Among the long list of coffee drinks, the "Cortado" holds a special place for coffee connoisseurs. This beverage represents a perfect balance between the power of espresso and the gentleness of milk. But what exactly is a Cortado, and what sets it apart from other similar drinks?
A Cortado is a Spanish-origin beverage made by combining equal parts espresso and steamed milk. Its name comes from the Spanish verb "cortar," meaning "to cut," because the milk beautifully "cuts" through the acidity and intensity of the espresso, transforming it into a smooth and balanced drink. The key ratio is 1:1, and due to its small volume, it's served in small glasses (typically 120-150 ml or 4-5 oz).
How to Make an Authentic Cortado (with an Espresso Machine)
Preparing a high-quality Cortado requires attention to detail. By following these steps, you can achieve an experience close to that of a professional café.
Prepare the Machine: Turn on your espresso machine and allow it to fully heat up. It's best to lock the portafilter in place so it warms up as well.
Grind and Dose the Coffee: Grind about 18-20 grams of high-quality coffee beans to a fine consistency (suitable for espresso). Freshly ground coffee is crucial for the final aroma.
Extract the Espresso: Dose the ground coffee into the portafilter and tamp it evenly. Extract a double shot of espresso (about 30-40 ml) over 25-30 seconds. A good espresso should have a thick, golden-brown crema.
Steam the Milk: Pour an equal amount of milk as your espresso (30-40 ml) into a pitcher. Position the steam wand to create a smooth, velvety texture (microfoam) without producing too much foam. The milk temperature should not exceed 65°C (150°F).
Combine: Pour the fresh espresso into a small, pre-warmed glass. Gently add the steamed milk in an equal amount to maintain the 1:1 ratio.
Making a Cortado at Home Without a Pro Machine
If you don't have an espresso machine, don't worry. You can make a similar drink with alternative methods:
With a Moka Pot: Brew a strong, concentrated coffee with a Moka pot. This is the closest substitute for espresso.
With a French Press: Use more coffee grounds than usual with a finer grind to achieve a more concentrated brew.
With Instant Coffee: Dissolve one teaspoon of instant coffee in 30 ml of hot water.
To prepare the milk, heat it on the stove or in the microwave and use a small handheld frother to create a soft texture. Then, combine the milk and coffee in equal parts.
Cortado Compared to Other Drinks
Understanding the differences between a Cortado and other beverages helps you choose better:
Cortado vs. Macchiato: A Macchiato is just espresso "stained" with a dollop or a few drops of milk foam, making it much stronger.
Cortado vs. Cappuccino: A Cappuccino has equal parts espresso, milk, and thick foam. Its texture is very airy, whereas a Cortado has almost no foam.
Cortado vs. Latte: A Latte contains a much larger volume of milk, resulting in a very milky and mild flavor. A Cortado is much smaller and stronger.
Cortado vs. Flat White: A Flat White is the closest drink to a Cortado but usually has slightly more milk (around a 1:2 ratio) and a slightly thicker layer of microfoam.
Nutritional Value and Extra Tips A Cortado made with whole milk contains about 30-40 kcal and is a good source of protein and calcium. Its caffeine content is equivalent to a shot of espresso (about 60-80 mg).
Customization: You can use plant-based milks (almond, oat) or sprinkle a little cocoa powder on top for decoration, although the classic version is served plain.
Proper Glassware: Using a small glass (around 4.5 oz) beautifully showcases the layers and the combination of coffee and milk.