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Have you ever craved a coffee that balances the boldness of espresso with just the right amount of creaminess? Enter the cortado coffee—a smooth, velvety espresso drink with Spanish origins.
Coffee lovers are always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to enjoy their favorite beverage. One such drink that has gained popularity among espresso enthusiasts is the cortado. Known for its smooth balance of bold espresso and velvety milk, the cortado is a must-try for those who appreciate a rich yet mild coffee experience.
What Is a Cortado Coffee?
A cortado is a Spanish-origin espresso-based coffee drink that consists of equal parts espresso and steamed milk. The name “cortado” comes from the Spanish word “cortar,” meaning “to cut,” as the milk is used to “cut” the acidity and intensity of the espresso.
Unlike lattes or cappuccinos, which contain more milk and foam, the cortado coffee maintains a stronger coffee flavor while offering a smoother texture.
How to Make Cortado Coffee
Ingredients
To make a cortado, you will need the following:
- 2 oz (60 ml) of espresso (double shot)
- 2 oz (60 ml) of steamed milk
Instructions
Making a cortado is simple yet requires precision to achieve the perfect balance. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious coffee at home:
- Prepare the espresso – Brew a double shot of espresso using an espresso machine or a strong coffee maker.
- Steam the milk – Heat the milk using a steam wand or stovetop, ensuring it reaches a warm but not boiling temperature, with minimal foam.
- Combine the espresso and milk – Pour the steamed milk over the espresso in a 1:1 ratio, gently mixing the two.
- Serve in a small glass – Traditionally, cortados are served in a small, 4-5 oz glass to maintain the right proportion.
How Is a Cortado Different from Other Espresso Drinks?
Espresso-based drinks vary in milk content, texture, and flavor balance. Here’s how the cortado compares to other popular coffee options:
- Cappuccino – A cappuccino consists of a shot of espresso, steamed milk, and a generous layer of foam. The foam gives it a light and airy texture, making it a frothier alternative to the cortado.
- Latte – Lattes have a much higher milk-to-espresso ratio, making them creamier and milder. They often come with a thin layer of foam, creating a smoother drinking experience.
- Macchiato – A macchiato is essentially an espresso “stained” with a small amount of milk, resulting in a stronger, more intense coffee flavor.
- Mocha – Mochas include chocolate syrup or cocoa powder mixed with espresso and steamed milk, creating a sweet and rich coffee experience.
- Flat White – Similar to a latte but with a smaller serving size and a microfoam texture, the flat white delivers a silky mouthfeel with a slightly stronger coffee flavor than a latte.
Cortado vs. Flat White
While both cortado coffee and flat white are espresso-based drinks that contain milk, they differ in key aspects:
- Milk Texture – A cortado uses steamed milk with little to no foam, while a flat white has a velvety microfoam that creates a creamier texture.
- Milk-to-Espresso Ratio – The cortado has a 1:1 ratio of milk to espresso, whereas a flat white contains more milk, often a 2:1 ratio.
- Strength – Since a flat white has more milk, it has a milder taste compared to a cortado, which retains a more pronounced espresso flavor.
- Serving Size – A cortado is typically served in a small glass (4-5 oz), whereas a flat white is usually served in a slightly larger cup (5-6 oz).
| Feature | Cortado | Flat White |
|---|---|---|
| Milk Texture | Steamed milk with little to no foam | Velvety microfoam |
| Milk-to-Espresso Ratio | 1:1 | 2:1 |
| Strength | Stronger espresso flavor | Milder taste due to more milk |
| Serving Size | 4-5 oz glass | 5-6 oz cup |
Why Should You Try a Cortado?
If you love espresso but find it too intense on its own, a cortado provides the perfect middle ground. The warm, velvety milk tones down the bitterness while allowing the rich flavors of the coffee to shine through. It’s also a great choice for those who prefer a less milky coffee without sacrificing the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ratio for a cortado?
A cortado follows a 1:1 ratio of espresso to steamed milk, ensuring a balanced flavor without overwhelming the espresso.
How are cortados made?
Cortados are made by pulling a double shot of espresso and adding an equal amount of steamed milk with little to no foam, creating a smooth and balanced coffee drink.
What makes a good cortado?
A good cortado maintains a perfect espresso-to-milk ratio, uses high-quality espresso beans, and features steamed milk with a velvety texture rather than excessive foam.
How do you make a cortado with milk?
To make a cortado with milk, steam the milk until warm but not frothy, then mix it with an equal amount of espresso to create a smooth, well-balanced drink.
Is cortado stronger than a latte?
Yes, a cortado is stronger than a latte because it contains less milk, allowing the espresso flavor to be more pronounced.
How many ml of milk are in a cortado?
A cortado typically contains around 60 ml (2 oz) of milk, matching the 60 ml (2 oz) of espresso for a balanced taste.
Conclusion
The cortado coffee is a fantastic coffee choice for anyone who appreciates the pure taste of espresso but wants a smoother drinking experience. Whether you’re making one at home or ordering it at your favorite café, this Spanish-inspired drink is sure to become a favorite. Next time you crave a perfectly balanced coffee, give the cortado a try!
Cortado Coffee
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the espresso – Brew a double shot of espresso using an espresso machine.
- Steam the milk – Heat milk to a warm temperature with minimal foam using a steam wand or stovetop.
- Combine the espresso and milk – Pour the steamed milk over the espresso in a 1:1 ratio.
- Serve – Use a small glass (4-5 oz) for an authentic cortado experience.
Notes
- Best Coffee Beans: Use high-quality, freshly ground espresso beans for the best flavor.
- Milk Choice: Whole milk provides the creamiest texture, but oat or almond milk can be used as dairy-free alternatives.
- Serving Suggestion: A cortado is best enjoyed in a small glass (4-5 oz) to maintain the perfect espresso-to-milk ratio.
- Customization: If you prefer a slightly milder taste, you can adjust the milk-to-espresso ratio to 1.5:1 instead of 1:1.
- Traditional Variations: In some regions, a cortado may include a splash of sweetened condensed milk for a touch of sweetness.