Coffee is a universe full of unique flavors, cultures, and preparation styles. Among the many espresso-based drinks that have gained popularity around the world, one of the most elegant and balanced is the cortado. With its perfect 1:1 ratio of espresso to steamed milk, the cortado offers an ideal compromise between intensity and creaminess, making it a favorite for coffee purists and casual drinkers alike.
Originally from Spain, the cortado is rooted in simplicity and balance. It was created to soften the strong, often bitter edge of espresso without overpowering its bold characteristics. Unlike a latte, which uses more milk, or a cappuccino, which introduces a layer of frothy foam, the cortado keeps things clean, smooth, and bold. The result is a drink that highlights the richness of espresso with a silky, warm finish of milk.
In this complete guide, we’ll explore how to make an authentic cortado at home, discuss the difference between cortado and other milk-based espresso drinks, and provide you with expert tips, variations, and techniques to craft your own barista-level beverage.
What Is a Cortado?
The word “cortado” is derived from the Spanish verb “cortar”, meaning “to cut.” This refers to how steamed milk “cuts through” the intensity of espresso, creating a drink that retains the character of coffee but with a smoother edge.
Traditionally served in a small glass (about 4 to 5 oz / 120 to 150ml), a cortado is crafted with equal parts espresso and steamed milk. It’s not foamy, overly sweet, or diluted—it’s pure and balanced, which is exactly what sets it apart from other espresso drinks.
Key Features of a Cortado
- 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk
- Bold, rich espresso flavor, softened with creamy milk
- Steamed milk only—no thick froth or airy foam
- Small size keeps it concentrated and flavorful
- Minimalist presentation, often served without toppings or latte art
Whether you’re new to espresso or a seasoned enthusiast, the cortado is an approachable drink that bridges the gap between strength and smoothness.
Cortado vs. Other Espresso Drinks
To better understand the appeal of the cortado, let’s compare it to some popular espresso-based drinks.
| Drink | Espresso (oz) | Milk (oz) | Milk Texture | Total Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | 2 | 0 | None | 2 oz | Pure coffee, no milk |
| Macchiato | 2 | ~1 | Light foam | 3 oz | Espresso with a dollop of foam |
| Cortado | 2 | 2 | Steamed, no foam | 4 oz | Balanced, smooth, strong |
| Flat White | 2 | 4 | Silky microfoam | 6 oz | Creamy, smoother than cortado |
| Latte | 2 | 6-8 | Frothy steamed milk | 8-12 oz | Mild, very milky |
| Cappuccino | 2 | 2 | Thick foam | 6 oz | Foamy, layered texture |
As you can see, the cortado keeps things minimalist and intense. It’s designed for those who want a coffee that’s stronger than a latte, but more mellow than a straight espresso shot.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Perfect Cortado
Making a cortado at home doesn’t require a full café setup. With the right ingredients and a bit of practice, you can enjoy a perfect cortado from your kitchen.
Essential Ingredients
- 2 oz (60ml) of freshly brewed espresso
- 2 oz (60ml) of steamed milk – whole milk is preferred for a rich texture
- Optional: alternative milk (oat, almond, soy) if you’re dairy-free
Tools You’ll Need
- Espresso machine (ideal) or a strong alternative brewing method like:
- Moka pot
- AeroPress
- French press (with extra grounds)
- Milk frother or steam wand
- Steaming pitcher or small saucepan (if using stove)
- Small glass or demitasse cup (4-5 oz)
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Cortado at Home
Step 1: Brew a Strong Espresso Base
Start by pulling a double shot of espresso using your espresso machine. The standard for a double shot is around 2 oz (60ml).
If you don’t have an espresso machine, here are some alternatives:
- Moka Pot: Use fine coffee grounds and fill the bottom chamber halfway to create a stronger brew.
- AeroPress: Brew with a fine grind and use less water for a richer shot.
- French Press: Add more grounds and less water than usual to get a dense and concentrated coffee.
The goal here is to extract a bold, balanced espresso that can stand up to milk without being overwhelmed.
Step 2: Steam the Milk Correctly
The cortado is not about foam—it’s about smooth, silky steamed milk.
- Fill a steaming pitcher with 2 oz (60ml) of cold milk
- Purge the steam wand to remove water before steaming
- Position the wand just below the milk’s surface and tilt the pitcher slightly
- Create a gentle rolling motion, heating the milk evenly
- Aim for a temperature of 140–150°F (60–65°C)
If you don’t have a steam wand:
- Use a handheld milk frother to warm and lightly froth milk
- Heat milk in a saucepan, then whisk until smooth
- Use a French press to create microfoam by pumping warm milk
Note: The milk should be velvety, not bubbly or frothy.
Step 3: Combine Espresso and Steamed Milk
Now it’s time to bring both components together.
- Pour the steamed milk slowly and evenly into the espresso
- Keep the 1:1 ratio (2 oz coffee, 2 oz milk)
- Avoid adding extra foam or milk—this isn’t a latte or cappuccino
You should end up with a drink that is uniform in color and texture. The milk and espresso blend seamlessly to create a creamy, rich beverage with no visible layers or foam caps.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
A cortado is best served in a small, transparent glass, typically 4 to 5 oz. This presentation reflects its simplicity and allows you to appreciate the rich color of the coffee-milk combination.
No whipped cream. No sprinkles. No syrup swirls. Just bold espresso and smooth milk—served hot and fresh.
Drink it slowly, ideally within 5–10 minutes of preparation, while the temperature and texture are at their peak.
Cortado Variations Worth Exploring
Though the classic cortado is perfection in itself, there’s no harm in getting creative once you’ve mastered the basics. Here are some variations to try:
1. Iced Cortado
Prepare your espresso as usual, but skip the steaming. Instead, pour cold milk over your espresso and serve over ice. Refreshing and bold—perfect for summer mornings.
2. Oat Milk Cortado
Oat milk has become the top alternative for coffee drinks thanks to its natural sweetness and creamy consistency. Steam as you would regular milk, and enjoy a dairy-free cortado with excellent flavor.
3. Mocha Cortado
Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup to your espresso before pouring in the milk. It adds a subtle richness and a touch of sweetness to balance the intensity.
4. Caramel Cortado
Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce into the espresso before mixing. This creates a slightly sweeter version with a dessert-like finish.
5. Spiced Cortado
Sprinkle ground cinnamon or nutmeg over the top, or infuse your milk with a cinnamon stick before steaming.
Pro Tips for Cortado Perfection
- Use fresh beans: Always grind fresh coffee beans for a better aroma and flavor.
- Stick to the ratio: A 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk is what defines a cortado.
- Milk matters: Whole milk offers the creamiest results, but oat milk is a great non-dairy choice.
- Avoid foam: This isn’t a cappuccino—aim for smooth milk, not frothy.
- Keep it simple: Resist the urge to add excessive flavors. The cortado’s charm lies in its minimalism.
Best Time to Enjoy a Cortado
Cortados are incredibly versatile. They work well as:
- Morning energizers – Small, strong, and satisfying
- Afternoon pick-me-ups – Without the heaviness of lattes
- After-meal digestifs – Bold but not overbearing
- Social café drinks – Perfect for lingering conversations
They’re also a fantastic option if you love espresso but want to mellow it just enough without diluting the flavor.
Final Thoughts
The cortado is a coffee lover’s drink. It’s small, strong, and elegantly balanced. With just two ingredients—espresso and milk—it manages to showcase everything beautiful about coffee: the aroma, the strength, the smoothness, and the warmth.
Whether you’re making it at home for the first time or perfecting your barista technique, the cortado is a drink that rewards attention to detail and simplicity. It doesn’t need decoration or drama—it just needs to be made with care.
So next time you’re craving a coffee drink that’s bold yet smooth, creamy yet concentrated, skip the latte. Go for a cortado—and enjoy the subtle sophistication in every sip.