Introduction
A cortado is a small but powerful espresso-based drink that has gained a lot of popularity among coffee lovers around the world. At its core, a cortado is made by combining equal parts espresso and lightly steamed milk. This simple balance allows the bold flavor of espresso to shine, while the milk gently softens its natural bitterness.
Unlike larger, milk-heavy drinks like lattes or cappuccinos, a cortado is compact and quick to enjoy. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and elegance, making it a favorite choice for those who want a coffee that is smooth, balanced, and easy to drink without being overwhelming. In this article, we’ll explore the origins, preparation, flavor, and variations of the cortado, helping you understand why it has captured the attention of coffee enthusiasts everywhere.
The Origins of the Cortado
The cortado has its roots in Spain, where the word “cortar” means “to cut.” In this context, the milk in a cortado is intended to “cut” the sharpness of espresso, softening the acidity and creating a smoother taste without masking the coffee’s strong character.
Historically, the cortado became popular in Spanish cafés as a simple, approachable way to enjoy espresso. While espresso on its own can be intense, adding a small amount of warm milk made it more balanced for daily consumption. Over time, the drink spread beyond Spain, gaining recognition in coffee cultures across Europe, the Americas, and eventually worldwide. Its concise size and balanced flavor profile have made it especially appealing in modern specialty coffee shops.
Understanding the Cortado Ratio and Size
A key feature of the cortado is its 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk. Typically, this involves a double shot of espresso, about 2 ounces, paired with an equal amount of lightly steamed milk. The total drink size is usually around 4 ounces, making it smaller than a latte or cappuccino but larger than a traditional espresso shot.
This equal ratio is essential to the cortado’s unique taste. Too much milk can overpower the espresso, turning the drink into a latte, while too little milk would fail to soften the espresso’s acidity. The small size also means it’s often served in a Gibraltar glass or other clear, small glass tumbler, allowing drinkers to appreciate the visual harmony of milk and coffee.
The Role of Milk in a Cortado
Milk in a cortado is lightly steamed, just enough to warm it without creating heavy foam. This approach is very different from drinks like cappuccinos, which rely on thick, frothy milk. In a cortado, the milk’s purpose is to complement the espresso, not dominate it.
The warmth and slight creaminess of the milk reduce the espresso’s natural sharpness, creating a smoother, more approachable drink. Compared to lattes or flat whites, which use more milk and microfoam for a creamier texture, the cortado remains espresso-forward. This balance between bold coffee and soft milk is what makes the cortado distinct and highly enjoyable for those who appreciate the espresso’s flavor.
Flavor Profile and What to Expect
A cortado offers a smooth, balanced flavor that emphasizes the espresso without overwhelming it with milk. When you sip a cortado, the first thing you’ll notice is the bold espresso taste, followed by the gentle creaminess of milk that softens the overall experience.
Aromatically, the cortado presents a rich coffee scent with subtle hints of roasted beans. The texture is silky and light, different from the thick, velvety feel of a latte or flat white. It’s ideal for mid-morning or afternoon enjoyment when you want a quick caffeine boost without a large, milky beverage. For many coffee enthusiasts, the cortado is the perfect balance of strong flavor and easy drinkability.
How a Cortado Differs from Other Espresso Drinks?
The cortado is often compared to other espresso-based beverages like macchiatos, flat whites, and lattes. Below is a table to make the differences clear:
| Drink | Coffee-to-Milk Ratio | Milk Texture | Flavor Profile | Typical Size |
| Cortado | 1:1 | Lightly steamed, minimal foam | Balanced, espresso-forward | 4 oz |
| Macchiato | Mostly espresso | Dollop of foam | Sharp, strong espresso flavor | 2-3 oz |
| Flat White | 1:2 or 1:3 | Velvety microfoam | Creamier, mild but smooth | 5-6 oz |
| Latte | 1:3 or 1:4 | Thick microfoam | Very milky, smooth, and mild | 8 oz or more |
As this table shows, the cortado stands out for its perfect balance between espresso and milk. Coffee lovers often prefer it when they want the richness of espresso without the large volume and extra milk of a latte or flat white. Its compact size also makes it a quick, satisfying option for those on the go.
Regional Variations Around the World
The cortado has inspired several regional variations, each reflecting local tastes and ingredients.
In Cuba, the cortadito is a sweeter version made with sweetened condensed milk or espresso whipped with sugar. It’s rich, creamy, and noticeably sweeter than the traditional Spanish cortado.
In the Canary Islands, the drink known as Leche y Leche layers condensed milk at the bottom, espresso in the middle, and steamed milk on top. This creates a visually striking drink with a complex, sweet flavor.
In Australia, the piccolo latte is similar to a cortado but often uses a ristretto shot and slightly more milk texture. It’s small, smooth, and espresso-forward, much like a traditional cortado but with local tweaks.
These variations show how the cortado adapts to different coffee cultures while keeping its core identity intact: a small, balanced, milk-softened espresso.
How to Order or Make the Perfect Cortado?
Ordering a cortado in a coffee shop is straightforward, but it’s helpful to know what to expect. Ask for a double shot of espresso with an equal amount of lightly steamed milk. You can also specify if you prefer a stronger or slightly milder espresso taste.
At home, making a cortado requires just a few simple steps. Start with a double shot of freshly brewed espresso. Steam or warm a small amount of milk without creating too much foam, then pour it over the espresso. Adjust the milk slightly if you want a creamier or more espresso-forward experience. Some coffee lovers like to experiment with different beans or milk types, but the essential balance of 1:1 espresso to milk is what makes a cortado authentic.
Conclusion
A cortado is a small coffee with a big impact. Its balance of espresso and lightly steamed milk creates a smooth, approachable drink that highlights the bold flavors of coffee without being overwhelming.
Whether you’re a seasoned coffee enthusiast or someone exploring espresso-based drinks for the first time, trying a cortado is a simple way to appreciate the elegance of well-prepared coffee. Its versatility, cultural history, and global appeal make it a staple in modern coffee culture, proving that sometimes the smallest drinks can leave the biggest impression.
FAQs
What is a cortado coffee?
A cortado is an espresso-based drink with equal parts espresso and lightly steamed milk, balancing strong coffee flavor with smooth creaminess.
How is a cortado different from a latte?
A cortado has much less milk (1:1 ratio) and minimal foam, making it stronger and more espresso-forward than the milk-heavy latte.
What size is a typical cortado?
Cortados are usually around 4 ounces, smaller than lattes or flat whites, and often served in a small glass.
Can I make a cortado at home?
Yes! Brew a double shot of espresso, lightly steam equal parts milk, pour together, and enjoy.
Are there sweet versions of cortado?
Yes, some regional variations like the Cuban cortadito use sweetened condensed milk for a richer, sweeter flavor.
