A cortado is a simple yet sophisticated coffee drink that perfectly balances bold espresso and velvety steamed milk. Unlike a latte or cappuccino, a cortado has equal parts espresso and milk, allowing the coffee’s rich flavor to shine while the milk softens its intensity.
Originally from Spain, the cortado has gained popularity worldwide for its smooth texture, strong coffee taste, and minimal milk. If you love the idea of an espresso-based drink that’s less milky than a latte but creamier than an espresso macchiato, the cortado is the perfect choice.
This guide will show you how to make an authentic cortado at home, including the right coffee-to-milk ratio, steaming techniques, and variations to try.
What Makes a Cortado Different?
The word “cortado” comes from the Spanish verb “cortar,” which means “to cut”—referring to how the steamed milk cuts through the intensity of the espresso.
✔ Stronger than a latte – Uses less milk to preserve the espresso’s boldness.
✔ Less foam than a cappuccino – The milk is steamed but not frothed, creating a smooth, non-foamy texture.
✔ Small serving size – Typically served in a 4-5 oz (120-150ml) glass, making it more concentrated than other espresso drinks.
✔ Perfectly balanced – Maintains the espresso’s strength while adding a creamy, mellow finish.
If you enjoy coffee drinks that are bold but smooth, rich but not overpowering, the cortado is an excellent option.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Perfect Cortado
✔ 2 oz (60ml) freshly brewed espresso (double shot)
✔ 2 oz (60ml) steamed milk (whole milk is ideal, but oat or almond milk also works)
✔ Espresso machine or alternative strong coffee brewing method
✔ Milk frother or steam wand
✔ Small glass (4-5 oz) for serving
The key to a great cortado is maintaining a 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk while keeping the milk silky and smooth without excessive froth.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Cortado
Step 1: Brew a Double Shot of Espresso
A cortado starts with a strong double shot of espresso. If you have an espresso machine, pull a 2 oz (60ml) double shot.
If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can make a strong coffee alternative using:
✔ Moka Pot – Produces a rich, concentrated coffee similar to espresso.
✔ AeroPress – Brew a small, strong coffee by using fine grounds and a short extraction time.
✔ French Press – Use extra coffee grounds to create a bolder brew.
The goal is to create a bold, smooth espresso base that pairs well with steamed milk.
Step 2: Steam the Milk to a Smooth Texture
✔ Use whole milk for the best creaminess. If using dairy-free options, oat milk works best for steaming.
✔ Fill a steaming pitcher with about 2 oz (60ml) of cold milk.
✔ Purge the steam wand before steaming to remove excess water.
✔ Keep the steam wand just below the surface of the milk to create a gentle, rolling motion.
✔ Heat the milk to 140-150°F (60-65°C)—hot but not boiling.
Unlike a latte or cappuccino, the cortado should not have thick foam—the milk should be warm, smooth, and velvety, blending seamlessly with the espresso.
Alternative frothing methods:
✔ Use a handheld milk frother to create a light, silky texture.
✔ Heat milk on the stovetop and whisk until smooth.
✔ Use a French press—pour in warm milk and pump the plunger up and down to aerate.
Step 3: Combine Espresso and Milk
✔ Pour the steamed milk slowly and evenly into the espresso.
✔ Keep the ratio 1:1 (equal parts espresso and milk) for an authentic cortado.
✔ Avoid adding too much milk—it should enhance the espresso, not overpower it.
Unlike a latte, which has more milk, the cortado maintains a strong espresso presence with a silky milk balance.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Cortados are traditionally served in a small glass, allowing you to see the rich coffee and milk layers. Unlike cappuccinos, they are not topped with extra foam or decorations.
Enjoy it immediately while hot, sipping slowly to appreciate the perfect balance of bold espresso and smooth milk.
Cortado Variations to Try
✔ Iced Cortado – Use cold milk and pour over ice instead of steaming it.
✔ Oat Milk Cortado – A great dairy-free alternative with a naturally sweet flavor.
✔ Caramel Cortado – Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for a sweet twist.
✔ Cinnamon Cortado – Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon for a spiced touch.
✔ Mocha Cortado – Mix in a teaspoon of cocoa powder for a subtle chocolate flavor.
Tips for the Best Cortado
✔ Use fresh, high-quality espresso beans for the best coffee flavor.
✔ Perfect the milk texture—it should be smooth and silky, not frothy.
✔ Heat the milk to the right temperature—avoid overheating, which can scald the milk.
✔ Stick to the 1:1 ratio—too much milk will turn it into a latte.
✔ Use the right serving glass—a small 4-5 oz glass preserves the classic cortado experience.
Final Thoughts
The cortado is a simple yet refined coffee drink that highlights the natural flavors of espresso with just the right amount of creamy milk. If you love bold coffee without too much milk but still want a smooth, well-balanced texture, the cortado is a must-try.
With just two ingredients and a few simple techniques, you can create a café-quality cortado at home. Try making one today and enjoy the perfect balance of strong coffee and silky milk in every sip!