When you think about coffee, you might picture a frothy latte or a bold espresso, but have you ever considered the cortado? This Spanish classic, with its perfect balance of espresso and steamed milk, offers a unique experience that's both rich and smooth. As you explore its origins and preparation, you'll find there's more to this simple beverage than meets the eye. What makes a cortado stand out among the myriad of coffee options? The answer might just change the way you enjoy your next cup.
Key Takeaways
- A cortado is an espresso-based drink made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, resulting in a smooth, balanced flavor.
- Originating from Spain, the term "cortado" means "to cut," referring to milk cutting the coffee.
- It showcases a minimalist approach to coffee preparation, often enjoyed in Spanish-speaking cultures and specialty coffee shops.
- Variations include different milk types, flavored syrups, and iced options, catering to diverse taste preferences.
- Nutritionally, cortados are low-calorie beverages, ranging from 10 to 37 calories, making them a guilt-free coffee choice.
History

The cortado has its roots in Spain, where its name—meaning "to cut"—captures the essence of how milk softens the boldness of espresso. This drink emerged from the Spanish-speaking world, gaining popularity in various countries and evolving into regional variants like the Cuban cortadito.
Its history reflects the cultural significance of coffee, especially in areas with strong Hispanic communities, such as Miami’s Little Havana. Here, the cortado plays a vital role in daily coffee rituals. In Little Havana, the cortado is more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of connection and community, often enjoyed in bustling cafes where friends gather to share stories and laughter. The coffee culture here blends traditional Hispanic influences with modern trends, creating a unique atmosphere where time seems to slow down. Alongside a well-prepared cortado, locals might also savor a refreshing cocktail, such as a negroni sbagliato spritz recipe, which perfectly balances the rich flavors of the coffee with a lively, effervescent twist.
In the early 2010s, the cortado made its mark in the United States, particularly in specialty coffee shops, where you'll find the unique 1:1 ratio of espresso to steamed milk, distinguishing it from other espresso-based drinks.
Recipe

Recipe for Cortado
A cortado is a delightful coffee beverage that strikes a perfect balance between the rich flavor of espresso and the creaminess of steamed milk. Originating from Spain, this drink offers a smooth and robust taste, making it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts.
The simplicity of the cortado is what makes it so appealing; with just two main ingredients, it emphasizes the quality of the espresso while providing a velvety mouthfeel with the addition of milk.
To create an authentic cortado, you'll need to master the art of brewing espresso and steaming milk. The key is to achieve a 1:1 ratio, ensuring that neither the espresso nor the milk overpowers the other. This recipe will guide you through the process of making a cortado at home, whether you're using a traditional espresso machine or a stovetop espresso maker.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of espresso
- 2 ounces of milk (whole, oat, or almond)
Instructions
Begin by brewing 2 ounces of espresso using your preferred method.
While the espresso is brewing, steam 2 ounces of milk until it's hot and has developed a silky microfoam.
Once both the espresso and the milk are ready, pour the steamed milk gently into the espresso, allowing the layers to blend while maintaining the creamy texture.
Serve immediately in a small mug or Gibraltar glass to enjoy the full experience of this delicious beverage.
Extra Tips
When preparing your cortado, it's essential to use fresh, high-quality coffee beans for the best flavor.
Experiment with different types of milk to find your perfect combination; for instance, whole milk will yield a richer taste, while oat or almond milk can offer unique flavor profiles.
Additionally, practicing your milk steaming technique can greatly enhance the texture of your cortado, so don't hesitate to take your time perfecting it!
Cooking Steps

To make a perfect cortado, you'll need to measure equal parts espresso and milk.
Gently steam the milk to create a creamy texture and then pour it slowly into the espresso.
For a finishing touch, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of cocoa powder for added flavor.
Step 1. Measure Equal Espresso and Milk

When preparing a cortado, it's essential to measure equal parts of espresso and steamed milk for the perfect balance of flavors. Aim for a 1:1 ratio, typically using 2 ounces (60 mL) of each.
Start by brewing a standard espresso shot, which is about 30 mL, and double it to get the necessary 2 ounces for your cortado.
Once you've brewed your espresso, steam the milk to a temperature between 130-150°F (54-65°C) for optimal flavor.
Carefully pour the steamed milk into the espresso, ensuring a smooth integration to maintain the rich flavor profile.
If you like, use a milk frother or steam wand to create a slight microfoam, but avoid too much froth to keep the cortado's signature characteristics intact.
Step 2. Steam the Milk Gently

After measuring equal parts of espresso and milk, it's time to focus on steaming the milk gently. Aim for a temperature between 130°F and 150°F to achieve that perfect creamy texture without scalding.
Use the steam wand to introduce air into the milk carefully, creating a velvety microfoam that enhances the drink's mouthfeel. Position the steam wand just below the milk's surface to create a whirlpool effect, ensuring even heat distribution.
Steam for about 20-30 seconds, monitoring the temperature with a thermometer or by touch—your pitcher should feel warm, not hot. Remember to avoid over-frothing; for a cortado, you want smooth, creamy steamed milk, not airy bubbles.
Step 3. Pour Milk Into Espresso

Begin by pouring the steamed milk slowly into your freshly brewed espresso, maintaining that crucial 1:1 ratio. For a standard single shot, this means using about 30mL of steamed milk.
As you execute a gentle pour, let the milk blend seamlessly with the espresso, creating a smooth, harmonious coffee beverage. This careful technique preserves the rich flavors of the espresso while achieving the desired balance.
To enhance your cortado, remember that different brewing methods can lead to varying caffeine levels in coffee, which may influence your choice of espresso strength.
If you'd like to enhance the presentation, consider using a milk frother to create a small amount of milk foam on top. This adds an appealing texture and visual flair to your cortado, making it not only delicious but also a delight to look at.
Enjoy your expertly crafted drink!
Step 4. Add Milk Slowly

Pour the steamed milk slowly into your espresso to create that perfect cortado. Aim for a 1:1 ratio, using 2 ounces of each for a standard serving.
As you pour, focus on maintaining the balance between the espresso and steamed milk, ensuring a smooth blend. Pouring slowly helps form microfoam, adding a creamy texture that enhances your drink's mouthfeel.
Make sure your milk is freshly steamed and heated to 130-150°F for optimal flavor integration. This technique not only preserves the rich espresso flavor but also opens up opportunities for stunning latte art on the surface. Additionally, a well-prepared cortado can rival the experience of watching a movie on a high-quality projector, enhancing your enjoyment of both coffee and cinema.
With patience and practice, you'll craft a cortado that's both beautiful and delicious. Enjoy your creation!
Step 5. Garnish With Cocoa Powder

Once you've crafted your cortado with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, garnishing with cocoa powder adds a delightful touch.
Start by using unsweetened cocoa powder for that rich flavor, enhancing the coffee without overwhelming it.
After pouring the steamed milk into the espresso in your small glass, take a small sieve or shaker and lightly dust the surface with a fine layer of cocoa powder.
For an artistic flair, consider creating a design or pattern, much like latte art. This not only elevates the presentation but also contributes a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness of the milk.
Enjoy the enhanced taste experience as you savor each sip of your beautifully garnished cortado.
Final Thoughts

Savoring a cortado offers a delightful exploration of flavor and balance that many coffee enthusiasts cherish. This unique coffee drink combines equal parts espresso and steamed milk, creating a rich yet smooth experience.
The cortado, often served in a Gibraltar glass, highlights the espresso's boldness while tempering its bitterness. Originating from Spain, this drink has made its mark in coffee culture, particularly in the U.S. since the early 2010s.
With a caloric content ranging from just 10 to 37 calories, depending on the milk you choose, it's a guilt-free indulgence. Whether you enjoy a classic cortado or a sweetened variant like the cortadito, each sip is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in coffee craftsmanship.