Piccolo Coffee: How to Make This Smooth and Balanced Espresso Drink

For those who love the flavor of espresso but prefer something smoother and more balanced, the piccolo coffee is the perfect choice. Translating to “small” in Italian, a piccolo is essentially a single shot of espresso topped with warm, silky steamed milk… served in a small glass rather than a large cup.

Think of it as a lighter, more delicate version of a latte that still delivers the rich coffee flavor without the heaviness of a full milk-based drink.

Popular in Australia and now enjoyed in cafés worldwide, the piccolo coffee has become a favorite among those seeking the sweet spot between espresso intensity and milky smoothness.

It’s perfect for anyone who finds a macchiato too strong but a latte too large.

With only two simple ingredients, this drink is quick to prepare at home and requires no special tricks beyond a good espresso shot and properly steamed milk. In this guide, you’ll discover how to make a piccolo coffee, what makes it unique, and tips to ensure yours turns out café-quality every time.

Ingredients:

• 1 shot (30 ml) espresso
  
• 60–90 ml steamed milk
  

Step-by-Step Recipe:

1. Pull a single shot of espresso into a small 90–100 ml glass.
   
2. Steam milk until smooth and velvety, avoiding large bubbles.
   
3. Pour the steamed milk over the espresso, filling the glass.
   
4. Serve immediately without additional toppings.
   

What Makes Piccolo Coffee Special?

The piccolo coffee is special because it strikes the perfect balance between coffee and milk.

Unlike a latte, which can sometimes drown out the espresso, the piccolo ensures the coffee flavor shines through while still being mellowed by the creamy milk.

Served in a smaller glass, it’s quick to enjoy and less filling than larger milk-based drinks, making it a favorite for mid-morning or afternoon coffee breaks. Its elegance lies in simplicity and proportion.

Tips & Common Mistakes:

• Tip 1: Use freshly ground coffee beans for the richest espresso flavor.
  
• Tip 2: Steam milk until it has a velvety texture, aiming for microfoam rather than froth.
  
• Tip 3: Serve in a small glass (90–100 ml) for the authentic café experience.
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Overfilling with milk, which dilutes the espresso.
  
• Creating bubbly or overheated milk instead of smooth microfoam.
  
• Using too large a cup, which takes away from the “small but balanced” nature of the drink.
  

The Wrap-Up
The piccolo coffee proves that good things really do come in small sizes. With just espresso and milk, you can enjoy a perfectly balanced coffee drink at home. To make it easier, we’ve created a printable recipe card…your pocket-sized guide to this café favorite. Download it now and bring the charm of a piccolo coffee into your daily routine.