What Is Cortado and How To Make a Cortado? | Cortado Vs Latte
Every time I make a cortado, I have a brief period of peaceful delight. It’s a ritual, a balance, a dialogue between robust espresso and velvety milk. Today I want to take you deep into the core of one of my favorite beverages, the cortado. Kevin is your espresso machine master and coffee soul. He not only understands the essence of coffee, but also demonstrates how to craft it with soul. Let’s begin this trip together.
Table of Contents
- What is a cortado?
- My First Cortado Adventure
- The History of Cortado
- Cortado against other espresso drinks
- What instruments are required to make a cortado?
- Video Tutorial: How to Make a Cortado?
- How to Make a Cortado? Step-by-Step Complete Guide:
- Kevin’s Guideline for a Perfect Cortado
- Why do I enjoy creating cortados?
- Mistakes to Avoid While Making Cortado:
- Ideal Beans for Cortado
- Variances You Should Experiment With
- Comparison: Cortado Vs Latte
- Why would I have a latte in the afternoon and a cortado in the morning?
- Which is stronger, a latte or a cortado?
- FAQ’s: Cortado
- 1) Can I create cortado without an espresso maker?
- 2) What sort of milk would be ideal for cortado?
- 3) Is a latte less than cortado strength?
- 4) What temperature, in a cortado, is the best for milk?
- 5) Can I have a cortado with flavored syrups?
- 6) Is a latte less healthy than a cortado?
- 7) For cortado or latte, may I substitute milk such as almond or oat?
- 8) Does it take a fancy machine to create cortedo drink?
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What is a cortado?
Made in a 1:1 ratio, a cortado is a coffee drink that balances steamed milk with espresso. From the Spanish verb cortar, which means “to cut, cortado” is The milk essentially reduces the bitterness and acidity of the espresso, producing a tiny yet potent cup of velvety, smooth coffee.
It is not milky like a latte or foamy like a cappuccino. Right in the middle, a cortado is bold and balanced.
Quick Snapshot:
- 1 cup (or 2 for a stronger cup) espresso shot corresponds to equal steamed milk.
- Cup size: 4 ounces to 5 ounces (usually in a glass cup)
My First Cortado Adventure
I recall my first cortado ever produced. Early morning in my kitchen, the sun hardly visible, and the machine was buzzing gently. I drew a shot and then gently boiled a tiny bit of milk. I poured it gently and watched the textures combine. One swallow and I became hooked. It felt as though drinking liquid assurance.
The History of Cortado
The cortado originally comes from Spain, more especially from the Basque area. It then passed through Latin America and subsequently became well-known in American and European specialty coffee sectors.
Unlike trendy beverages with toppings and flavors, cortado has always remained true to its roots – basic and beautiful. It chronicles a custom in which less is really more.
Cortado against other espresso drinks
Cortado can easily be confused with beverages like flat white, macchiato, or piccolo latte. Here’s how it stands out, though:
| Drink | Espresso | Milk Ratio | Foam | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cortado | 1-2 | 1:1 | No | 4 oz |
| Macchiato | 1 | Just foam | Yes | 2-3 oz |
| Latte | 1 | 1:3 or more | Yes | 8-12 oz |
| Flat White | 1-2 | 1:2 | Light | 5-6 oz |
Cortado is for people seeking equilibrium; it’s not overly milky or powerful.
What instruments are required to make a cortado?
To produce a cortado coffee for a real espresso wizard, you will need:
- Manual or semi-automatic recommended Espresso machine
- Milk frothing pitcher
- Coffee scale
- Glass cup (4-5 ounces)
- Thermometer optional but useful for milk
Video Tutorial: How to Make a Cortado?
How to Make a Cortado? Step-by-Step Complete Guide:
1) Get your espresso machine ready
Properly warm your machine. Allow the group head and portafilter to reach the proper temperature.
2) Ground and Dose Your Coffee
Utilize fresh coffee beans. For espresso, grind them finely. For a double shot, dose roughly 18g.
3) Get the Shot Pulled
Pull the shot, then equally place the portafilter and slide. Aim for a 25 to 30 second 1:2 ratio.
4) Cook the milk under steam
That is where the magic occurs.
- Use 2 to 3 ounces of milk
- Steam to 130°F – 150°F (55°C–65°C).
- Not a foam – Only silky microfoam
5) Pour with Conservation
Hold the glass at a little tilt. Pour gently but steadily. See the milk and espresso hug one another.
And there you have it – a cortado created with love, care, and a little mastery.
Kevin’s Guideline for a Perfect Cortado
- For a seamless taste, use light-medium roasted beans.
- It is not a cappuccino – don’t over steam the milk.
- Using a glass cup helps make the experience more visual.
- Sip gently and relish the richness.
Why do I enjoy creating cortados?
Cortados told the truth.Cortados are neither complicated nor dressed up for any occasion. Serving someone a cortado makes me feel like I’m handing over a bit of peace, a break in their hectic schedule.
I go to this drink when I need to feel anchored.
Mistakes to Avoid While Making Cortado:
- Too much milk destroys the balance
- Over-extracted espresso makes it bitter
- Wrong milk texture: It should be smooth rather than frothy
Learning a cortado honors the texture and proportions.
Ideal Beans for Cortado
- For a fruity, lemony note: Ethiopian beans
- For chocolate and nut tones: Brazilian beans
- For balance and sweetness: Colombian beans
Key is that fresh beans are ground right before cooking.
Variances You Should Experiment With
The traditional cortado is holy, but occasionally I enjoy:
1) For a teaspoon of raw honey for sweetness – Honey cortado
2) For a creamy and smooth – Oat cortado
3) Pour over ice for warm days – iced Cortado
Comparison: Cortado Vs Latte
A table of comparisons: cortado and latte
| Feature | Cortado | Latte |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso | 1 shot | 1–2 shots |
| Milk | 1 shot (equal to espresso) | 6–10 oz (much more milk) |
| Foam | Minimal | Thin layer on top |
| Flavor | Stronger espresso taste | Creamy, mellow taste |
| Serving Size | 4 oz glass | 8–12 oz cup or mug |
| Milk Texture | Lightly steamed | Silky with light foam |
| Origin | Spain | Italy |
Why would I have a latte in the afternoon and a cortado in the morning?
Kevin, here is a little emotional insight from me. A cortado is my go-to in the morning when I want the kick of a strong espresso but not overrule my stomach. It starts me up. It is brief, forceful, and gratifying. It reminds me that my daily control resides with me.
But I get a coffee in the afternoon when I need a little comfort or break. It is smooth, warm, and creamy, like a hug in a mug. I occasionally will also add a bit of cinnamon or vanilla. More about comfort than about caffeine here.
In my world, both beverages are vital because of this emotional rhythm: cortado for insight, latte for comfort.
Which is stronger, a latte or a cortado?
Regarding caffeine levels, both beverages can contain the same number of espresso shots, so they can be considered equivalent.
In terms of taste strength, the cortado is stronger than other coffee drinks. Why is it more robust? Because less milk would overpower the espresso.
With just enough smoothness to offset, the cortado delivers that rich, nutty, somewhat bitter espresso punch.
Particularly for those starting their espresso adventure, the latte, with all that milk, is gentler, sweeter, and more inviting.
Of which one should you pick?
Let me assist you in making decisions depending on your search:
-> Select Cortado if:
- You wish for strong espresso taste
- You enjoy powerful, short beverages
- You like harmony but not dilution
- You seem more of a minimalist
-> Go for a latte if:
- You enjoy creaminess
- You savor a more substantial drink
- You like flavored coffee—vanilla, hazelnut, etc.
Something that goes nicely with morning conversations or pastries is what you desire.
FAQ’s: Cortado
1) Can I create cortado without an espresso maker?
Strong coffee and steamed milk can be made on the stove using a Moka pot or Aeropress; nevertheless, for optimal results, an espresso machine is perfect.
2) What sort of milk would be ideal for cortado?
The richness of whole milk makes it most delicious. One really good non-dairy substitute is oat milk.
3) Is a latte less than cortado strength?
Yes, since espresso concentration is higher and milk is less.
4) What temperature, in a cortado, is the best for milk?
The temperature ranges from 130°F to 150°F, which is heated but not scorched.
5) Can I have a cortado with flavored syrups?
Technically, yes, but a classic cortado is savored without flavors to preserve its inherent taste.
6) Is a latte less healthy than a cortado?
A cortado is a lighter choice generally because it includes less milk and fewer calories. Both, though, can fit a sensible way of living.
7) For cortado or latte, may I substitute milk such as almond or oat?
Quite sure! Just make sure the steams of milk taste great. My particular favorite is oat milk; it’s velvety and barista-friendly.
8) Does it take a fancy machine to create cortedo drink?
Not specifically. One will find a basic espresso machine with a steam wand sufficient. Beginning users will find DeLonghi and Breville to be excellent brands.
Final Sip: My Own Notes
If you have made it thus far, you are a fellow coffee soul rather than only a reader. Though cortado seems basic, in that small glass is balance, workmanship, and a great deal of affection. Making one creates a pause, a pocket of tranquility rather than only coffee.
So, turn on your espresso machine now. Finish your cortado. Sip with intent. Because life is better when enjoyed, coffee should also be savored.
With kindness,
Author: Kevin – Your Espresso Machine Wizard
Kevin Marshal is the founder and primary writer for Espressomachinewizard.com. His passion for rich, high-quality espresso began during a semester abroad in Italy more than 15 years ago. What began as a pleasant daily practice quickly evolved into an obsession with perfecting espresso at home.
Kevin has spent years researching espresso machines, tasting beans from renowned roasters, and experimenting with various brewing methods. His objective is to help others understand the often-overwhelming world of home espresso. Kevin's goal is to make cafe-quality espresso available to everyone, from machine recommendations to shot-making advice.
Kevin lives in San Francisco, California with his wife, kid, and two rescue dogs, all of whom have refined preferences in espresso drinks!
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