Layering a latte macchiato or a mocha

Latte macchiato is a popular drink in many parts of Europe. However, most traditional cafes in Croatia don't offer it, and might not even know how to make it. Instead, you could ask for a similar drink: bijela kava (white coffee).

Note the difference between latte macchiato (which is milk "stained" with coffee) and espresso macchiato (which is an espresso "stained" with milk). They are separate drinks, and you should never confuse them. If you order a macchiato, you'll get the latter.

However, unlike most drinks latte macchiato is usually presented as a layered drink, in a tall glass. Making one is easier than it seems. Latte macchiato is mostly about milk, so milk should be given a priority. Follow the instructions for cappuccino, but the milk goes in first and there should be more milk than foam.

Then you touch the top of the foam with spoon... and slowly, gently pour coffee over the back of the spoon. The coffee will get settled in the middle layer, between milk and foam.

If you're making a mocha, you can make it in four layers: put syrup in first, than milk (gently), and then coffee. If done right, you should get a four-layer drink.

Coffee is a sensory experience. A well-presented coffee can have a huge effect on someone's enjoyment of coffee.

Still, it usually tastes better when stirred. So I suggest you do that before drinking :)