A cortado is a simple yet elegant coffee drink that offers the perfect balance between espresso and milk. Unlike lattes or cappuccinos, a cortado contains equal parts espresso and steamed milk, creating a smooth and velvety texture without overpowering the coffee’s natural flavor.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make an authentic cortado at home, along with expert tips on getting the perfect espresso-to-milk ratio.
1. What Is a Cortado?
✔ A Spanish-origin coffee drink that means “cut” in Spanish, referring to how the milk “cuts” the espresso’s intensity.
✔ Balanced ratio of 1:1 (equal parts espresso and steamed milk).
✔ Has no milk foam, making it smoother and less frothy than a cappuccino.
💡 Difference from a Latte: A cortado has less milk and no froth, allowing the espresso flavor to shine through.
2. Ingredients Needed
✔ 1 double shot of espresso (about 2 oz / 60ml)
✔ 2 oz (60ml) steamed milk (whole milk is best for texture)
✔ Small glass cup (traditionally 4–5 oz in size)
💡 Best Coffee Beans: Use medium to dark roast espresso beans for a rich, balanced cortado.
3. How to Make a Cortado at Home
Step 1: Brew the Espresso
✔ Use an espresso machine, Moka pot, or AeroPress to make a double shot of espresso.
💡 Best Tip: A cortado works best with bold, smooth espresso—avoid light roasts.
Step 2: Steam the Milk
✔ Heat 2 oz (60ml) of milk to about 130–140°F (55–60°C).
✔ The milk should be steamed but not frothy—avoid making thick foam.
💡 Best Milk Option: Whole milk creates a creamy texture, but oat milk is a great alternative.
Step 3: Assemble the Cortado
✔ Pour the steamed milk directly into the espresso in a small glass cup.
✔ Stir gently if needed, but avoid foam on top.
💡 Classic Cortado Tip: Serve in a 4–5 oz glass cup for an authentic experience.
4. Variations of the Cortado
✔ Gibraltar Coffee – A cortado served in a Gibraltar glass (common in U.S. specialty cafés).
✔ Leche y Leche – A Spanish version with condensed milk for extra sweetness.
✔ Cortado Condensada – A cortado made with sweetened condensed milk instead of regular milk.
💡 Try This: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder for extra flavor.
5. Cortado vs. Other Espresso Drinks
| Drink | Espresso Amount | Milk Amount | Foam? | Taste |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cortado | 2 oz | 2 oz | No | Balanced |
| Latte | 1–2 oz | 6–10 oz | Yes | Creamy, mild |
| Cappuccino | 2 oz | 2 oz | Thick foam | Strong, foamy |
| Macchiato | 2 oz | A splash | Very little | Bold, strong |
💡 Best Choice for Espresso Lovers: A cortado keeps the rich espresso flavor while making it smoother with milk.
Conclusion
A cortado is the perfect drink for those who enjoy a well-balanced, smooth espresso with a touch of milk. With equal parts espresso and steamed milk, it offers a rich coffee experience without excessive foam or dilution.