The cortado is where bold meets smooth—a drink that allows the strength of espresso to shine while softening its intensity with just the right amount of steamed milk. Originating from Spain, the name cortado comes from the Spanish word “cortar,” meaning “to cut”—because the milk cuts through the acidity and intensity of the espresso, creating a balanced, velvety sip.
Unlike a latte or cappuccino, which emphasize milk foam and texture, a cortado is about harmony—equal parts espresso and steamed milk, resulting in a drink that is creamy yet bold, smooth yet strong.
What Makes a Cortado Different?
🔹 Equal Parts Espresso & Milk – Unlike a macchiato, which uses just a dollop of milk, and a latte, which is mostly milk-forward, a cortado is a true 1:1 balance of espresso and steamed milk.
🔹 Less Foam, More Body – While cappuccinos and lattes rely on airy foam, a cortado uses lightly steamed milk with little to no froth, creating a silky, rich texture.
🔹 Stronger Than a Latte, Milder Than an Espresso – A cortado preserves the espresso’s boldness, offering a smoother, more drinkable experience while keeping its robust character intact.
How to Make a Cortado
☕ Ingredients
✅ 2 tbsp (10g) finely ground coffee
✅ 6 oz (180ml) cold, filtered water
✅ 2 oz (60ml) steamed milk
🌡 Temperature Guide
💨 Brew water: 195–205°F (90–96°C)
🥛 Milk steaming: 130–150°F (55–65°C) (steamed, but not heavily frothed)
Step-by-Step Brewing Guide
1️⃣ Brew a Double Shot of Espresso
- Use an espresso machine to extract 2 oz (60ml) of espresso.
2️⃣ Steam the Milk
- Lightly steam 2 oz (60ml) of milk—it should be warm and silky but with minimal foam.
- The milk should be denser than a latte but without the airy froth of a cappuccino.
3️⃣ Breathe It In
☕ Breathe it in. The scent of fresh coffee is an invitation to awaken—not just the body, but the soul. That’s why we encourage you to take that extra second or two to pause and enjoy your coffee before drinking by smelling it and thinking, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
4️⃣ Pour the Milk Over the Espresso
- Gently pour the steamed milk over the espresso in a 1:1 ratio, allowing the two to blend smoothly.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
- A cortado is meant to be sipped slowly, allowing the perfect balance of coffee and milk to unfold.
Cortado vs. Other Espresso Drinks
✔ Cortado vs. Macchiato – A macchiato is mostly espresso with just a touch of foam, while a cortado has an equal ratio of espresso and milk for a smoother experience.
✔ Cortado vs. Cappuccino – A cappuccino has more foam and a lighter texture, while a cortado is creamier with no froth.
✔ Cortado vs. Latte – A latte has significantly more milk, making it much creamier and milder than a cortado.
Why Choose a Cortado?
✅ For Those Who Want a Mellowed Espresso Without Losing Its Strength – If espresso is too intense but a latte is too milky, the cortado is the perfect in-between.
✅ A Silky, Balanced Coffee Experience – The cortado preserves the depth of espresso while adding a creamy, smooth texture.
✅ An Authentic Coffee Culture Staple – This Spanish-born coffee is popular across Europe and Latin America, offering a taste of tradition and craft.
☕ Next Up: [Americano – Espresso, Stretched & Smoothed] → Discover how a simple addition of hot water transforms espresso into a smooth, bold, and drinkable coffee.
