Cortado: The Perfect Coffee Drink for Espresso Lovers
Heads up: This content is reader-supported, meaning we may earn a small commission if you click on some of our links.
Are you tired of the same old coffee order every day? Maybe it’s time to switch things up and try something new. Have you ever heard of a cortado? This delicious coffee drink is gaining popularity in cafes all over the world.
A cortado is an espresso-based drink made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk. The milk balances the espresso’s bitterness, making it a smoother, drinkable coffee.
Table of Contents
What is a Cortado?
Put simply, it’s a small, straightforward coffee beverage that’s recently gained popularity. But what exactly is a cortado?
A cortado is a coffee drink that originated in Spain. It combines one part espresso with an equal amount of steamed milk. The word “cortado” means “cut” in Spanish, which refers to the way the espresso is “cut” with the milk.
Unlike a latte or cappuccino, a cortado is a small drink, typically served in a 4-6 oz glass. The milk is steamed but not frothy or texturized like in many other espresso drinks. This results in a smooth and velvety texture that enhances the flavor of the espresso without overpowering it.
One of the critical characteristics of a cortado is its balance. The milk reduces the acidity of the espresso, making it less bitter and more drinkable. However, the milk is not used in large quantities to make the drink overly sweet or milky. Instead, the milk and espresso create a smooth and bold flavor profile.
Cortado Coffee Origins
Spain
Spain is the birthplace of cortado coffee. The drink is a staple in many cafes and restaurants throughout the country. It is typically served in a small glass and is enjoyed in the morning or afternoon as a pick-me-up.
In Spain, coffee is more than just a beverage; it’s a way of life. Spaniards take their coffee seriously, and the cortado is no exception.
Portugal
Portugal is another country where coffee culture is deeply ingrained. The Portuguese have their version of the cortado, called a “garoto.” Garoto means “little boy.” Some say it is called this because parents give this milder drink to their kids when first introducing them to coffee. This drink is made by adding a small amount of milk to a shot of espresso. It is similar to the cortado in that it is a small, strong coffee enjoyed throughout the day.
In both Spain and Portugal, coffee is a social activity. It’s not uncommon for people to meet up with friends or colleagues for a quick cortado or garoto during the day. Coffee is an integral part of the culture, and the cortado is a beloved drink that has stood the test of time.
Whether you’re in Spain, Portugal, or anywhere else, the cortado is a delicious and satisfying coffee drink that is sure to please. With its rich flavor and smooth texture, it’s no wonder why this drink has become so popular around the globe.
Cortado vs. Other Coffee Drinks
When it comes to coffee, there are many options out there. If you’re looking for something that’s not too strong but not too milky, a cortado might be just what you need. But how does it compare to other coffee drinks? Let’s take a look.
Cortado v Macchiato
A macchiato is a small espresso drink that’s “marked” with a small amount of milk foam. It’s smaller and more potent than a cortado, with a more pronounced espresso flavor. A macchiato might be the way to go if you want something with a bit more kick.
Cortado v Flat White
A flat white coffee is made with a ristretto espresso shot (a shorter shot made with less water) and steamed milk. Thanks to the concentrated ristretto shot, it’s similar to a latte but with less milk and more espresso flavor.
A flat white is creamier and more milk-forward, while a cortado has a more robust espresso flavor, as it is made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk. Flat whites are typically served in 6-8 ounces glasses.
A flat white might be the way to go if you’re looking for something more milky but with more espresso flavor than a latte.
Cortado v Latte
A latte is a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk. It’s like a flat white with more milk and a standard espresso shot(s). While a latte is creamier and more milk-forward, a cortado has a more robust espresso flavor.
Lattes are also larger than cortados, macchiatos, or flat whites. They are typically served in 8-10 ounce glasses.
How to Make a Cortado
If you’re a fan of espresso-based drinks, you’ll love a cortado. This Spanish coffee beverage combines an espresso shot with equal steamed milk. The result is a smooth, balanced drink perfect for any time of day. Here’s how to make a cortado at home.
Ingredients
To make a traditional cortado, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Espresso: You’ll need a double espresso for each.
- Hot Milk: You’ll need equal steamed milk as espresso. Whole milk works best, but you can use any milk you prefer.
Tools
- Espresso Machine or Moka Pot
- Scale
- Espresso Grinder
- Steaming Pitcher (and milk steamer if using a Moka Pot)
- Espresso Cups
Instructions
- Grind your coffee beans to a fine setting. If you’re using a new grinder, consult the user manual or check out a coffee grind size chart for recommended settings.
- Pull a double espresso shot using your preferred method. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a moka pot to make espresso-like coffee.
- Steam your milk until it reaches a temperature of about 150-155°F (65-68°C). Whole milk works best because it creates a creamy texture, but you can use any milk you prefer.
- Combine the espresso and steamed milk in a small cup. The ratio should be equal parts espresso and milk.
- Enjoy your cortado immediately while it’s still hot.
That’s it! Making a cortado is simple and easy, and it’s a great way to enjoy a delicious espresso-based drink at home.
Cortado Variations
If you’re a fan of Cortados, you might be interested in trying out some of the variations of this classic coffee drink. Here are a few popular variations to consider:
Gibraltar
The Gibraltar is a variation of the cortado that originated in San Francisco. It is made by pulling an espresso shot into a Gibraltar glass: a short, squat glass with a thick base.
The espresso is then topped with steamed milk, leaving a small space at the top of the glass. The result is a rich, creamy drink similar to a cortado but with a slightly different espresso-to-milk ratio.
Cortadito
The cortadito is a variation that is popular in Cuba. It is made by pulling a shot of espresso into a demitasse cup and adding a small amount of sugar to the espresso.
The sugar is stirred until it dissolves, and the espresso is topped with steamed milk. The result is a sweet, rich drink perfect for those who prefer their coffee on the sweeter side.
Leche y Leche
The Leche Y Leche is a variation of the popular cortado in Spain. It is made by pulling an espresso shot into a glass and then adding a small amount of condensed milk to the espresso.
The espresso and condensed milk are stirred together, and the mixture is topped with steamed milk. The result is a sweet, creamy drink perfect for those who prefer their coffee on the sweeter side.
Cortado Culture and Popularity
Cortado is a coffee drink gaining popularity worldwide, especially in North America. The drink originated in Spain, most likely Madrid, and has been a staple in Spanish coffee culture for decades. In Spain, cortado coffee is often enjoyed in the afternoon as a pick-me-up and a popular breakfast drink.
In the United States, the cortado has been embraced by coffee enthusiasts who appreciate its simplicity and balance of flavors. The drink is often served in smaller cups, typically 4-6 ounces, and is made with a shot of espresso mixed with an equal amount of steamed milk. The milk in a cortado is steamed but not frothy and is not texturized like in many Italian coffee drinks.
Part of the appeal of the cortado is its balance of sweetness and boldness. The proportion of espresso to milk plays a significant role in the drink’s appeal. Cortado coffee fans enjoy the boldness of espresso, but they especially appreciate the balanced sweetness that milk adds to the drink.
The popularity of the cortado can be attributed to the rise of specialty coffee shops and the desire for unique and artisanal coffee drinks. Many coffee shops now offer cortados on their menu, and some even specialize in them.
The drink has also gained popularity on social media, with the hashtag #dailycortado being used by coffee enthusiasts to share photos of a favorite cortado recipe or a cortado from a local coffee shop.
In addition to its popularity in the United States, the cortado has gained a following in other countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a cortado?
The number of calories in a cortado can vary depending on the type of milk used and the size of the drink. A traditional cortado with whole milk typically contains around 50-70 calories.
What is the difference between a latte and a cortado?
A latte is a coffee drink typically consisting of espresso, steamed milk, and a small foam layer. A cortado, on the other hand, is a coffee drink that is made of equal parts espresso and steamed milk. As a result, a cortado has a more robust coffee flavor than a latte.
Is a cortado the same as a Flat White?
No, a cortado is not the same as a Flat White. A cortado has a 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk, while a Flat White has a 1:3 ratio of espresso to milk. Additionally, a cortado is a more balanced drink, while a Flat White can have a less robust coffee flavor.
What is a cortado vs macchiato?
A cortado is a coffee drink of equal parts espresso and steamed milk. On the other hand, a macchiato is a coffee drink made of a shot of espresso “marked” with a small amount of milk foam on top. As a result, a cortado has a smoother and more balanced taste, while a macchiato has a bolder coffee flavor.
Where can I find a cortado near me?
Cafes and shops serving specialty coffee drinks will likely have cortados on their menu. You can also use online directories or search engines to find coffee shops that serve cortados near your location.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Heather Calatrello
Heather is the head coffee roaster and founder of ShedLight Coffee Roasters in San Diego, CA. Her solar-powered coffee roastery was recently the subject of a BlueDot Living dispatch, and she has repeatedly been featured in Food & Wine, Real Simple, Parade, and more.
