How to make a long macchiato

By , café venue manager and barista · Updated

A long macchiato, or long mac, is a double shot of espresso in a small glass with a dollop of milk foam on top. It is a strong, short drink and very popular in Australian cafés, especially Perth.

The quick recipe

  • Espresso: a double shot, 18g in and 36g out
  • Shot time: 25 to 30 seconds
  • Foam: a small dollop
  • Glass: about 120ml

The long macchiato calculator has the amounts and a shot timer.

Long mac or long mac topped up?

A long mac has just a dollop of foam. Ask for it topped up and the glass is filled with silky milk, which makes it smoother and a little milder. See how to make a long mac topped up.

Step by step

  1. Pull a double shot into a warm glass. See how to pull an espresso shot.
  2. Steam a little milk with a bit of foam.
  3. Add a dollop of foam to the middle of the crema.

How strong should it be?

Strength Recipe
Mild Single shot, 10ml full cream
Balanced Double shot, 20ml full cream
Strong Triple shot, 30ml full cream