What is a Cortado? Flavor, Ratio, and How It Compares to a Latte
Table of Contents
- What is a Cortado?
- Flavor Profile: Espresso Dressed in Velvet
- Origins
- The Role of the Gibraltar Glass in Cortado Coffee
- Starbucks Cortado: Size, Customization
- Why Cortado Coffee Might Be Your Perfect Coffee Choice
- Cortado Compared to Other Espresso Drinks
- How to Choose Between Cortado, Latte, Flat White, Macchiato, and Cappuccino
- FAQ
What is a Cortado?
Cortado is a coffee beverage created by combining espresso with lightly steamed milk in a 1:1 ratio. The name derives from the Spanish verb “cortar,” meaning “to cut,” signifying the milk’s role in cutting through espresso’s intensity to produce a smoother, balanced drink.
Unlike milk-heavy lattes or cappuccinos, cortados aim for harmony between the espresso’s boldness and milk’s creaminess, without one overpowering the other. Typically served in a small 4-ounce glass, sometimes a 4.5-ounce Gibraltar glass, the cortado provides a rich, concentrated experience.
Cortados are often mistaken for flat whites due to their similar size and milk preparation. However, cortados maintain a stronger espresso presence thanks to their 1:1 ratio, whereas flat whites typically contain more milk (around a 1:2 ratio), resulting in a creamier, milkier texture.
Flavor Profile: Espresso Dressed in Velvet
The cortado’s charm comes from its exceptional balance, highlighting espresso’s robust and rich flavors tempered by lightly steamed milk. A well-crafted cortado is often described as highlighting the espresso’s natural tasting notes, such as dark chocolate, roasted nuts, subtle caramel sweetness, and hints of fruity acidity.
The milk in a cortado is lightly steamed with minimal microfoam, not frothed, creating a silky, integrated texture. Many coffee enthusiasts describe the tasting experience as “espresso dressed in velvet”—smooth, rich, and free from the bitterness typically associated with straight espresso.
Beyond the flavor, the overall cortado experience is often described as uniquely satisfying. On Reddit’s r/espresso community, some users liken it to a “sip and watch the world go by” kind of moment—offering enough caffeine for a gentle buzz without the overstimulation of an espresso shot. With its smooth balance and manageable size, a cortado invites drinkers to slow down, enjoy the moment, and appreciate the craft behind every cup.
Origins
The cortado, pronounced “kor-TAH-doh”, originated in Spain’s Basque region over a century ago. Its name comes from the Spanish verb cortar, meaning “to cut,” reflecting the drink’s creation: a small amount of warm milk “cutting” through the espresso’s sharp acidity and bitterness. The result is a smoother, more balanced beverage that preserves the rich intensity of the espresso.
The Role of the Gibraltar Glass in Cortado Coffee
While cortados are traditionally associated with Spanish cafés, their presentation underwent a subtle yet influential evolution in the United States—specifically in San Francisco at Blue Bottle Coffee.
In the early 2000s, Blue Bottle’s founder, James Freeman, and his team ordered a batch of 4.5-ounce Gibraltar glasses from the Libbey Glass Company, intending to use them for cupping (coffee tastings). However, the glasses proved too small for that purpose and were instead repurposed to serve a small, potent espresso with a splash of steamed milk. The drink, simply known as a “Gibraltar,” with its tight balance of coffee and milk, resonated with guests and baristas who favored bold, coffee-driven flavors.
Served in the squat, transparent glass, the Gibraltar perfectly displayed the delicate balance between espresso and steamed milk. Its format emphasized the “magic ratio”—a stronger espresso flavor softened but not overpowered by milk. James Freeman later reflected, “It’s really a cortado, but we didn’t know that at the time.”
Over time, the term “Gibraltar” became synonymous with a cortado in some specialty coffee shops across the United States. Although slight differences exist—such as a slightly larger size or minor adjustments in milk-to-espresso ratio—the essence remains the same: a strong yet smooth espresso-based beverage, beautifully presented in a compact, transparent glass.
Starbucks Cortado: Size, Customization
As the cortado gained popularity beyond its Spanish origins, major coffee chains, including Starbucks, embraced the trend by adding it to their Winter 2025 menu as a permanent offering. Starbucks’ version features three shots of ristretto with steamed milk, served in an 8-ounce cup—significantly larger than the traditional cortado, which typically measures about 4 ounces.
Customers can further customize their cup by selecting either the lighter Blonde Espresso or the bolder Signature Espresso, and by choosing between a ristretto or a long shot for subtle variations in flavor and strength.
Why Cortado Coffee Might Be Your Perfect Coffee Choice
You might have noticed more people are choosing coffee drinks that focus on clear, simple flavors. If you know someone who enjoys strong coffee with a smooth finish, a cortado could be worth suggesting—a small espresso drink that strikes a nice balance between boldness and creaminess.
Here’s why a cortado could be a great option to recommend:
1. Full Coffee Flavor Without the Extras
A cortado keeps the spotlight on the coffee itself. With equal parts espresso and lightly steamed milk, it delivers the full, rich flavor of espresso without being masked by too much milk or foam. It’s a simple, satisfying way to enjoy the coffee’s true character.
2. A Lower Sugar and Calorie Choice
The cortado naturally fits into today’s trend toward lower sugar and calorie choices. It offers a satisfying coffee experience without relying on added syrups, heavy milk, or extra sweetness.
3. Small Size, Big Flavor
In a world of oversized drinks, a cortado stands out with its modest size and strong impact. It’s just enough to enjoy the richness of espresso without feeling weighed down—making it a perfect choice for busy days or when you want something quick, flavorful, and well-crafted.
Everyone has their own coffee preferences, but if you’re thinking about something smooth, bold, and easy to enjoy—or recommend—a cortado might just be a perfect fit.
Cortado Compared to Other Espresso Drinks
Cortado is often compared with other popular espresso-based drinks that also combine milk and espresso in varying proportions. Understanding how it differs from beverages like the latte, flat white, and macchiato can help coffee drinkers choose the option that best suits their taste preferences and lifestyle.
Below is a breakdown of the key differences in flavor, size, milk ratio, and texture.
Cortado vs Latte
A latte features significantly more milk (ratio about 1:3 to 1:4), resulting in a creamier, milder drink, ideal for a softer coffee experience. Cortado offers a robust, espresso-focused flavor at a 1:1 ratio.
| Feature | Cortado | Latte |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Ratio | ~1:1 | ~1:3 to 1:4 |
| Flavor | Rich, bold | Creamy, mild |
| Typical Size | ~4 oz | ~8–12 oz |
In summary, while a latte offers a smooth and creamy experience, a cortado delivers a more concentrated and espresso-forward flavor.
Cortado vs Flat White
Flat whites feature a higher milk ratio (around 1:2), creating a velvety texture and smoother experience compared to cortado’s richer, stronger espresso presence.
| Feature | Cortado | Flat White |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Ratio | ~1:1 | ~1:2 |
| Texture | Rich, espresso-forward | Velvety, smoother |
| Typical Size | ~4 oz | ~5–6 oz |
In summary, a flat white provides a silkier milk texture, while a cortado emphasizes a bolder coffee flavor in a smaller cup.
Cortado vs Macchiato
Macchiatos contain mostly espresso with just a splash of milk foam, providing a sharp, bold espresso taste. Cortados offer a more balanced, smooth experience.
| Feature | Cortado | Macchiato |
|---|---|---|
| Milk | Steamed milk (~1:1) | Dash of foam |
| Taste | Balanced | Sharp, bold |
In summary, a macchiato highlights the raw intensity of espresso, whereas a cortado softens it slightly for a smoother, more balanced drink.
Cortado vs Cappuccino
A cappuccino is characterized by its thick layer of milk foam, typically created by combining equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. This results in a drink that is creamy and airy, with the foam softening the boldness of the espresso. In contrast, a cortado uses equal parts espresso and steamed milk without a significant layer of foam, delivering a more direct, rich coffee flavor with a smoother texture.
| Feature | Cortado | Cappuccino |
|---|---|---|
| Ratio | ~1:1 (espresso to milk) | Roughly 1:1:1 (espresso, steamed milk, milk foam) |
| Texture | Smooth, rich | Creamy, airy |
| Flavor | Bold, espresso-forward | Balanced, softened by foam |
In summary, a cappuccino offers a lighter, foam-rich drinking experience, while a cortado provides a more concentrated and espresso-focused flavor with minimal milk interference.
How to Choose Between Cortado, Latte, Flat White, Macchiato, and Cappuccino
For a bold and concentrated espresso experience: Choose a Cortado or Macchiato.
For a creamy, smooth, and mild coffee: A Latte is the ideal option.
For a silky texture with a balanced coffee-to-milk ratio: A Flat White offers the perfect middle ground.
For a light, creamy coffee with lots of foam: A Cappuccino could be the perfect pick.
FAQ
What is a cortado coffee?
A cortado is an espresso-based beverage made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk. It is typically served in a small 4-ounce glass and highlights the espresso’s natural flavor while softening its intensity.
How many shots are in a cortado?
A cortado generally contains a double shot of espresso.
Is a cortado the same as a flat white?
No. A cortado is smaller and stronger, featuring a 1:1 espresso-to-milk ratio, while a flat white uses a higher milk ratio (around 1:2) and has a smoother, silkier texture.
What is the difference between a latte and a cortado?
The main difference lies in the milk ratio and size. A latte uses significantly more milk (1:3 to 1:4 espresso-to-milk ratio) and is typically served in 8–12 ounce cups, offering a creamier, milder flavor. A cortado uses a 1:1 ratio and is much smaller, resulting in a bolder espresso flavor.
Is a cortado the same as a macchiato?
No. A cortado blends espresso and steamed milk evenly for a balanced taste, while a macchiato consists mostly of espresso with just a small dash of milk foam, leading to a sharper, more intense flavor.
Is a cortado stronger than a cappuccino?
Yes, in terms of flavor concentration. A cortado has a stronger espresso flavor because it uses less milk, while a cappuccino has a thick layer of milk foam that softens the espresso taste.
References
- Perfect Daily Grind – What is a Cortado?
- Wikipedia – Cortado
- Blue Bottle – The Gibraltar
- Starbucks – Cortado
- Tasting Table – Cortado vs Latte
