Final answer:
In coffee parlance, a macchiato is the drink where espresso shots are poured on top of milk, creating a layered effect. This contrasts with lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos where espresso is not layered on top of milk. The macchiato is marked by its strong espresso flavor that is most pronounced at first taste.
Step-by-step explanation:
The drink that typically has espresso shots poured on top of the milk, resulting in a layered drink, is the macchiato. In this coffee drink, the milk is steamed and frothed, and then the espresso is poured over it, which creates the layers. This is different from other coffee drinks where the espresso is added first or mixed in with the milk:
- A latte starts with espresso, followed by steamed milk, and then a small amount of foam.
- A cappuccino is equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.
- An Americano is made by pouring hot water over espresso shots, resulting in a diluted coffee.
The macchiato is distinct for its method of preparation which allows the espresso to rest on top for a brief moment before mixing in, creating a stronger flavor where the espresso is most pronounced at first taste. This ordering of ingredients is what gives the macchiato its name, which means 'stained' or 'spotted' in Italian, referring to the espresso marking the milk.