What drink is typically served with a single espresso shot topped with a dash of milk foam?

The drink that is characterized by a single espresso shot topped with a dash of milk foam is a macchiato. A macchiato, which translates to "stained" or "spotted" in Italian, traditionally consists of a shot of espresso that is "stained" or marked with a small amount of milk foam. This results in a drink that maintains the bold flavor of the espresso while adding a slight creaminess from the milk.

In contrast, a latte contains a greater proportion of steamed milk and is smoother and creamier than a macchiato, while a cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, making it frothier. An americano is made by diluting espresso with hot water, resulting in a different flavor profile and consistency altogether. Therefore, the macchiato's unique combination of a single shot of espresso and minimal foam makes it the correct choice for the description provided.