What is Cortado Coffee

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Crafting the Perfect Cortado: A Taste of Spain in Every Sip

Let me introduce you to the cortado—a classic Spanish coffee that’s perfect for anyone who loves a beautifully balanced cup. This recipe will teach you how to craft the perfect cortado at home, delivering that smooth, espresso-forward experience you’d find in a café in Madrid or Barcelona.

Curious about how this simple combination of espresso and milk can pack such a flavorful punch?

A cortado is all about harmony. With nearly equal parts espresso and lightly steamed milk, it offers a rich, creamy taste without overwhelming the coffee’s bold character. The milk is steamed—not frothed—resulting in a silky texture that softens the espresso’s edge without muting its flavors. It’s less frothy than a cappuccino and more compact than a latte, making it a versatile choice for coffee enthusiasts.

Ingredients you need

• Espresso
• Whole Milk or a plant-based alternative
• Cocoa powder or cinnamon for dusting

Step-by-step

How To Make a Cortado Coffee

Step 1: Brew the Espresso
Start by pulling a double shot (2 oz / 60 ml) of rich, bold espresso using your espresso machine. No espresso machine? No problem—brew strong coffee with a Moka pot to fill 2 oz.

Step 2: Steam the Milk
Gently heat 2 oz (60 ml) of whole milk to around 140°F (60°C). The goal here is silky-smooth milk with just a whisper of microfoam. Use a steaming wand, electric frother, or stovetop frother to get that perfect texture—think velvety, not frothy.

Step 3: Assemble the Cortado
Pour the steamed milk over your espresso in a perfect 1:1 ratio. Watch as the milk “cuts” through the espresso, creating a creamy yet bold drink that’s all about balance.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Traditionally served in a small glass, the cortado invites you to savor its gorgeous layers. For a little flair, dust the top with cinnamon or cocoa. Then, take a sip and enjoy your café-worthy creation!

Barista Tips

• The ideal milk temperature for steaming is 131 °F – 149 °F (55 °C – 65 °C).
• When using alternative milk, remember that “barista” milk gives you the best quality, flavor, and texture for latte making.
• Filtered water does not calcify the coffee equipment, giving the coffee a much better taste.

Equivalent Coffee Drinks

• Gibraltar (USA): A cortado’s twin, served in a 4-5 oz Gibraltar glass.
• Flat White (Australia/New Zealand): Creamier with a 2:1 milk-to-espresso ratio.
• Macchiato (Italy): Espresso “stained” with just a splash of milk or foam.
• Piccolo Latte (Australia/New Zealand): A ristretto shot topped with milk, slightly milkier than a cortado.
• Café con Leche (Spain/Latin America): Equal parts strong coffee and milk, typically in larger servings.
• Espresso Macchiato (Italy): Espresso with just a touch of milk for a bolder taste.

Products

• Espresso machine, AeroPress, or Moka pot
• Milk frother or steaming wand
• 4-5 oz glass (Cortado glass)or small cup
  • Since I don’t have cortado glasses at the moment, I used a larger glass to brew a double cortado—an improvisation that worked perfectly for capturing a visually appealing photo!
• Stencil

More Recipes and Tips You Might Enjoy:

• Coffee con Leche
• Almond Milk Latte
• Oat Milk Coffee Recipe
• Honey Latte Recipe
• Honey Lavender Oat Milk Latte
• Lavender Latte
• Best Pumpkin Spice Latte
• How to make Caramel Coffee with Homemade Caramel Milk
• Eggnog Coffee
• Cozy Cinnamon Dolce Latte
• Cinnamon Honey Latte
• Salted Caramel Coffee {three ways}
• Best Vanilla Coffee with homemade Vanilla Milk
• Immune-Boosting Ginger Coffee
• Homemade Turmeric Coffee with Spiced Almond Milk
• Mocha Recipe
• Mexican Coffee
• Pink Latte with Homemade Pink Milk

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