Cortado Coffee: A Bold and Smooth Espresso Experience

     Perfectly Balanced with Just the Right Amount of Milk

If you love espresso but enjoy a touch of creaminess, the cortado is the perfect coffee choice for you. This small yet powerful coffee drink delivers a rich espresso flavor softened by a dash of warm milk, creating a smooth, well-balanced experience. Simple, elegant, and satisfying, the cortado is a favorite among coffee lovers who appreciate the true essence of coffee without too much milk.

The cortado originates from Spain, and its name comes from the Spanish word “cortad,” meaning "to cut." The idea is simple: the intensity of espresso is "cut" with an equal amount of steamed milk, reducing the bitterness while maintaining the coffee’s boldness. Unlike lattes or cappuccinos, a cortado has little to no foam, making it a silky and smooth espresso-based drink.

                       

How to Make the Perfect Cortado

Creating a delicious cortado at home is simple, requiring only two ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of espresso (or double shot for a stronger drink)

• 1 shot of steamed milk (whole milk for creaminess, or oat milk for a dairy-free option)

Instructions:

1. Brew the Espresso – Use an espresso machine or Moka pot to make a fresh, strong shot of espresso.

2. Steam the Milk – Heat the milk until warm, but avoid creating too much foam. A frothing wand or milk steamer works best.

3. Combine & Serve – Pour the steamed milk over the espresso in a 1:1 ratio. The milk should blend smoothly into the coffee without forming a thick foam layer.

4. Enjoy! – Serve in a small glass or cup, and sip slowly to enjoy the rich, bold flavors.

Why Coffee Lovers Choose a Cortado

✔️ Perfect Balance – Just enough milk to soften the espresso without overpowering it.
✔️ Less Foam, More Flavor – Unlike cappuccinos or lattes, a cortado focuses on espresso rather than foam.
✔️ Smooth & Satisfying – A great choice for those who find straight espresso too intense but don’t want too much milk.
✔️ Quick & Easy to Make – A simple recipe that delivers a café-quality drink at home.

Cortado vs. Other Espresso Drinks

Drink	Espresso-to-Milk Ratio	Texture & Foam
Cortado	1:1	Smooth, no foam
Latte	1:3 or more	Frothy, creamy
Flat White	1:2	Velvety microfoam
Macchiato	2:1 (more espresso)	Topped with foam

Final Thoughts

The cortado is a simple yet refined coffee drink that’s perfect for those who love the boldness of espresso but appreciate a smoother edge. Whether you're enjoying it as a morning wake-up or an afternoon coffee break, the cortado delivers a rich, satisfying flavor in every sip.

How Do You Like Your Cortado?

Let us know in the comments if you prefer your cortado classic or with a twist! ☕✨