The cortado coffee is a newcomer to the world of coffee, with it only popping up on coffee shop boards in the last few years or so. Due to its smaller size, many often get it confused with a flat white but it’s actually quite different. If you’re thinking about branching out and trying a new coffee type, you’ll probably be wondering what is a cortado and what the key differences are. Keep reading to find out all you need to know…
What is a cortado coffee?
Unlike other coffee types the milk isn’t texturised and instead, Cortado coffee is made with lightly steamed milk, no froth or foam. The steamed milk on top reduces the acidity of the coffee and creates a micro-foam which doesn’t separate from the espresso, giving it a strong and rich flavour.
What a cortado coffee is made of
Cortado translates to cut, meaning that the coffee is cut with milk. A cortado coffee is made of equal parts espresso and steamed milk. It is served with a double shot espresso.
Cortado origins
ere’s not much known about the origins of the cortado, aside from the fact that it came from Spain’s Basque Country. It’s also popular in Portugal and Latin America, where it’s commonly enjoyed as an afternoon treat.
Differences between a cortado and a flat white
Now you know what a cortado coffee is, it’s time to explore its differences to the flat white. A cortado on the whole is smaller than a flat white and possesses a much stronger taste due to the lightly steamed milk. Additionally, the flat white can be likened to a small latte as it has textured milk, making it hotter with a much thicker taste.
Cortado vs Macchiato
A cortado is not too dissimilar to a macchiato. They both contain the same amount of espresso, except the macchiato has a little less milk and is slightly smaller in volume. This results in a slightly more bitter taste.
That’s our guide to what is a cortado. Want to explore more irresistible coffee types and find your new favourite? Discover what is a café au lait, next.
Unraveling the World of Coffee
Emma Sage holds a degree in Culinary Arts from Le Cordon Bleu. Her journey in the coffee industry began at a local café, where she honed her skills in brewing and barista techniques. Emma’s passion for coffee extends beyond her academic background, with years of experience in coffee tasting and education. Known for her engaging writing style.
