Which components are included in a Macchiato?

A Macchiato traditionally consists of espresso and a small amount of milk foam. The correct answer is that a Macchiato primarily includes espresso and milk foam. This beverage is designed to highlight the strong flavor of espresso while being slightly softened by the milk foam, which is added in a way that doesn't overpower the coffee.

While steam milk is often associated with various espresso drinks, in a classic Macchiato, the emphasis is purposely placed on the espresso and the milk foam, allowing for a more concentrated coffee experience. It’s important to distinguish this from other variations or drinks where more steamed milk is introduced, as those would not qualify as a traditional Macchiato.

The inclusion of sugar, cream, or other ingredients does not align with the quintessential preparation of a Macchiato, which maintains its integrity by keeping the espresso as the star component, complemented solely by the foam.