What Is a Cortado Coffee

What Is a Cortado Coffee?

If you love espresso-based drinks, you may have wondered, what is a cortado coffee? The cortado is a small but perfectly balanced coffee drink that offers a beautiful harmony between the boldness of espresso and the smoothness of steamed milk.

What Is a Cortado Coffee Drink?

A cortado (from the Spanish word “cortar,” meaning “to cut”) is a specialty coffee made by cutting a shot of espresso with an equal amount of warm milk. The result? A rich, smooth, and well-rounded coffee that tones down espresso’s acidity while maintaining its intensity.

Typically served in a small glass rather than a cup, a cortado is:

  • Equal parts espresso and steamed milk

  • Less frothy than a cappuccino

  • Perfect for those who enjoy a strong but silky coffee experience

Cortado vs. Cappuccino

At first glance, a cortado and a cappuccino might look similar, but there’s a big difference in texture and milk ratio:

Feature Cortado Cappuccino
Espresso to milk ratio 1:1 1:2
Milk texture Lightly steamed Frothy & airy
Strength Stronger Milder
Serving size 4–5oz 6–8oz

If you prefer a creamier, milder drink, a cappuccino might suit you better. But for those who crave a bold espresso taste softened by milk, the cortado is ideal.

How to Make a Cortado at Home

Making a cortado is simple with the right tools, you don't need to go to the coffee shops. Here’s how:

  1. Brew a double espresso shot using your espresso machine or a strong coffee base.

  2. Steam milk until it’s hot but not frothy.

  3. Combine equal parts espresso and milk in a small glass.

  4. Enjoy immediately — no foam art required!

For home brewing, try using a smooth, balanced blend like Breakfast Blend Coffee or 6 Bean Blend Coffee.

What Type of Coffee Beans Are Best for a Cortado?

For the perfect cortado, you’ll want beans that deliver rich flavor and smooth crema. Medium or medium-dark roasts are ideal. We recommend:

Exploring Different Types of Coffee

If you enjoy exploring different coffee types, here’s how the cortado compares:

  • Macchiato: Espresso topped with just a dash of milk foam

  • Flat White: Espresso with velvety microfoam milk

  • Latte: Espresso with a larger amount of steamed milk and a creamy finish

  • Cappuccino: Espresso with steamed milk and a thick foam layer

You can learn more about espresso drinks in our post, What Is a Macchiato Coffee?.

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