A cortado is a smooth and balanced espresso-based drink that blends equal parts espresso and steamed milk. Unlike a latte or cappuccino, a cortado keeps the boldness of espresso while softening its intensity with just enough milk to create a velvety texture. If you love strong coffee with a creamy touch, learning to make a cortado at home will give you a café-quality experience in every sip.
What is a Cortado?
The word “cortado” comes from Spanish, meaning “cut” or “diluted,” referring to how the milk “cuts” through the espresso’s intensity. It is a simple but elegant drink that allows the espresso’s rich flavors to shine while being mellowed by the milk. A cortado consists of one shot of espresso and an equal amount of steamed milk, typically in a 1:1 ratio. The drink is served in a small glass, usually 4 to 5 ounces, allowing for a perfectly balanced coffee-to-milk experience. Unlike other espresso-based drinks, a cortado does not have a thick layer of froth; instead, the milk is lightly textured to blend seamlessly with the espresso.
Why Choose a Cortado Over Other Espresso Drinks?
The main appeal of a cortado is its balanced flavor. Unlike a cappuccino, which has a thick layer of foam, or a latte, which contains more milk than coffee, a cortado retains the boldness of espresso while adding just enough milk for a smoother taste. The absence of excessive froth makes it a great choice for those who enjoy espresso but want it slightly mellowed. Because of its small size, a cortado is perfect for a quick yet satisfying coffee experience. It is also an excellent drink for those who find a straight espresso too strong but do not want a heavily milk-based coffee like a latte.
What You Need to Make a Cortado
To make a classic cortado, you will need freshly brewed espresso, whole milk or a milk alternative such as oat milk, a steam wand or milk frother, and a small glass cup (4–5 oz). While whole milk is traditionally used for cortados due to its creamy texture, other milk alternatives such as oat, almond, or soy milk can also work well. The key is to use milk that creates a smooth, velvety consistency rather than large, airy foam.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Cortado
Start by brewing a fresh shot of espresso using an espresso machine, Moka pot, or Aeropress. If you prefer a stronger cortado, you can use a double shot (2 oz) instead of a single shot. Heat an equal amount of milk to about 150°F (65°C). The milk should be steamed lightly to create a smooth microfoam but should not be overly frothy like a cappuccino. If using a steam wand, position it slightly below the surface of the milk for a velvety texture. If you don’t have a steam wand, heat the milk on the stove and whisk it until smooth.
Once the espresso is brewed, slowly pour the steamed milk over the espresso, maintaining the 1:1 ratio. The milk should blend smoothly without overpowering the coffee. A cortado is best served in a small glass cup, allowing you to appreciate the balance of milk and espresso. Serve it fresh and enjoy the full-bodied taste.
Cortado vs. Other Espresso Drinks
A cortado is often compared to other espresso drinks like a latte, cappuccino, and macchiato. While they all contain espresso and milk, the differences lie in their milk-to-coffee ratio and texture. A cortado consists of equal parts espresso and steamed milk, giving it a strong but smooth taste. A latte has more milk than espresso, making it much creamier and milder in flavor. A cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and a thick layer of foam, resulting in a frothier texture. A macchiato is essentially the opposite of a cortado, as it contains mostly espresso with just a dash of milk or milk foam.
Delicious Cortado Variations to Try
A cortado is already a perfect balance of bold coffee and smooth milk, but you can experiment with a few variations to suit your taste. Try a Vanilla Cortado by adding half a teaspoon of vanilla syrup for a lightly sweet twist. A Caramel Cortado can be made by drizzling caramel syrup into the milk before adding espresso for a rich, indulgent flavor. If you want a spiced twist, add a pinch of cinnamon to your cortado for a warm, aromatic experience. For a refreshing summer drink, you can make an Iced Cortado by brewing espresso over ice and then pouring in cold milk for a chilled version of this classic drink.
Pro Tips for the Best Cortado at Home
To achieve the perfect cortado, always use freshly ground coffee beans to ensure a bold, flavorful espresso. If you prefer a stronger taste, use less milk in your espresso-to-milk ratio. Choose whole milk or a high-quality barista-style oat milk for the best milk texture. If making a latte macchiato, pour the espresso slowly to achieve beautiful layers.
How to Serve and Enjoy a Cortado
A cortado is best enjoyed fresh and hot, served in a 4–5 oz glass cup rather than a standard coffee mug. This allows the drink’s bold espresso flavor to remain the focus while the milk provides a smooth texture. Many cafés serve cortados with a small glass of sparkling water on the side to cleanse the palate before sipping. If you want to pair it with food, a cortado goes wonderfully with a buttery croissant, biscotti, or a slice of almond cake.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Homemade Cortado!
A cortado is a simple yet elegant coffee drink that provides the perfect balance between espresso and milk. Unlike a latte, it preserves the boldness of coffee while making it smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you like it classic or with a sweet twist, mastering the cortado at home ensures a rich and satisfying coffee experience. If you enjoy coffee drinks that are not too milky but also not as strong as an espresso, a cortado might be your perfect go-to coffee.
Do you prefer your cortado hot or iced? Let me know in the comments! ☕😊