of three parts milk. The two ingredients are poured over ice to chill them, and they often have flavorings added to alter the overall taste of the coffee. It's also worth noting that iced lattes often contain low fat milk, rather than full fat.
Some cafes will also add more coffee to increase the strength of the latte, using two shots of espresso and two or three shots of milk. This alters the flavor significantly, but it does still amount to the same thing – an iced coffee that is not enormously strong.
Iced Macchiato
An iced macchiato is an odd form of the drink because macchiatos were traditionally served hot. Two shots of espresso would be brewed, and then the barista would add up to two teaspoons of full fat steamed milk to the cup. This milk would spread across the surface, marbling the color. Sometimes, the espresso is poured over the milk instead, but neither version is stirred.
This is what led to the name macchiato, which means “marked” or “spotted.” It also means that macchiatos were always served hot, with both the espresso and the milk being heated before being combined.
Turning this into a cold drink often undoes this “stained” look and, by many people’s standards, turns the macchiato into a different drink. This may be why many coffee shops vary so widely in what they call an iced macchiato. You will often find that a macchiato in a cafe is mostly made of chilled milk, with a couple of shots of espresso.
This has led to a lot of confusion, because this is essentially an iced latte too. If we compare how popular cafes make the two drinks, you’ll notice there is a lot of overlap. For example, Dunkin Donuts makes an iced macchiato by pouring two shots of espresso over milk and ice, and makes an iced latte by pouring a shot of espresso and milk over ice.
Similarly, Starbucks makes an iced latte by pouring two shots of espresso and milk over ice, and makes a caramel iced macchiato by pouring two shots of espresso over ice and milk and adding vanilla and caramel to it. Without the flavorings, this would essentially be the same drink.
Can You Combine Iced Lattes And Iced Macchiatos?
Starbucks has created an iced latte-macchiato, and it’s similar to both iced lattes and iced macchiatos. It involves pouring three shots of espresso over milk and ice – so it’s a bit stronger, but otherwise very similar. It doesn’t automatically have flavorings added, but you can request them.
How Do You Make Iced Macchiatos?
It’s easy to make iced macchiatos yourself if you fancy one on a hot summer day. You can alter the ratios to suit your tastes if you prefer, or remove the vanilla syrup and add another flavor of your choosing – or you can leave the flavors out entirely.
It only takes about 5 minutes to make this recipe, which serves 1 person.
Equipment You Need
You will require:
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A measuring spoon
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A tall drinking glass
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An espresso brewer
Ingredients Required
You’re going to need:
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Crushed ice
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1 or 2 teaspoons of milk (to taste)
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Vanilla syrup
Method
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Start by filling the glass with ice, leaving some space at the top so that you can add the liquids. It won’t need a lot of room, but you don’t want the glass to overflow.
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Brew the 2 shots of espresso and add them to the glass.
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Add the vanilla syrup and stir it well.
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Pour 1 or 2 teaspoons of milk over the espresso, and leave it unstirred to create the marbled effect that macchiatos are known for.
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Serve immediately.
How Do You Make Iced Lattes?
An iced latte is also easy to make yourself at home, and you can again leave the syrup flavoring out of it if you prefer. If you like vanilla, leave the syrup in and enjoy this slightly modified version of the drink.
Equipment You Need
You will require:
-
A measuring spoon
-
A tall drinking glass
-
An espresso brewer
Ingredients Required
You’re going to need:
-
Crushed ice
-
3 or 4 oz of milk (adjust to suit your preference)
-
1 or 2 shots of espresso (adjust to suit your preference)
-
Vanilla syrup
Method
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Start by filling the glass with ice, but again remember to leave enough space to add the milk and espresso. You will need more space for this recipe, as there is more milk in it. Make sure the glass won’t overflow when you add the milk.
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Brew the espresso and pour it over the ice.
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Pour in the 3 or 4 oz of milk.
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Add the vanilla syrup to taste and stir to combine all of the ingredients.
Which Drink Contains More Coffee?
As a rule of thumb, a macchiato tends to have more coffee in it than a latte, and it’s a stronger drink. This is only a generalization, however, as different cafes make the drinks in different ways. Often, both a macchiato and a latte will contain 2 shots of espresso.
If you want a strong drink, it is usually best to opt for a macchiato, or ask the barista to make your latte with 2 shots of espresso. If you go to Starbucks and order their iced latte-macchiato, you will get a full 3 shots of espresso, but few cafes serve this mixed drink.
If you are making the drinks yourself at home, you can make either stronger, and the recipes will still work fine.
How Do They Compare To Cappuccinos?
To add further confusion to the coffee debate, cappuccinos also have quite a lot in common with macchiatos and lattes. However, a cappuccino is made with equal ratios of steamed milk, espresso, and foam, whereas both macchiatos and lattes use unequal ratios.
A latte will usually contain less coffee than a cappuccino, and a macchiato will usually contain less milk. Of course, you are likely to see variations depending on where you get your drink from or how you make it at home, but typically, a cappuccino is milkier than a macchiato and stronger than a latte.
FAQs
Q: Should you stir an iced macchiato?
A: No, it’s best not to stir an iced macchiato. The point of a macchiato is to create a stained appearance by adding the milk to the top of the drink and not mixing it in. When you stir the milk in, you are almost making a latte, which is why the recipe above suggests adding the vanilla syrup and stirring it into the coffee before you add the milk.
Q: Should you stir an iced latte?
A: Yes, an iced latte is a mixed drink and it’s fine to stir it. Add the milk and then use a spoon to mix it into the coffee, along with any syrup that you wish to add.
Q: How strong should a macchiato be?
A: Macchiatos can vary in strength, but it is common to add two shots of espresso to them, and only a small amount of milk. Macchiatos will rarely have less than two shots of espresso.
Q: How strong should a latte be?
A: Lattes can also vary, but most contain only one shot of espresso, and three shots of milk. Some will have two shots of espresso, so remember to check with the cafe if you don’t like strong coffee.
Conclusion
Iced lattes and iced macchiatos have a lot in common, and if you are thinking of getting one, it’s worth checking how the cafe makes it. These drinks can vary quite a lot. Iced macchiatos in particular can cause confusion, and fewer cafes offer this drink – but it is available in some places and it is easy to make at home if you prefer.
The 10 Best Drinks You Can Get At Dutch Bros
If you live in one of the 11 states that they currently serve, you’ve probably seen one of the modern-looking blue and gray Dutch Bros. locations. Familiar customers certainly have their favorites, but someone who has never been can be intimidated by the expansive menu of brew options.
The best drinks to grab from Dutch Bros. are:
- Ninja
- Unicorn Blood
- Nitro-Infused Cold Brew
- Golden Eagle Vanilla and Caramel Breve with Caramel Drizzle
- Cocomo
- Annihilator Chocolate Macadamia Nut Breve
- Double Rainbro
- 911
- White Chocolate Chai Latte
- Electric Berry
In this article we dive into what's so enigmatic about the Dutch Bros. brand and explain why these 10 drinks are a favorite of many. Keep reading to find your new favorite drink or the confidence to finally roll up to that window and order for the first time..
A Bit About Dutch Bros.
While the business has a major following now, brothers Dane and Travis Boersma actually got their start back in 1992. They left their work in the dairy industry to start serving espresso on a push cart by the railroad tracks.
This not only gave them the chance to operate under their favorite tunes, but they finally had an opportunity to connect with and serve their community.
In 2002, the two (assisted by friends and family) opened their very first Dutch Bros. franchise location in Oregon. In the decades following, the business has boomed, and they now serve 11 states along the west coast, expanding as far as Texas and Oklahoma.
The company has hosted company-wide giveback programs since 2006, helping the community through initiatives like:
- Dutch Luv
- Drink One for Dane
- Buck for Kids
Whether you want variety with your drink options, you like supporting community-minded businesses, or you prefer quality coffee at a lower price, the Dutch Bros. story has your best interests in mind.
The Best Drinks from Dutch Bros.
While there is no official secret menu from Dutch Bros., you have countless opportunities to customize their base drinks to make sure they work for your palette.
These are the best options that you will find listed on their base level, and you can modify them as you see fit. From Rebel Sodas to Chai Lattes and everything in between, there is something here for everyone.
We’ve also linked the drink on the official Dutch Bros. site so you can check further into nutritional facts and similar products, so you’re fully armed to pull up and place your next favorite order.
Ninja
The Ninja falls in Dutch Bros. “frost” category, and it combines creme de menthe syrup with white chocolate syrup to create a rich mint and white chocolate drink.
This rich and refreshing combination is served topped with whipped cream, and a medium drink holds 730 calories and 127 grams of sugar.
Try it blended if you’re looking for a different consistency.
Unicorn Blood
Unicorn Blood is one of the tastiest specialty Rebel Sodas offered on the Dutch Bros. menu, and this is largely due to the decadent combination of:
- Strawberry syrup
- Almond syrup
- White chocolate sauce
- Sparkling soda water
While it’s traditionally topped with whipped cream, a splash of cream makes this iced drink that much sweeter. A medium hosts 320 calories and 62 grams of sugar, but you can also get the drink sugar-free or blended.
Nitro-Infused Cold Brew
Building on the already-popular cold brew offerings, the Nitro-Infused Cold Brew is a great choice for caffeine lovers who could do without the sugar. You get a smooth and creamy taste to provide day-long energy.
A medium Nitro Cold Brew has 20 calories and is sugar free. This is the perfect iced drink to get you by after a tiring morning or prep you for a heavy workload.
Golden Eagle Vanilla and Caramel Breve with Caramel Drizzle
The Golden Eagle is a Dutch Classic, and you haven’t witnessed it in all its glory without trying the Vanilla and Caramel Breve with Caramel Drizzle.
If the name didn’t tip you off, this is a caramel lover’s dream. This is an expert combination of:
- Espresso
- Half and half
- Vanilla syrup
- Caramel sauce
All of that comes topped with whipped cream and a tasteful caramel drizzle, all for 480 calories and 37 grams of sugar. While iced is the default, you can also try this hot or blended.
Cocomo
Who doesn’t want more coconut?
If you fall into that category, the Cocomo is perfect for you. This Coconut Mocha is commonly served as a blended freeze, but you can get it hot or iced as well.
Whatever works best to serve you one of the most indulgent drinks from Dutch Bros., but don’t forget the whipped cream topping.
The blended, being the most popular option, comes in on top with 730 calories and 100 grams of sugar.
Annihilator Chocolate Macadamia Nut Breve
Annihilator may be an intimidating name, but this Chocolate Macadamia Nut Breve proves that nuts and chocolate are the best of friends. This is another perfect blend of espresso, half and half, and chocolate macadamia nut syrup.
A medium Annihilator sits at 470 calories and 50 grams of sugar, and you can enjoy the drink hot, iced, or blended.
Double Rainbro
What’s better than a double rainbow? A Double Rainbro!
This may be the only tea on the list, but it’s also the only tea you need. You can enjoy it iced in the summer or hot in the colder months, ensuring you don’t need to take a break from the sweet relief of:
- Strawberry syrup
- Peach syrup
- Coconut syrup
The 180 calories and 42 grams of sugar in a medium aren’t show stopping, and this can serve as the rainbow on top for the gloomiest of days.
9-1-1
If you hear someone calling for a 9-1-1 at Dutch Bros., it’s pretty safe to assume they’re ordering this 6-Shot Irish Cream Breve.
This is a spin on the Dutch Classic breve, and it jams in six shots of espresso with half and half and Irish cream syrup to provide you with enough caffeine to pack a punch.
We recommend it blended (with a medium at 760 calories and 119 grams of sugar) to unlock the drink’s complete potential, but you can get it hot or iced as well.
White Chocolate Chai Latte
Like spiced chai? This White Chocolate Chai Latte should be right up your alley.
This sweeter take on chai brings together spiced chai tea, white chocolate sauce, and milk to offer you a drink to divulge in.
A medium iced chai comes at 380 calories and 63 grams of sugar, but you can also get the drink hot on cold weather days.
Electric Berry
The Electric Berry is another favorite soda from Dutch Bros., this time without the caffeine. The zapping taste comes from a perfect combination of:
- Lime syrup
- Blue raspberry syrup
- Sparkling water
While this is a soda, you should get the drink topped with whipped cream as a treat. A medium weighs in at 310 calories and 66 grams of sugar.
What Makes Dutch Bros. So Good
Dutch Bros. serves up the perfect blend of fantastic drinks and community-based thinking. While their endless possibilities, low prices, and customer service are enough reason to visit, you’ll be pleased to find an effort to connect with the local community.
Countless Customization Possibilities
The baseline for the Dutch Bros. menu is your first hint at the endless drink combinations available, offering you:
- Classic brews
- Cold brew
- Dutch Freeze
- Americano
- Rebel Energy
- Tea
- Smoothies
- Lemonade
- Dutch Soda
The list goes on from there to encompass chai, cocoa, and more. When you start to factor in all the flavored syrups, topping options, and even goodies like muffins, you won’t leave a Dutch Bros. empty handed.
Reasonable Prices Compared to Competition
It’s not easy to find quality drinks at a low price, but Dutch Bros. focuses on keeping prices low, and they’re often a steal compared to certain other coffee shop franchises.
It may come down to personal preference, but your wallet is bound to be happier when you frequent the blue and gray bricks.
Dutch Bros. Customer Service
Dutch Bros. customer service is so good that being greeted by a smile is memeable.
Whether you’re starting your day or you're looking for your favorite drink to boost your spirits, rolling away from the window is bound to leave you a bit brighter than before.
Dutch Bros. Focuses on Community
The company puts in an effort to leave a lasting impact on their communities, and they focus on sustainability, equity, and inclusion at their stores.
You’re likely to see initiatives like:
- Dutch Luv Day: $1 from every drink one day in February donated to local organizations fighting food insecurity
- Drink One for Dane: in honor of co-founder Dane Boersma; raises funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in hopes to find the cause and cure for ALS
- Buck for Kids Day: $1 from every drink one day in September donated to nonprofits that aim to create a brighter future for children in your community
You can find more information on Dutch Bros. community goals on their Impact page.