The Starbucks hazelnut macchiato is a delicious espresso beverage that combines espresso with hazelnut syrup and steamed milk. It has a rich, nutty flavor that is perfect for hazelnut lovers. But what exactly goes into this popular Starbucks drink? Here is a breakdown of the ingredients in a Starbucks hazelnut macchiato:
Espresso
The foundation of a hazelnut macchiato is freshly brewed espresso. Starbucks uses a blend of Latin American and East African coffees to create its signature espresso roast. The beans are finely ground and brewed using high-pressure extraction to produce a concentrated, robust coffee liquer. A solo hazelnut macchiato is made with one shot of espresso, while a double contains two shots.
Milk
After the espresso shots are pulled, steamed milk is added to the macchiato. Starbucks uses 2% low-fat milk for its lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. The milk is steamed using steam wands on the espresso machine, which heats and froths the milk to create a light, foamy texture. Approximately 1-2 ounces of steamed 2% milk is added to a solo hazelnut macchiato, while a double gets around 4 ounces of milk.
Hazelnut Syrup
What sets the hazelnut macchiato apart is the addition of hazelnut syrup. Starbucks uses a proprietary hazelnut syrup that contains sugar and natural and artificial hazelnut flavors. The exact amount can vary based on size and customization, but generally a solo hazelnut macchiato contains around 1-2 pumps of hazelnut syrup, while a double gets 2-3 pumps. The syrup provides a sweet, nutty taste that complements the espresso.
Whipped Cream
While whipped cream is optional, many customers choose to top their hazelnut macchiatos with a fluffy dollop of whipped cream. Starbucks uses vanilla-flavored whipped cream made with cream, vanilla syrup, and a nitrous oxide charger to aerate the cream. It adds a sweet, creamy finishing touch to the macchiato.
Drizzle
Some hazelnut macchiatos are finished with a drizzle of buttery caramel sauce crossing the whipped cream. Made from sweetened condensed milk and butter, the caramel sauce accentuates the sweet, nutty flavors.
Espresso Macchiato vs. Latte Macchiato
It’s easy to get confused between an espresso macchiato like the Starbucks hazelnut version and a latte macchiato. The main difference is the proportions of espresso and milk. An espresso macchiato contains mostly espresso with just a splash of milk, while a latte macchiato flips the ratio with more steamed milk and less espresso. At Starbucks, an espresso macchiato is around 3-5 ounces total, while a latte macchiato is 8-12 ounces.
Customizations
One of the best things about Starbucks is that you can customize your hazelnut macchiato in different ways:
- Size: Order it as a solo (single shot) or double (double shot).
- Milk: Substitute regular milk for non-dairy milks like soy, almond, or oat milk.
- Syrups: Add extra pumps of hazelnut or other flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon dolce.
- Toppings: Ask for extra whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or sprinkles.
- Temperature: Request it extra hot, kids temperature, or iced.
Nutrition Information
Starbucks hazelnut macchiatos are high in calories from added sugars and fat from the milk and cream. Here are the nutrition facts for a solo and double hazelnut macchiato with 2% milk and whipped cream:
| Size | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Sugar (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo (Short 8 oz) | 140 | 5 | 18 | 14 | 7 |
| Double (Tall 12 oz) | 190 | 7 | 25 | 20 | 9 |
As you can see, a solo hazelnut macchiato contains 140 calories while a double contains 190 calories. The majority of calories come from carbohydrates and added sugars. To cut down on calories and sugar, request less hazelnut syrup and regular milk instead of 2%. An iced version will be slightly lower in calories too since it contains less steamed milk.
Cost
At the time of writing in October 2022, here are the starting costs for Starbucks hazelnut macchiatos:
- Solo (Short 8 oz): $3.65 to $4.15 depending on location
- Double (Tall 12 oz): $4.15 to $4.65 depending on location
Extra customizations like additional syrups, non-dairy milk, or toppings will raise the price by $0.50 to $1.00. Ordering it iced instead of hot does not impact the price.
How to Order at Starbucks
Ordering a customized Starbucks hazelnut macchiato can sound complicated, but it’s easy once you know the lingo. Here are some examples of ordering a hazelnut macchiato:
- “I’d like a solo hazelnut macchiato.” (A short 8 oz drink with 1 shot of espresso)
- “Can I get a double hazelnut macchiato with an extra pump of hazelnut?” (A tall 12 oz with 2 shots and extra syrup)
- “May I have a hazelnut macchiato made with oat milk and no whipped cream?” (Non-dairy milk and no whipped topping)
- “Can I get an iced double hazelnut macchiato with caramel drizzle?” (A 12 oz iced version with caramel sauce)
You can also specify the number of pumps of syrup, the milk or espresso temperature, and any other customizations. The baristas will ask clarifying questions if they need any extra details.
Taste Profile
Here is a breakdown of the flavor profile of a Starbucks hazelnut macchiato:
- Espresso: Strong, slightly bitter, toasted
- Hazelnut: Rich, nutty, sweet
- Milk: Creamy, delicate body
- Whipped cream: Light, airy, vanilla sweetness
- Caramel drizzle: Buttery, burnt sugar
When combined in the hazelnut macchiato, these elements create a complex drink that is simultaneously strong and creamy sweet. The espresso provides an aromatic base, while the hazelnut adds candy-like flavors. The steamed milk lends comfort with its velvety texture. A touch of airy whipped cream and gooey caramel drizzle finish it off on a decadent high note.
When to Enjoy It
The Starbucks hazelnut macchiato is the perfect drink for:
- An afternoon pick-me-up – The combination of coffee and sweet flavors is ideal for combatting an energy slump.
- Dessert – It can replace an evening sweet thanks to the indulgent flavors.
- A special treat – Drizzled with caramel sauce and topped with extra whipped cream, it feels celebratory.
- Hazelnut lovers – Anyone who enjoys the taste of hazelnuts will love the spotlight on this flavor.
You can enjoy it hot or iced based on the weather and your personal preference. It makes a cozy hot drink for winter and a cooling iced beverage in summer.
Alternatives
If you want to switch up your Starbucks order but love hazelnut flavor, consider these alternatives:
- Hazelnut latte – More steamed milk makes this similar to a cappuccino.
- Hazelnut cappuccino – Frothy milk gives this more of a frothy cap.
- Iced hazelnut latte – Chilled milk and ice make a refreshing iced latte.
- Hazelnut frappuccino – A creamy, blended hazelnut coffee drink.
- Hot chocolate with hazelnut – For a mocha-hazelnut flavor.
You can also substitute the hazelnut syrup in any espresso drink for a customized flavor, like with vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon dolce syrup instead.
Conclusion
With its nutty sweetness paired with espresso, steamed milk, and a frothy finish, the Starbucks hazelnut macchiato is a delight for hazelnut aficionados. Its simple ingredients of espresso, milk, hazelnut syrup, and whipped cream combine into a comforting yet luxurious coffeehouse staple. Sipping this drink is a perfect way to treat yourself to a little indulgence in your day. So next time you visit Starbucks, consider ordering this popular beverage custom-crafted just for you.