A Simple, Balanced Coffee That Combines Bold Flavor with Creamy Smoothness

When it comes to espresso-based coffee drinks, few manage to achieve the perfect harmony between strength and softness like the cortado. With its equal parts of espresso and warm milk, a cortado offers a rich yet mellow experience—strong enough to satisfy fans of bold coffee, but smooth enough to appeal to those who prefer a creamy texture.

Originally from Spain, the cortado has quietly built a global following among coffee lovers looking for a refined, minimalist drink. It’s a café staple that you can easily recreate at home, as long as you understand its core components and simple technique. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about making a perfect cortado, from equipment and ingredients to variations and expert tips.

What Is a Cortado?

The word “cortado” comes from the Spanish verb cortar, which means “to cut.” In the context of coffee, this refers to how the milk “cuts” through the intensity of the espresso. Unlike a latte or cappuccino, where milk is the dominant component, the cortado respects the espresso, enhancing it without overpowering it.

A traditional cortado is made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, typically served in a 4 to 5 oz (120–150 ml) glass. There’s no foam art, no sugar, and no distractions—just a clean, balanced, and satisfying coffee drink.

Why Choose a Cortado?

If you enjoy coffee that highlights the taste of the beans without being too bitter or too diluted, a cortado is a fantastic option. Here are a few reasons why cortados have gained a loyal fanbase:

Bolder than a latte – Uses much less milk, keeping the coffee flavor front and center.
Less foamy than a cappuccino – The milk is steamed to a silky consistency, not aerated into a cloud.
Perfect portion size – Small, strong, and satisfying without being overwhelming.
Elegant and easy to prepare – No need for advanced latte art skills or flavored syrups.
Pairs well with pastries or breakfast – Ideal for slow mornings or quiet café moments.

Ingredients for a Classic Cortado

Making a great cortado starts with quality ingredients. Since the drink is so simple, every element matters.

What You’ll Need

2 oz (60 ml) of freshly brewed espresso (double shot)
2 oz (60 ml) of steamed milk (whole milk is traditional, but alternatives work too)

Optional variations (explored later): oat milk, almond milk, cinnamon, cocoa, caramel, etc.

Equipment Required

Espresso machine (or Moka pot, AeroPress, or strong French press)
Steam wand, milk frother, or a simple whisk and stovetop
4 to 5 oz heat-resistant glass or small cup
Milk pitcher (if using a steam wand or frother)
Thermometer (optional, but helpful for milk steaming)

How to Brew the Espresso

A proper cortado begins with a strong, well-extracted espresso shot. This provides the rich base that will be softened—but not overwhelmed—by the milk.

Using an Espresso Machine

If you have an espresso machine:

Grind fresh beans to a fine consistency
Use 18–20 grams of coffee for a double shot
Tamp evenly and brew a 2 oz (60 ml) shot
Look for a golden crema and rich aroma

Without an Espresso Machine

You can still make a cortado with:

Moka Pot – Produces strong, concentrated coffee similar to espresso
AeroPress – Use a fine grind, hot water, and a short brew time
French Press – Use more coffee than usual and a shorter steep to intensify flavor

While these methods don’t create true espresso, they get close enough to deliver a similar experience.

How to Steam the Milk

The second key element of a cortado is steamed milk—but not foamed. The milk should be smooth, hot, and velvety, without bubbles or froth.

Using a Steam Wand

Purge the wand to release water
Place the wand just under the milk’s surface in the pitcher
Create a gentle rolling motion, avoiding large bubbles
Heat to 140–150°F (60–65°C) for best results
Tap and swirl to remove bubbles and create a silky texture

Alternative Methods

Milk Frother – Use the lowest frothing setting for minimal foam
Stovetop + Whisk – Heat gently while whisking until smooth
French Press – Pour warm milk and pump slowly for a velvety texture

Putting It All Together

Now that you have both espresso and steamed milk ready, it’s time to combine them.

Pour the espresso into a small glass or cup
Slowly pour the steamed milk directly into the espresso
Maintain the 1:1 ratio for a classic cortado
Avoid layering or foam separation—aim for an even blend

You should end up with a uniform, light caramel-colored drink with a smooth, rich body.

How to Serve a Cortado

Cortados are traditionally served in a small glass tumbler without handles. This allows you to see the beautiful blend of coffee and milk. Unlike lattes or cappuccinos, cortados don’t have decorative foam or toppings—simplicity is part of the experience.

Serve immediately while hot. Enjoy slowly, sipping to savor the balance of flavors.

Delicious Cortado Variations to Try

Once you master the traditional version, try these creative twists:

Iced Cortado

Use cold milk and pour over ice for a refreshing summer version.
Optionally, shake the espresso with ice for a stronger chill.

Oat Milk Cortado

Oat milk steams beautifully and adds natural sweetness.
Great dairy-free alternative with a smooth finish.

Mocha Cortado

Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the espresso before adding milk.
Delivers a light chocolate note without becoming a full mocha.

Caramel Cortado

Drizzle a bit of caramel syrup into the cup before adding espresso.
A subtly sweet version that’s still espresso-forward.

Cinnamon Cortado

Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the milk or stir a pinch into the espresso.
Adds warmth and complexity without overpowering the coffee.

Honey Cortado

Add half a teaspoon of honey before pouring the milk.
A naturally sweet and soothing version—especially nice in the morning.

Tips for the Best Homemade Cortado

✔ Use fresh, high-quality beans with medium-dark roast for optimal flavor
✔ Grind your beans just before brewing for maximum aroma
✔ Steam milk gently—avoid thick foam, aim for a glossy finish
✔ Stick to the 1:1 ratio for an authentic experience
✔ Serve in the right cup to honor the drink’s tradition and portion
✔ Don’t overcomplicate it—the cortado’s beauty lies in its simplicity

When to Drink a Cortado

Cortado is incredibly versatile and fits almost any time of day:

Morning – As a strong, smooth start without the heaviness of a latte
Midday break – Just the right size and strength to refresh you
Afternoon coffee moment – Great with a light pastry or snack
After meals – Especially if you want a small coffee with big flavor

Because it’s smaller than most milk-based drinks, cortado won’t leave you feeling too full, making it a great option throughout the day.

The Global Rise of the Cortado

Though rooted in Spanish tradition, the cortado has become a global favorite. In Portugal, a similar drink is called pingado. In Latin America, variations like café cortado are often served with slightly more milk or sweetened. In specialty cafés across North America and Europe, cortados now appear alongside macchiatos, flat whites, and cappuccinos as part of every good coffee menu.

Its popularity is a testament to the drink’s balance—it delivers the bold essence of espresso but in a more approachable, mellow form. For those who love the flavor of coffee but not the size or sweetness of many café drinks, the cortado is ideal.

Final Thoughts

The cortado is a beautiful coffee drink that embodies balance, simplicity, and flavor clarity. With only two ingredients—espresso and milk—it allows each to shine without competing. It’s bold but smooth, small but satisfying, and traditional but still trendy.

Whether you’re an espresso enthusiast or just exploring coffee beyond lattes and cappuccinos, learning how to make a cortado at home is a rewarding experience. It doesn’t require fancy skills or equipment—just care, quality ingredients, and attention to texture and proportion.

Try it today and discover why this minimalist drink has become a beloved staple in cafés and kitchens around the world.