What is a Cortado Coffee? Everything You Need to Know

If you're a coffee enthusiast, you've probably encountered a wide variety of coffee drinks, each with its own unique flavor profile and brewing method. One such drink that has been gaining popularity in cafes worldwide is the cortado coffee. But what exactly is a cortado, and how does it differ from other espresso-based drinks like lattes or macchiatos? In this blog, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about cortado coffee and even provide a simple guide on how to make a cortado coffee at home.

What is a Cortado Coffee?

A cortado coffee is an espresso-based beverage that originated in Spain. The name "cortado" comes from the Spanish word "cortar," which means "to cut." In essence, the drink is called a cortado because the espresso is "cut" with an equal amount of steamed milk, resulting in a smooth, balanced coffee that’s less intense than a straight shot of espresso but more robust than a latte or cappuccino.

Unlike drinks like lattes, which have a higher milk-to-coffee ratio, a cortado's milk is added to soften the espresso's bitterness without overpowering its flavor. This creates a well-rounded drink that highlights the richness of the espresso while mellowing its strength, making it a perfect option for those who prefer a balanced coffee experience.

How is a Cortado Different From Other Coffee Drinks?

It's easy to confuse a cortado with other espresso-based beverages, especially when you're at a cafe with a long menu of coffee options. So, how does a cortado differ from popular drinks like a latte, macchiato, or flat white?

• Cortado vs. Latte: A latte has much more steamed milk than a cortado, often with a ratio of 3:1 or even 4:1 (milk to espresso). This makes the latte creamier and less strong than the cortado, where the milk and espresso are equal parts.
• Cortado vs. Macchiato: A macchiato is primarily an espresso with just a small amount of milk or foam. It's much stronger than a cortado, as the espresso flavor is more prominent due to the minimal amount of milk added.
• Cortado vs. Flat White: While both drinks have similar espresso-to-milk ratios, a flat white typically uses microfoam, creating a smoother texture. A cortado, on the other hand, uses steamed milk without foam, which gives it a slightly different mouthfeel.

How to Make a Cortado Coffee at Home

Now that you know what a cortado coffee is, let’s walk through how to make a cortado coffee at home. You don’t need to be a professional barista to enjoy this delicious drink in the comfort of your own kitchen. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• Fresh espresso beans (we recommend Olde Brooklyn Coffee’s French or Italian Dark Roast)
• Fresh milk

Equipment:

• Espresso machine or stovetop espresso maker
• Milk frother or steamer

Instructions:

1. Brew your espresso.
   Start by brewing a shot (or two) of espresso. For the best results, use high-quality beans like those from Olde Brooklyn Coffee, which offer rich and bold flavors perfect for making a cortado.
2. Steam your milk.
   Heat your milk using a milk steamer or frother. The key to a good cortado is that the milk should be steamed but not frothy, as this creates the smooth texture that defines the drink.
3. Combine the espresso and milk.
   Pour your steamed milk over the espresso in a 1:1 ratio. If you brewed two shots of espresso, use the same amount of milk for balance.
4. Serve and enjoy.
   Your cortado is now ready to enjoy! The combination of espresso and milk offers a rich, full-bodied flavor with a smoother finish than a traditional shot of espresso.

Why Choose a Cortado Coffee?

There are plenty of reasons why cortado coffee is becoming a favorite among coffee lovers:

1. Balanced Flavor: The equal ratio of espresso to milk allows you to enjoy the strong, bold flavors of espresso without the bitterness or overpowering intensity.
2. Smooth Texture: Unlike other espresso-based drinks that use frothed milk, a cortado’s steamed milk gives it a smooth, silky texture, making it easy to drink.
3. Customizable: You can experiment with different espresso beans to find your preferred flavor profile. A lighter roast might give you a more acidic, fruity cortado, while a darker roast offers a richer, more robust experience.

Cortado Coffee: A Perfect Option for Espresso Lovers

If you're someone who loves the taste of espresso but finds it a bit too intense, a cortado coffee might just be your new favorite drink. Its balance of strong coffee flavor with the smoothness of steamed milk creates a well-rounded beverage that's easy to enjoy any time of day. Whether you’re making it at home or ordering it at your local coffee shop, a cortado offers the best of both worlds for coffee aficionados.

Try the Cortado, Explore More

Now that you know what a cortado coffee is and how to make it, why not experiment with different types of espresso beans to enrich your coffee experience? We highly recommend checking out Olde Brooklyn Coffee's selection of premium roasts, perfect for crafting the ideal cortado at home.

Also, if you're curious about how different roasts can affect the flavor of your espresso, you should read our blog comparing French vs. Italian Roast here. This will give you insight into how roast levels impact the taste of your coffee, which could help you choose the best beans for your next cortado.