When it comes to coffee, two popular choices that often pique interest are the shaken espresso and the macchiato.
Each drink offers a unique flavor profile, preparation method, and experience, but how do they differ?
Quick Answer: What is the difference between a shaken espresso and a macchiato?
A shaken espresso is made by shaking espresso with ice and flavored syrup and is served cold. In contrast, a macchiato is two espresso shots “marked” with a small amount of steamed milk or foam, creating a bold and intense drink served hot.
In this article, it’s time to explore the key distinctions between shaken espresso and macchiato, including their flavor, caffeine content, calorie count, and more.
Ultimately, this will help you decide which one is the perfect fit for your coffee cravings. Let’s get started!
Shaken espresso vs. macchiato, how do they differ?
You now know the main difference between these drinks.
However, to get more in-depth about all of the differences, you can have a look at the overview below:
| Comparison: | Shaken espresso: | Macchiato: |
| Flavor notes | Intense, rich flavor | A strong coffee flavor and a sweet, creamy taste |
| Espresso? | Yes, three espresso shots | Yes, two espresso shots |
| Milk added? | Whole milk | Yes, 1 oz (30 ml) |
| Caffeine content | 204mg of caffeine | 136mg of caffeine |
| Number of calories | 76 calories | 17 calories |
| How is it served? | Served on ice | Served hot |
| Add-in used? | Simple syrup | No sweetener added |
As you can see, these delicious coffees have quite a few differences.
Let’s get into each of these differences in detail, starting with which is stronger:
Which of these coffees is stronger?
The macchiato is generally stronger in terms of flavor intensity than a shaken espresso.
This is because a macchiato consists of a double shot of espresso with just a small amount of milk foam, so the espresso flavor remains highly concentrated:
On the other hand, a shaken espresso is diluted by being shaken with ice and a sweet syrup, which mellows its intensity.
Even though the shaken espresso uses three espresso shots (compared to two in the macchiato), it will have a less robust taste.
In short, a macchiato has a stronger, more intense espresso flavor, while a shaken espresso is smoother and milder in taste.
What is the flavor difference between these drinks?
The flavor difference between a shaken espresso and a macchiato is due to their texture, temperature, and milk use.
A shaken espresso is made by shaking espresso with ice and syrup, creating a smoother, lighter taste with a hint of sweetness. After shaking the drink, you’ll also add milk.
The ice not only chills the drink but also slightly dilutes the espresso. Along with the added milk, it softens its natural bitterness and gives it a refreshing, frothy texture:
In contrast, a macchiato is a hot, bold coffee experience consisting of two espresso shots with just a small amount of milk foam.
This minimal milk adds a hint of creaminess while preserving the espresso’s intense, concentrated flavor.
Ultimately, the shaken espresso has a milder, smoother profile, while the macchiato delivers a stronger, richer coffee taste, emphasizing the espresso’s robust, roasted notes.
At which temperature are these drinks served?
A shaken espresso is served cold and poured over ice to enhance its smooth and refreshing qualities.
This makes it ideal for warmer days or when you’re in the mood for a chilled coffee.
Its cold temperature and frothy texture mellow out the espresso’s natural bitterness, offering a balanced and slightly sweet experience if syrups are added.
In contrast, a macchiato is served hot, preserving the full intensity of the espresso.
The small amount of steamed milk or foam doesn’t cool the drink, so you get a concentrated, robust coffee flavor with a touch of creaminess.
This hot preparation highlights the depth and boldness of the espresso, making it a popular choice for those seeking a rich, traditional coffee experience.
So, while the shaken espresso is a light, cool drink, the hot macchiato delivers a bold, intense sip focused on pure espresso flavor.
How much caffeine is in a shaken espresso vs. macchiato?
A shaken espresso typically contains about 204mg of caffeine, making it a robust option for those seeking a strong coffee boost.
This higher caffeine content is due to the larger volume of espresso used in the drink, often consisting of three shots:
In contrast, a macchiato has around 136mg of caffeine, which is lower because it usually consists of just two espresso shots.
This makes the shaken espresso a more robust choice regarding caffeine content, while the macchiato provides a more concentrated espresso flavor with less caffeine overall.
What is the calorie difference between these drinks?
The calorie difference between a shaken espresso and a macchiato is quite significant.
A shaken espresso typically contains about 76 calories, primarily due to the addition of milk and any sweeteners or flavor syrups that are often included in the drink.
In contrast, a macchiato has only about 17 calories, as it consists mainly of espresso with just a small amount of milk foam, which contributes very few calories.
This stark difference makes the macchiato a much lighter option for those watching their calorie intake, while the shaken espresso offers a richer, more indulgent choice.
Which is better, a shaken espresso or a macchiato?
Deciding whether a shaken espresso or a macchiato is better depends on personal preferences, as each drink offers a distinct experience.
If you’re unsure which would fit you the best, I recommend the following:
- If you prefer a smoother, colder coffee with a touch of sweetness and a refreshing quality, a shaken espresso might be the better choice for you.
- On the other hand, if you favor a bold, concentrated coffee flavor with minimal dilution, a macchiato would likely suit your taste.
Ultimately, the “better” option depends on your taste preferences and whether you want a chilled or hot beverage.
Trying both can help you determine which one you enjoy more!
I prefer drinking a macchiato because of its more robust espresso flavor.
However, a shaken espresso on a hot day is the perfect way to cool down and give me that caffeine boost.
Related coffee comparison articles
Are you wondering how the shaken espresso and macchiato compare to other coffees?
Great! Check out the articles below for more in-depth coffee comparisons:
- Shaken Espresso vs. Latte
- Flat White vs. Macchiato
- Macchiato vs. Cortado
- Macchiato vs. Piccolo
- Macchiato vs. Mocha
And to compare more coffees, visit the coffee comparison hub!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the shaken espresso and macchiato offer unique coffee experiences tailored to different preferences.
A shaken espresso is a refreshing, frothy drink that combines bold espresso with a chilled texture. It is perfect for those who enjoy sweeter coffee.
In contrast, the macchiato delivers a rich, concentrated flavor that highlights the essence of espresso with just a touch of creaminess.
Ultimately, choosing between these two beverages comes down to personal taste, so why not try both to see which one you prefer?
