In making a hot macchiato, what should be done after steaming the milk?

After steaming the milk for a hot macchiato, the next step involves adding flavor or sugar to the milk in the pitcher. This is crucial because it ensures that the sweetener or flavoring is well integrated with the milk before it is combined with the espresso. By mixing the flavor or sugar directly into the milk, you enhance the overall taste of the drink and provide a consistent flavor throughout.

In preparing a macchiato, it's important to achieve a balance between the bold flavor of the espresso and the sweetness of the milk. This step prepares the milk to complement the espresso effectively, ensuring that the drink maintains the intended flavor profile.

The process of marking the cup or pouring the espresso immediately does not take priority immediately after steaming the milk, and adding whipped cream would not be traditional for a macchiato, which typically emphasizes the espresso and milk without additional toppings. It’s essential to focus on creating a well-balanced drink, and mixing flavoring at this stage is key to achieving that.