What is a Cortado Espresso: A Guide to This Popular Coffee Drink

A cortado espresso is a popular coffee drink that originated in Spain. It is made by combining a double shot of espresso with an equal amount of warm, lightly steamed milk. The balance between the espresso and milk is 1:1, resulting in a rich, creamy flavor that is both bold and smooth.

Unlike other coffee drinks, a cortado is always the same volume, with one doubleshot of espresso and two ounces of milk. The word "cortado" means cut or chopped in Spanish, indicating that the espresso is cut with the milk. This drink can be sweetened with additional sugar, depending on preference.

A cortado espresso is a great choice for those who want a strong coffee flavor without the bitterness of a straight espresso shot. The steamed milk helps to mellow out the espresso, creating a smooth and balanced taste. It is a simple yet sophisticated drink that is sure to please any coffee lover.

What is a Cortado Espresso?

A cortado is a popular coffee drink that originated in Spain. It is a type of espresso-based drink that consists of equal parts of espresso and steamed milk. The word "cortado" comes from the Spanish word "cortar," which means "to cut." The name refers to the way the drink is made, as the espresso is "cut" with steamed milk.

The balance between the espresso and steamed milk in a cortado is 1:1, which means that the drink is not as strong as a straight shot of espresso. However, it is stronger than other milk-based coffee drinks like lattes or cappuccinos. The small amount of milk in a cortado serves to reduce the acidity of the espresso and create a smooth and balanced flavor.

To make a cortado, a barista will typically pull a double shot of espresso and steam an equal amount of milk. The milk is steamed to a temperature of around 140-150°F, which is cooler than the temperature used for lattes or cappuccinos. This lower temperature helps to preserve the flavor of the espresso and prevent the milk from overpowering it.

A cortado is a great choice for people who want to try an espresso-based drink but find straight espresso too strong. It is also a good option for people who want a milk-based coffee drink that is not too sweet or flavored. The balance of espresso and steamed milk in a cortado creates a rich and complex flavor that is perfect for savoring slowly.

History and Origin of Cortado

Cortado is a type of espresso beverage that originated in Spain. The word "cortado" comes from the Spanish verb "cortar," which means "to cut." The drink is named as such because the milk in the beverage is intended to "cut" through the acidity and bitterness of the espresso. The cortado contains very little to no foam.

Cortado in Spain

The exact date of the origins of the Cortado drink are still somewhat unknown. What is known, is that the Cortado has Spanish origins, and was created in Spain's Basque Country. In this sense, to cut would mean to dilute, AKA, mix the espresso with warm milk. The drink has since become a staple in Spanish coffee culture, and is often enjoyed as a mid-morning or mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

Cortado in United States

The cortado drink was introduced to the United States in the early 2000s, and quickly gained popularity in San Francisco, California. The name "gibraltar" originated in San Francisco, where roasters - first Blue Bottle Coffee Company, later Ritual Coffee Roasters and others - started the cortado trend by serving the drink in Libbey Glass Company glassware by the same name. The drink has since become a popular choice in specialty coffee shops across the United States.

Overall, the cortado is a delicious and unique espresso beverage that has a rich history and cultural significance in Spain. Its popularity has spread to other parts of the world, including the United States, where it has become a staple in specialty coffee shops.

Ingredients and Preparation

The Espresso

A cortado is a simple espresso-based drink that requires only a few ingredients. The first ingredient is a double shot of espresso, which is made using an espresso machine. To make the perfect cortado, one must grind the coffee of choice and add it to the handle of the espresso machine. The coffee should be pressed firmly, and the espresso should be brewed for around 20 seconds. One should get one ounce of espresso, or one shot, for a cortado.

The Milk

The second ingredient in a cortado is steamed milk. The milk used in a cortado is typically whole milk, but some people prefer to use other types of milk, such as leche y leche. The milk should be steamed to a warm temperature, but not too hot. To achieve the perfect temperature, one can use an espresso machine or a frother. The milk should be steamed to create a microfoam, which is a layer of frothed milk that sits on top of the steamed milk.

To prepare a cortado, one should pour an equal amount of steamed milk over the same amount of brewed espresso. The ratio of milk to espresso is usually around 1:1, but some people prefer to use more or less milk depending on their taste preferences. The milk should be poured slowly to create a layered effect, with the steamed milk sitting on top of the espresso.

In summary, to make a cortado, one needs a double shot of espresso and an equal amount of steamed milk. The espresso should be brewed for around 20 seconds, and the milk should be steamed to a warm temperature and poured slowly over the espresso. The ratio of milk to espresso can be adjusted to taste.

Variations of Cortado

Cortado is a traditional Spanish coffee drink that is made by combining espresso with steamed milk. This espresso drink has become increasingly popular in recent years, and there are now many variations of cortado that can be enjoyed around the world. Here are some of the most popular variations of cortado:

Cortadito

Cortadito is a Cuban version of cortado that is made by adding sweetened condensed milk to the espresso. This gives the cortadito a sweet and creamy flavor that is popular in Latin America. The milk is heated and then poured over the espresso, which is then topped with foam.

Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a variation of cortado that is named after the glass it is served in. This drink is made by combining a double shot of espresso with steamed milk, which is then poured into a Gibraltar glass. The drink is topped with a small amount of foam, and it is typically served in a 4.5-ounce glass.

Piccolo

Piccolo is an Australian variation of cortado that is made by combining a single ristretto shot with steamed milk. This drink is similar to a latte, but it has a stronger coffee flavor due to the use of a ristretto shot. The milk is steamed until it has a velvety texture, and it is then poured over the espresso.

Leche y Leche

Leche y Leche is a Spanish variation of cortado that is made by combining equal parts espresso and steamed milk. This drink is similar to a latte, but it has a stronger coffee flavor due to the use of espresso. The milk is steamed until it has a velvety texture, and it is then poured over the espresso.

In addition to these variations, there are many other ways to enjoy cortado. Some people like to add chocolate syrup or whipped cream to their cortado, while others prefer to enjoy it with a milk alternative such as almond milk or oat milk. Cortado is also commonly used as a base for latte art, and it is a popular drink at coffee shops such as Starbucks, Blue Bottle Coffee Company, and Libbey Glass Company. Regardless of how you enjoy your cortado, this delicious espresso drink is sure to satisfy your coffee cravings.

Comparisons with Other Coffee Drinks

When it comes to coffee drinks, there are many options to choose from. Each one has its own unique taste, texture, and presentation. In this section, we will compare the cortado with some other popular espresso drinks.

Cortado vs Macchiato

Cortado and macchiato are both small espresso drinks. However, the main difference between the two is the amount of milk used. A cortado has equal parts espresso and steamed milk, while a macchiato has a small amount of milk or foam added to the top of the espresso shot. This means that cortado has a creamier texture and a more balanced flavor, while macchiato has a stronger espresso taste.

Cortado vs Cappuccino

Cappuccino is another popular espresso drink that is often compared to cortado. Like cortado, cappuccino also has equal parts espresso and steamed milk. However, cappuccino also has a layer of frothed milk on top, which gives it a thicker, creamier texture. Cortado, on the other hand, has a thinner layer of steamed milk, which gives it a smoother, more velvety texture.

Cortado vs Latte

Latte is a coffee drink that is similar to cappuccino, but with more milk. A latte typically has one shot of espresso and a large amount of steamed milk. This means that lattes have a much milder espresso taste than cortados. Lattes also have a thick layer of frothed milk on top, which gives them a creamier texture.

Cortado vs Flat White

Flat white is another espresso drink that is often compared to cortado. Flat white has a similar amount of espresso and milk as cortado, but the milk is steamed differently. Flat white has a thinner layer of steamed milk, which gives it a smoother texture than cortado. Flat white also has a stronger espresso taste than cortado, but not as strong as a cappuccino or latte.

Overall, cortado is a unique coffee drink that has a creamy texture and a balanced flavor. While it is similar to other espresso drinks, it has its own distinct character that sets it apart from the rest.

Nutrition Facts

Cortado espresso is a drink that is made up of one part espresso and one part steamed milk. This coffee drink is known for its smooth taste and balanced flavor. Cortado espresso is a low-calorie drink that is perfect for those who want to enjoy a delicious coffee drink without consuming too many calories.

One shot of espresso contains only two calories, which means that a cortado espresso, which is made up of one shot of espresso and one part steamed milk, contains only about 50 calories. This makes it a great drink for those who are watching their calorie intake.

In terms of caffeine content, a cortado espresso contains about the same amount of caffeine as a regular cup of coffee. This means that it can help you stay alert and focused throughout the day.

Cortado espresso is also a low-sugar drink, which means that it is a great option for those who are watching their sugar intake. The steamed milk used to make a cortado espresso adds a touch of sweetness to the drink, which helps to balance out the bitterness of the espresso.

One of the benefits of cortado espresso is that it is less bitter than other espresso drinks. This is because the milk used to make a cortado espresso helps to soften the bitterness of the espresso, making it more palatable for those who do not enjoy the strong, bitter taste of regular espresso.

Overall, cortado espresso is a delicious and low-calorie coffee drink that is perfect for those who want to enjoy a balanced and flavorful coffee drink. It is a great option for those who are watching their calorie and sugar intake, and it is a great way to enjoy the benefits of caffeine without the jitters that come with drinking too much coffee.

How to Enjoy a Cortado

A cortado is a delicious espresso drink that is perfect for any coffee lover. It is a balance of espresso and steamed milk that creates a nutty and sweetened flavor. Here's how to enjoy a cortado:

Size

A cortado typically comes in a small glass, usually a Gibraltar glass, and is between two to four ounces. It's important to note that the size of a cortado can vary depending on the coffee shop and the region.

Milk

Traditionally, a cortado is made with dairy milk, but many coffee shops now offer dairy-free milk options such as oat milk. Some coffee shops also offer sweetened condensed milk as an alternative.

Brewing Methods

A cortado is made using espresso, which can be brewed using various methods such as pour-over, French press, or espresso machine. It's important to grind the coffee beans fresh for optimum flavor.

Flavor

A cortado has a unique flavor that is nutty and sweetened. The balance of espresso and steamed milk creates a smooth and creamy texture that is perfect for any coffee lover.

Coffee Shop

If you're looking to enjoy a cortado, many coffee shops offer this delicious drink on their menu. Some popular coffee shops that offer cortados include Coffee Project New York and Perfect Daily Grind.

In summary, a cortado is a delicious espresso drink that is perfect for any coffee lover. It's important to note the size, milk options, brewing methods, and flavor when enjoying a cortado. Whether you're in Australia or the United States, you can enjoy a delicious cortado at your local coffee shop.