Have you ever spotted a cortado on a café menu and wondered, “What is a cortado coffee, and why do coffee enthusiasts rave about it?” If you’re looking to explore beyond the classic latte or cappuccino, the cortado offers a unique, balanced experience that’s gaining popularity in the United States.
Let’s break down what makes a cortado special, how it’s made, and why it might just become your new favorite espresso drink.
What Is a Cortado Coffee?
A cortado coffee is a small, harmonious espresso drink made by mixing equal parts espresso and steamed milk. The word “cortado” comes from the Spanish verb cortar, meaning “to cut”—as in, the milk “cuts” the intensity of the espresso. This creates a beverage that’s neither too strong nor too milky.
The result? A smooth, rich drink that highlights the best of both espresso and milk.
- Ratio: 1:1 espresso to steamed milk
- Serving size: Usually 4 ounces (2 oz espresso + 2 oz milk)
- Texture: Silky and smooth, with little to no foam
- Origin: Spain, particularly the Basque region
Unlike a latte or cappuccino, a cortado is never dominated by milk or foam. Instead, it’s all about balance—making it perfect for those who want a drink that’s bold but approachable.
The Origins and History of the Cortado
The cortado originated in Spain’s Basque Country in the mid-20th century. Spanish coffee culture values strong espresso, but many drinkers wanted a way to temper its sharpness without losing its character.
The solution was the cortado: a drink that softens espresso’s acidity and bitterness with just enough milk to create harmony.
From Spain, the cortado spread to Portugal, where it’s known as a garoto, and to Latin America, where the cortadito—a sweetened version with condensed milk—is especially popular in Cuba.
In recent years, the cortado has become a staple in specialty coffee shops across the United States, appealing to those who want a balanced, smaller espresso drink.
How Is a Cortado Coffee Made?
Making a cortado is about simplicity and precision. Here’s what you need:
- Espresso: Typically a double shot (about 2 ounces)
- Steamed milk: Equal amount to the espresso, heated but not overly foamy
Step-by-step:
- Pull a double shot of espresso into a small glass (traditionally a Gibraltar glass).
- Steam milk until it’s warm and slightly textured—aim for microfoam, not thick froth.
- Pour the steamed milk gently over the espresso, keeping the ratio close to 1:1.
Pro tip:
The milk should be just hot enough to blend smoothly with the espresso, but not so hot that it scalds or creates a thick foam cap. The goal is a drink that’s velvety and cohesive, not layered or frothy.
Cortado vs. Other Espresso Drinks
Here’s how the cortado compares with other café staples:
| Drink | Espresso | Milk Ratio | Texture | Size | Flavor Profile |
| Cortado | 1–2 shots | 1:1 | Smooth, minimal foam | 4 oz | Balanced, espresso-forward |
| Latte | 1–2 shots | 1:3–1:6 | Creamy, foamy | 8–16 oz | Milder, milkier |
| Cappuccino | 1–2 shots | 1:2 | Thick foam | 6–8 oz | Strong, frothy |
| Macchiato | 1–2 shots | Splash | Lightly marked | 2–3 oz | Intense, mostly espresso |
| Flat White | 1–2 shots | 1:2 | Velvety microfoam | 5–6 oz | Smooth, strong |
A cortado stands out for its small size and perfect balance. It’s less milky than a latte, less foamy than a cappuccino, and more approachable than a straight macchiato.
Read more: What Is a Latte Coffee? Your Complete Guide
Regional Variations of the Cortado
- Spanish Cortado: The classic—equal parts espresso and steamed milk, served in a small glass.
- Cuban Cortadito: Espresso “cut” with sweetened condensed milk, resulting in a rich, sweet flavor.
- Portuguese Garoto: Similar to a cortado, but sometimes uses less milk for a stronger taste.
- American Cortado: Specialty cafés often use alternative milks (oat, almond, soy) and sometimes serve cortados iced or in slightly larger cups.
Each variation reflects local preferences while preserving the cortado’s essence: balance and simplicity.
Why Choose a Cortado Coffee?
- Balanced Flavor – Enjoy the depth of espresso with the smoothness of milk—no bitterness, no overwhelming dairy.
- Quick and Satisfying – The small size (about 4 oz) makes it perfect for a quick break or a post-lunch pick-me-up.
- No Sugar Needed – The milk’s natural sweetness softens the espresso, so you rarely need added sugar.
- Customizable – Try it with different milks, or order a cortadito for a sweet twist.
- Less Caffeine – With a smaller serving size, a cortado has less caffeine than a full latte or large drip coffee, making it ideal for afternoon sipping.
How to Order or Make a Cortado
At a Café:
Ask for a cortado and expect a small glass with equal parts espresso and steamed milk. If you want it sweeter, request a cortadito or add a touch of sugar.
At Home:
- Use a stovetop espresso maker or espresso machine.
- Steam or heat your milk (dairy or plant-based) until warm but not frothy.
- Pour equal amounts of espresso and milk into a small glass.
Tips for Success:
- Use fresh, high-quality espresso beans for the best flavor.
- If you don’t have a steam wand, heat milk gently and whisk until slightly frothy.
- Serve in a short glass (like a Gibraltar glass) for the authentic experience.
When Should You Drink a Cortado?
Cortados are versatile. In Spain and Latin America, they’re often enjoyed in the late morning or afternoon as a quick, satisfying break.
In the U.S., they’re perfect for anyone who wants a coffee that’s not too strong, not too milky, and easy to sip any time of day—especially after a meal or as a mid-afternoon treat.
Cortado Coffee: Real-World Anecdotes
Many specialty coffee lovers discover cortados when searching for a drink that’s “just right”—not as heavy as a latte, not as intense as straight espresso.
Baristas often recommend cortados to customers who want to taste the espresso’s complexity but prefer a smoother finish.
“I used to order lattes, but found them too milky. Then I tried a cortado, and it was the perfect balance—rich, smooth, and just the right size.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cortado coffee in simple terms?
A cortado is a small espresso drink with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, making it smooth and balanced.
How is a cortado different from a latte or cappuccino?
A cortado has much less milk than a latte and almost no foam, unlike a cappuccino. It’s stronger and more espresso-forward.
Is a cortado sweet?
Traditional cortados are unsweetened, but the milk’s natural sugars soften the espresso. The Cuban cortadito version is sweetened with condensed milk.
What kind of cup is a cortado served in?
A cortado is served in a small glass, usually 4–5 ounces, not a mug.
Can I get a cortado with non-dairy milk?
Yes! Many cafés offer cortados with oat, almond, or soy milk.
How much caffeine is in a cortado?
A cortado made with a double shot of espresso has about 80–100 mg of caffeine—less than a full cup of drip coffee, but enough for a gentle boost.
When is the best time to drink a cortado?
Cortados are perfect as an afternoon pick-me-up or after a meal.
Can I make a cortado at home without an espresso machine?
You can use a stovetop Moka pot for strong coffee and heat milk on the stove, but the result may be less authentic without true espresso.
A cortado coffee is the perfect choice for anyone seeking a balanced, sophisticated espresso drink. Now that you know what is a cortado coffee, you can order confidently or craft one at home—enjoying a taste of Spain’s coffee culture in every smooth, satisfying sip.