How to Make a Cortado
How to Make a Cortado
Contents
A cortado is a small espresso drink made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, offering a perfect balance of bold coffee flavor and creamy smoothness. Originating from Spain, it’s served in a 4-5 ounce glass and is ideal for those who enjoy espresso but want a touch of milk to soften its intensity.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make a cortado at home:
- Coffee: 20g of medium or dark roast coffee beans
- Grind: Fine espresso grind (similar to table salt)
- Water: 60ml hot water (~200°F or 93°C)
- Milk: 60ml of fresh milk (whole milk recommended for creamiest texture)
- Equipment:
- Espresso machine or alternative (Moka pot, AeroPress, French Press)
- Coffee grinder
- Milk frother, steam wand, or stovetop method
- Small steaming pitcher
- 4-5 ounce glass or cortado cup
Step-by-Step
- Grind the Coffee: Finely grind 20g of coffee beans.
- Brew the Espresso: Pull 2 shots of espresso (about 60ml) using your espresso machine or alternative brewing method.
- Steam the Milk: Heat 60ml of milk to 140°F (60°C) and froth until velvety and smooth. Avoid excessive foam.
- Combine: Pour the steamed milk into the espresso, aiming for a 1:1 ratio.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately in a 4-5 ounce glass and savor the balanced flavor.
Tips
- Use high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans for the best flavor.
- Whole milk creates a creamier texture, but you can use dairy-free alternatives like oat or almond milk.
- Clean your espresso machine or equipment thoroughly to avoid stale coffee residues.
Common Mistakes
- Over-frothing the milk, which creates too much foam and alters the cortado’s texture.
- Using stale coffee beans, which results in a flat and dull flavor.
- Brewing weak espresso, which dilutes the cortado’s bold character.
Variations
- Iced Cortado: Pour espresso over ice and add cold steamed milk.
- Flavored Cortado: Add a dash of vanilla syrup or caramel for a sweet twist.
- Cortadito: A Cuban variation made with sweetened condensed milk instead of steamed milk.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a cortado and a latte?
A cortado has equal parts espresso and steamed milk (1:1 ratio), while a latte has more milk and a higher milk-to-espresso ratio (typically 1:3).
Can I make a cortado without an espresso machine?
Yes! You can use an AeroPress, Moka pot, or French Press to brew concentrated coffee as a substitute for espresso.
What milk is best for a cortado?
Whole milk is recommended for its creamy texture, but you can use any milk based on your preference.
How much caffeine is in a cortado?
A cortado contains about 60-80mg of caffeine, depending on the espresso shot size and coffee beans used.
Related guides
- How to Make a Cappuccino: Traditional and Modern Methods
- How to Make a Flat White: A Complete Guide
- How to Make a Latte at Home: A Complete Guide
- How to Make a Macchiato
- How to Make a Mocha: A Complete Guide