This easy Starbucks doppio macchiato copycat is a simple espresso drink you can make at home in just a few minutes. It uses only two ingredients: a double shot of espresso, a small spoonful of steamed milk, and a light scoop of airy milk foam.

A doppio macchiato is very close to a traditional espresso macchiato, but it is made with more espresso and a small amount of steamed milk. The word “doppio” means double, so this drink starts with two shots of espresso instead of one.
When many people think of Starbucks macchiatos, they picture sweeter, milkier drinks such as latte macchiatos. A doppio macchiato is different. It is much smaller, stronger, and more focused on the flavor of espresso. The steamed milk and foam soften the intensity without turning it into a latte.
If you enjoy bold coffee but do not want to drink straight espresso, this homemade doppio macchiato is a great choice. It has the deep, rich taste of espresso with just enough milk to add a smooth finish.

Why this is the best doppio macchiato
- It’s simple. This Starbucks doppio macchiato copycat uses only espresso and milk, so it is quick to prepare and easy to repeat whenever you want a café-style drink at home.
- It saves money. If you can make good espresso at home, there is no need to buy this drink every time you want one. A small amount of milk and two espresso shots are all you need.
- It highlights the espresso. This drink is ideal for anyone who enjoys the strong flavor of espresso but wants a little steamed milk and foam to balance the bitterness.
- It is not overly sweet or heavy. Unlike many larger coffeehouse drinks, this macchiato is not made with syrups or a large amount of milk. The flavor stays clean, bold, and espresso-forward.
Ingredients

- Espresso: Use high-quality espresso beans for the best flavor. Since this recipe has only two ingredients, the espresso is the main focus, and low-quality coffee will be easy to notice.
- Milk: Whole milk gives the drink a richer texture and usually froths more easily. However, 2% milk also works well if that is what you have available.
Instructions
Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Do not let it boil. Watch it closely, because a small amount of milk can scorch quickly. Once plenty of steam is rising from the milk, usually after about 2 to 3 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Pour the warm milk into a tall glass or frothing container. Use a handheld milk frother to froth the milk until it becomes light and foamy. The milk will naturally separate into two layers: steamed milk on the bottom and foam on top.

Brew two shots of espresso and pour them into a small espresso cup. Add one large spoonful of the steamed milk from the bottom layer. Then spoon a small scoop of bubbly milk foam on top. Serve the doppio macchiato immediately while the espresso is hot and the foam is fresh.
FAQ
A Starbucks-style doppio macchiato is similar to a traditional espresso macchiato, but it uses two shots of espresso. It also includes a small amount of steamed milk and a spoonful of milk foam on top.
“Doppio” means double in Italian. In coffee terms, it refers to two shots of espresso. A doppio macchiato is a small drink, but it has a strong espresso flavor because it contains a double shot.
A doppio is not a different type of coffee; it is made with espresso. The word doppio describes the number of espresso shots. A regular espresso macchiato usually has one shot, while a doppio macchiato has two.

Expert Tips
- This recipe makes extra milk. If you are making only one drink, you may have a little milk left over. It is difficult to heat a much smaller amount in a saucepan without burning it, so the recipe works especially well when making 2 or 3 macchiatos at once.
- Don’t burn the milk. Milk can scald quickly, especially in a small quantity. Stay near the stove and remove the pan as soon as you see steam rising. It should take only 2 to 3 minutes.
- Adjust the milk and foam to your taste. A classic doppio macchiato uses just a dollop of steamed milk and a spoonful of foam. If you prefer a softer espresso flavor, add a little more steamed milk or foam.
- Use freshly brewed espresso. This drink is best when the espresso is hot and freshly pulled. Prepare the milk first, then brew the espresso so everything comes together quickly.
📖 Recipe
Starbucks Doppio
5 from 4 reviews
- Author: Ali
- Total Time: 4 minutes
- Yield: 1 Macchiato 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy Starbucks doppio macchiato copycat is a bold, simple espresso drink made with a double shot of espresso, a small spoonful of steamed milk, and a light topping of milk foam. It is strong, smooth, and perfect when you want a quick coffeehouse-style drink at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 shots espresso
- 2 oz milk*
Instructions
- Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium to medium-high heat for about 2 to 3 minutes, until steam rises from the surface. Do not let the milk boil or scald.
- Remove the milk from the stove and pour it into a tall glass. Froth it with a handheld milk frother until it becomes light and increases in volume.
- Let the milk settle briefly. It will separate into steamed milk on the bottom and foam on the top.
- Brew two shots of espresso and pour them into a small cup. Add one large spoonful of steamed milk from underneath the foam.
- Spoon a small amount of milk foam over the espresso. Add more or less steamed milk and foam depending on your taste, keeping in mind that a true doppio macchiato uses only a small dollop of each.
- Serve immediately and enjoy while hot.
Notes
- This recipe makes extra milk. If you are preparing only one doppio macchiato, you may have a small amount of milk left over. Heating less milk than this in a saucepan can make it easier to burn.
- Don’t burn the milk. Watch the milk closely while heating. As soon as steam rises from the surface, remove it from the stove.
- Use the best espresso you can. Since this drink is small and espresso-forward, the quality of the espresso has a big effect on the final flavor.
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Coffees
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macchiato
- Calories: 23
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Sodium: 26mg
- Fat: 0.7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1.1g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
Other Macchiato Recipes
If you like this doppio macchiato, you may also enjoy other espresso macchiato-style drinks that use strong espresso with a small amount of milk or foam. The key is to keep the balance focused on the coffee rather than turning the drink into a full latte.