The Cortadito is a beloved Cuban coffee drink that combines strong espresso with a touch of sweetened steamed milk, creating a bold yet creamy coffee experience. Unlike a regular cortado, which simply mixes espresso with milk, the Cortadito often includes pre-sweetened espresso (espuma), giving it a distinctive caramelized sweetness that sets it apart from other espresso-based drinks.
This guide will teach you how to make an authentic Cortadito at home, including the best brewing methods, traditional techniques, and variations to customize this Cuban classic. Whether you’re new to Cuban coffee or looking to perfect your home-brewed Cortadito, this recipe will bring a taste of Havana to your kitchen.
What Makes a Cortadito Unique?
A Cortadito is similar to a Spanish cortado, but with a Cuban twist. It is often made using a Moka pot (cafetera cubana) and includes pre-whipped sugar foam (espuma or espumita) to create a rich, sweet, and smooth coffee experience. The drink is traditionally served in small cups (4-6 oz) and enjoyed as a quick, strong coffee with just the right amount of sweetness.
✔ Strong Cuban-style espresso – Bold and intense coffee forms the base of the drink.
✔ Sweetened espuma – Sugar is whipped with the first drops of espresso to create a caramel-like foam.
✔ Lightly steamed milk – A small amount of warm milk softens the coffee’s intensity.
✔ Small serving size – Typically served in 4-6 oz glass cups for a concentrated, flavorful experience.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Perfect Cortadito
✔ 2 oz (60ml) freshly brewed Cuban-style espresso (or strong coffee)
✔ 1-2 teaspoons granulated sugar (for espuma)
✔ 2 oz (60ml) steamed milk (whole milk is preferred, but evaporated milk is traditional)
✔ Moka pot (cafetera cubana) or espresso machine
✔ Small mixing cup for espuma
✔ Whisk or spoon for whipping the sugar
✔ Small glass or espresso cup for serving
The key to making an authentic Cortadito is creating a thick, frothy espuma, which gives the drink its signature sweetness and velvety texture.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Cortadito
Step 1: Brew Strong Cuban-Style Espresso
A traditional Cortadito is made using a Moka pot, which produces a bold, rich coffee similar to espresso. If you don’t have a Moka pot, you can use an espresso machine, AeroPress, or strong French press coffee.
✔ Fill the bottom chamber of the Moka pot with water up to the safety valve.
✔ Add finely ground Cuban coffee (Café Bustelo, Pilón, or La Llave) to the filter basket.
✔ Assemble the pot and place it on medium heat.
✔ Once the first few drops of coffee begin to brew, quickly remove them to make the espuma.
Step 2: Make the Signature Espuma (Sweet Coffee Foam)
✔ Place 1-2 teaspoons of sugar into a small mixing cup.
✔ Pour the first few drops of espresso (about 1 teaspoon) into the sugar.
✔ Using a whisk or spoon, beat the mixture vigorously for 30-60 seconds until it becomes thick, creamy, and light brown.
✔ Tip: The espuma should have a foamy, caramel-like consistency, forming the base of the Cortadito’s sweetness.
Step 3: Mix the Coffee and Espuma
✔ Once the espresso is fully brewed, slowly pour it into the cup containing the espuma.
✔ Stir well to combine the sugar foam with the coffee, creating a naturally sweetened espresso.
Step 4: Add Steamed Milk
✔ In a small saucepan or milk frother, heat 2 oz of milk until warm but not boiling.
✔ Pour the steamed milk over the sweetened espresso, maintaining a 1:1 ratio of coffee to milk.
✔ Tip: For a richer taste, use evaporated milk instead of regular milk—a popular Cuban twist.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
✔ Pour the finished Cortadito into a small glass or demitasse cup.
✔ Enjoy immediately while the flavors are fresh and well-balanced.
Cortadito Variations to Try
✔ Cortadito con Leche Evaporada – Made with evaporated milk instead of fresh milk for a creamier taste.
✔ Cortadito con Canela – A pinch of cinnamon adds warmth and aroma.
✔ Iced Cortadito – Serve over ice for a refreshing Cuban coffee on hot days.
✔ Cortadito con Licor – Add a splash of rum, Kahlúa, or Baileys for a boozy kick.
Tips for the Best Cortadito
✔ Use strong Cuban coffee for an authentic taste—brands like Café Bustelo or La Llave work best.
✔ Whip the espuma properly—the better the foam, the smoother and sweeter your Cortadito will be.
✔ Keep the milk-to-coffee ratio balanced—too much milk will make it taste like a latte.
✔ Serve in a small glass—Cortaditos are meant to be short, strong, and sweet.
Final Thoughts
The Cortadito is a classic Cuban coffee drink that offers a perfect balance of bold espresso and sweet, creamy milk. Its signature espuma adds a unique texture and flavor, making it a must-try for coffee lovers looking for something rich, smooth, and authentically Cuban. Whether enjoyed in the morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up, a homemade Cortadito brings a taste of Cuban coffee culture to your home.