What is a Cortado?
A cortado, made of equal parts espresso and steamed milk, is a small but potent espresso beverage. Discover more about this popular drink and learn how to make one at home.
It’s a small (yet powerful) espresso beverage loved by both coffee connoisseurs and casual drinkers for its strong espresso flavor and creamy mouthfeel. Whether enjoyed quickly on the go or savored slowly while reading in the corner of a coffee shop, a cortado is always a delight. In this guide, we’ll explore everything about the cortado and show you how to make your own so you can enjoy this delicious drink anytime.
What is a Cortado?
The name “cortado: comes from the Spanish verb “cortar,” meaning “to cut,” referring to how the milk cuts the acidity of the espresso, creating a balanced and smooth flavor.
Unlike the frothy milk in a cappuccino, the milk in a cortado is steamed to a creamy consistency without much foam. This results in a strong coffee flavor complemented by a hint of creaminess. While the ratio of espresso to milk is typically 1:1, it can vary slightly based on personal preference and regional variations.
THE CORTADO
Cortados are often served in a Gilbraltar glass, a short, squat glass with a wide mouth and a capacity of around 4 to 5 ounces. This beverage has gained popularity in various coffee cultures worldwide, becoming a favorite for those who appreciate the boldness of espresso with a touch of milk.
The Origin Story
The cortado is believed to have originated in northern Spain and has become a popular coffee choice in Spanish-speaking countries. Though its exact history is unclear, it is considered a traditional Spanish coffee. Over time, the cortado gained international popularity.
What You Need to Make a Cortado
Ready to make your own cortado at home? Gather the following ingredients and equipment.
Cortado Ingredients
Cortados are extremely simple to make. All you need are the following ingredients:
Milk of choice
Medium or dark roast coffee
The key to making a great cortado is to always use high-quality ingredients. Use fresh milk and coffee to create a great-tasting cortado every time. The type of water you use can also have an effect on the taste of your cortado.
Cortado Equipment
You’ll need the following equipment in order to make your own cortado at home.
Coffee grinder
Espresso machine OR alternative espresso brewing equipment
Steam wand OR milk frothing equipment
Steaming pitcher
How to Make a Cortado with an Espresso Machine
Brew the Espresso:
Grind your coffee beans and brew two shots of espresso using an espresso machine. We recommend using a balanced medium or dark roast for a cortado since this is a very coffee-forward beverage.
Steam the Milk:
Pour four ounces of milk into your steaming pitcher (you’ll only pour about two ounces into your cortado glass). For a cortado, you won’t need to create foam so much as just steaming the milk thoroughly.
Pour and Enjoy:
Carefully pour the steamed milk into the espresso, maintaining an equal ratio of both. This will create a balanced blend of strong coffee and creamy milk. Cortados are meant to be enjoyed immediately to appreciate the perfect balance of flavors.
Small Glass, Big Flavor
Tiny, but mighty, the cortado is a delicious espresso beverage that’s a great addition to your cafe (or at-home barista station). We hope this guide gives you the confidence and knowledge to make your own cortado!