Starbucks Hazelnut Macchiato Is for Mature Palates

Have you tried Starbucks’ newest creation, the Hazelnut Macchiato? It’s an espresso and milk base that’s “marked” with vanilla and hazelnut. At first sip, my initial thought was “mature.” Unlike it’s cousin, the Caramel Macchiato, the hazelnut variant is not overtly sweet, better suited for the wizened addicts. Because it’s not sickly sweet, the drink is a good break from all that sugary taste. Yet, according to the Starbucks app, both Macchiatos share the same 240 Calories with 32 grams of sugar so no nutritional savings to be had.

I made the macchiato mistake of getting the drink stirred, not layered so my drink looked like any other espresso signature drink. The hazelnut syrup marking was on the bottom of my cup, not the tasty-looking checkboard on top. Next time. And I have to try it iced.