What is Cortado Coffee?

Picture this: you’re at your favorite coffee shop, and the menu is filled with options—latte, cappuccino, Americano—but what’s that intriguing drink called a Cortado? It’s not as well-known as others, but trust us, it’s worth exploring!

This blog post is your one-stop shop for answering the question, “What is Cortado coffee?” We’ll uncover its fascinating origins, delve into its unique taste, and even show you how to make one at home, whether you have an espresso machine or not. Get ready to discover your new favorite coffee companion!

What is Cortado Coffee? 

A Cortado coffee is a delightful drink known for its perfect harmony of strong espresso and smooth steamed milk. What makes it unique is the 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk, resulting in a rich, balanced, bold, and comforting flavor.

The name “Cortado” comes from the Spanish verb “cortar,” meaning “to cut.” This refers to the milk’s role in “cutting” the intensity of the espresso, making it less acidic and more palatable. Think of it as a way to tame the espresso’s wild side while letting its unique characteristics shine through!

Cortado coffee originated in the Basque Country of Spain, likely during the 20th century. From there, it spread to Portugal and Latin America, becoming a beloved afternoon treat. The Cortado has gained global recognition in recent years, making its way into coffee shops worldwide. Different cultures have embraced and adopted the Cortado, with variations like the Cuban “Cortadito” adding sweetness with condensed milk.

How does Cortado Coffee Taste?

More than just a caffeine fix, Cortado coffee is a sensory experience that engages your taste buds, nose, and even your eyes. It’s a harmonious blend of robust espresso and smooth, creamy steamed milk, creating a bold and comforting flavor profile.

Aroma: Even before you take your first sip, the aroma of a Cortado will draw you in. The rich, earthy scent of espresso mingles with the subtle sweetness of steamed milk, creating an inviting and comforting fragrance.

Visual Appeal: Served in a small glass—often a Gibraltar glass or a traditional Cortado glass with a metal ring base and handle—the Cortado has a distinctive visual appeal. The layering of dark espresso and light, creamy milk creates a beautiful contrast that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Mouthfeel: The Cortado’s texture is key to its appeal. With its microfoam rather than thick froth, the lightly steamed milk blends seamlessly with the espresso, creating a silky smooth and velvety mouthfeel. The espresso’s natural oils enhance the beverage’s richness, leaving a satisfyingly smooth coating on your tongue.

Serving Temperature: The temperature at which you enjoy your Cortado can significantly impact its taste and texture. Too hot, and the espresso’s bitterness might dominate, masking the milk’s sweetness. Too cold, and the drink might lose its velvety smoothness. The ideal temperature for a Cortado is warm enough to release the espresso’s aromatic compounds but cool enough to savor the milk’s sweetness and smooth texture. This delicate balance ensures that all the elements of the Cortado come together in perfect harmony.

How Is Cortado Coffee Made?

Ready to become a Cortado coffee connoisseur? Let’s dive into the art of making this delicious drink. You might be surprised how simple it is to craft a café-quality Cortado in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• Freshly roasted coffee beans: Medium to dark roasts work best, bringing out the rich, bold flavors that complement the milk.
• Filtered water: Filtered water ensures a cleaner taste and prevents mineral buildup in your espresso machine.
• Whole milk or preferred milk alternative: Whole milk is traditional, offering a creamy texture and subtle sweetness. Feel free to experiment with other options like oat or almond milk, but opt for barista-style versions that steam well.

Equipment:

• Espresso machine: Essential for brewing a true Cortado.
• Grinder: Freshly ground beans are key to optimal flavor.
• Milk steaming wand (or alternative methods): Used to create the essential microfoam. A handheld frother or a vigorously shaken jar can work in a pinch if you don’t have a steam wand.
• 4-6 oz serving glass: A Gibraltar or traditional Cortado glass is ideal.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Grind the coffee beans to a medium-fine consistency. This grind size allows for proper extraction without being too delicate or coarse.
2. Pull a double shot of espresso using the espresso machine. This will be the foundation of your Cortado.
3. Steam the milk to a microfoam consistency, avoiding excessive frothing. Aim for a velvety texture with fantastic bubbles.
4. Gently pour the steamed milk over the espresso, aiming for a layered effect. This creates the visually appealing contrast that’s characteristic of a Cortado.

Expert Tips:

• Freshness is key: For the best flavor, use freshly roasted coffee beans and fresh milk. Coffee beans lose flavor and aroma over time, and fresh milk adds a sweeter, creamier taste.
• Coffee bean selection: Experiment with different coffee bean types and roasts to find your perfect match. Arabica beans are known for their sweetness and delicate flavors. Robusta beans have a bolder taste and higher caffeine content. Single-origin beans offer unique flavor profiles based on their geographic origin.
• Grind size and tamping pressure: Adjusting these factors can influence the extraction process. A finer grind requires less tamping pressure, while a coarser grind needs more pressure. Experiment to find the sweet spot for your beans and espresso machine.
• Troubleshooting: Try a coarser grind or less tamping pressure if your espresso is over-extracted (bitter). If your milk isn’t steaming correctly, make sure the steam wand is submerged just below the surface of the milk and that you’re creating a gentle whirlpool.

Types of Cortado Coffee

The Cortado, while having a distinct identity, has spawned a family of variations across the globe. These delightful adaptations reflect regional tastes and cultural preferences, adding a unique twist to the classic Cortado recipe. Let’s explore some of the most prominent variations:

Gibraltar

The Gibraltar, a beloved Cortado variation, originated in San Francisco and gets its name from the 4.5-oz Libbey Gibraltar glass it’s traditionally served in. At the same time, essentially a Cortado, the Gibraltar’s identity is closely tied to its specific serving vessel. In some coffee shops, particularly on the United States West Coast, the terms “Cortado” and “Gibraltar” are used interchangeably.

Cortadito

Journey to Cuba, and you’ll encounter the Cortadito, a sweeter and more intense take on the traditional Cortado. This Cuban variation features a key ingredient: sugar, added to the espresso as it brews, resulting in a sweeter and more syrupy base. Some Cortadito recipes even call for replacing regular milk with sweetened condensed milk, creating a decadent treat.

Cortado Condensada

For those who crave extra richness and sweetness, the Cortado Condensada is a must-try. This Spanish variation swaps out regular milk for condensed milk, resulting in a thicker, sweeter, and more indulgent Cortado experience. The condensed milk adds a luscious creaminess and a hint of caramel flavor that beautifully complements the bold espresso.

Piccolo

Hailing from Australia, the Piccolo is a smaller, more concentrated version of the Cortado. It typically features a ristretto shot—a short, concentrated espresso shot topped with steamed milk. While similar in concept to the Cortado, Piccolo’s use of a ristretto shot and its smaller serving size create a more intense and robust flavor profile.

These are just a few examples of how the Cortado has been embraced and reimagined worldwide. Each variation offers a unique taste experience while staying true to the essence of this beloved espresso drink. So, the next time you’re craving a Cortado, consider venturing beyond the traditional and exploring these fascinating adaptations. You might discover your new favorite coffee companion!

Cortado vs Macchiato vs. flat White vs. latte

Cortado coffee stands out from other popular espresso-based drinks due to its unique balance of espresso and steamed milk. It’s not as milky as a latte nor as intense as a macchiato, making it an exceptional experience for coffee lovers. Here’s how it compares to some standard espresso drinks:

Feature	Cortado	Macchiato	Flat White	Latte
Milk to Espresso Ratio	1:1	1: <0.1	Approximately 1:2	1:3 to 1:5
Milk Texture	Lightly steamed, microfoam	Spot of frothed milk	Textured milk, microfoam	Steamed milk, significant microfoam and a layer of foam
Serving Size	Small (4-5 oz)	Very small (2-3 oz)	Small to medium (5-6 oz)	Large (8-12 oz)
Overall Taste Intensity	Strong, balanced, creamy	Very strong espresso flavor	Milder, but still espresso forward	Very mild, milky

• Macchiato: A macchiato is essentially a shot of espresso “marked” or “stained” with a small amount of milk, typically just a dollop of foam. It has a much lower milk content than a cortado, resulting in a more intense espresso flavor and a lighter, airier mouthfeel.
• Flat White: The flat White is closer to a cortado in terms of milk texture, using microfoam, but it has a higher milk-to-espresso ratio. This makes it less intense than a cortado, with a slightly thicker, creamier consistency.
• Latte: A latte contains significantly more milk than a cortado, leading to a much milder coffee flavor. The milk is also heavily steamed and frothed, giving it a lighter and airier texture than Cortado. Lattes are also typically served in a much larger cup.

Why is the 1:1 Ratio So Important in a Cortado?

The 1:1 ratio of espresso to steamed milk is fundamental to the Cortado, defining its unique character and setting it apart from other coffee drinks. This precise balance is crucial for achieving the desired harmony between the strong, intense espresso flavors and the milk’s smooth, creamy texture.

• The espresso, with its richness, complexity, and intensity, forms the foundation of the Cortado. The 1:1 ratio ensures that the milk does not lose or dilute these bold characteristics.
• The steamed milk, in turn, introduces sweetness, smoothness, and a creamy texture, effectively “cutting” the espresso’s bitterness and acidity. This interaction creates a balanced drink where neither element overpowers the other.

The 1:1 ratio’s historical origins are somewhat unclear, but the name “cortado,” meaning “cut” in Spanish, reflects the idea of using milk to temper the intensity of espresso. This ratio ensures the Cortado remains a strong but approachable coffee beverage, appreciated for its balanced flavor profile.

Cortado Coffee and Food Pairings

Pairing food with a cortado can elevate the coffee experience, creating a delightful interplay of flavors and textures. The Cortado’s balanced profile, with its strong espresso notes and smooth milk, makes it a versatile partner for various foods. Here are some suggestions to consider:

• Pastries and baked goods with buttery or nutty flavors, such as croissants, scones, or almond biscotti, complement the Cortado’s richness. The slight sweetness of these baked goods is an excellent match to the coffee’s intensity.
• Light breakfast items like yogurt parfaits or fruit with granola offer a refreshing counterpoint to the Cortado’s boldness. The bright flavors and textures of the fruit and granola create a balanced start to the day.
• Like a rich dark chocolate cake or truffles, chocolate-based desserts provide a contrasting taste experience, highlighting the Cortado’s complex notes. The bitterness of the chocolate and the richness of the coffee play off one another in a satisfying way.

Ultimately, the best pairings are a matter of individual taste. Feel free to experiment and personalize your choices to discover what combinations you enjoy the most.

Making Cortado Coffee at Home Without an Espresso Machine

Crafting a delicious Cortado doesn’t require owning a professional espresso machine. Here are some alternative methods to brew a fantastic Cortado-style coffee at home:

1. Nespresso or Keurig with Espresso Setting:

• If you have a Nespresso or Keurig machine with an espresso setting, you can use that to brew a concentrated shot.
• Use equal milk as the brewed espresso to maintain the 1:1 ratio.
• A handheld frother or microwave can be used to steam the milk. Heat the milk to between 130 and 150°F before frothing.

2. Stovetop Espresso Maker (Moka Pot):

• Moka Pots are a classic way to make substantial, concentrated coffee that resembles espresso.
• Use a fine coffee grind and follow the Moka Pot’s instructions for water ratio and brewing time.
• Steam milk separately using a handheld frother or microwave, aiming for a microfoam texture.

3. French Press or AeroPress:

• While not technically espresso, a French Press or AeroPress can brew strong coffee, which is a good base for a Cortado.
• Use a coarser grind than espresso but finer than drip coffee. Increase the coffee-to-water ratio to create a more concentrated brew.
• Experiment with brewing time to achieve your desired strength.
• Steam milk separately, as described above.

Regardless of the method, aim for a 1:1 ratio of strong coffee to steamed milk. Experiment with different brewing techniques, grind sizes, and milk frothing methods to create your perfect homemade Cortado.

Conclusion

The Cortado is a delightful espresso-based drink featuring a balanced 1:1 ratio of espresso to lightly steamed milk, resulting in a strong yet smooth flavor profile. Its unique qualities, like the minimal milk texture, set it apart from other milk-based coffee beverages, offering a less diluted espresso taste. Whether you prefer the traditional version or variations like the Gibraltar or Cortadito, exploring the world of Cortado is a rewarding experience. Try it at your favorite coffee shop or make it at home. We encourage you to share your experiences, ask questions, and try the suggested recipes and pairings!