What is a Cortado and the Most Similar Alternate Coffee?

Jan 30, 2025

If you’re someone who considers coffee a sacred ritual, then you’ve probably come across the word “cortado” floating around at your favorite café. Whether you’re a die-hard espresso drinker or just someone who enjoys the occasional coffee buzz, a cortado might just be the next coffee trend you need to try. But what is it exactly, and how does it stack up against other coffee drinks?

We are going to dive into the history, composition, ideal time of day for sipping, and some similar coffee drinks to the cortado. Grab your favorite cup, and let’s break it down.

The Origins of the Cortado

The cortado hails from Spain and has roots in Spanish-speaking countries. The word “cortado” literally translates to “cut” in Spanish, which is a hint at how this coffee is made. Traditionally, the espresso is “cut” with steamed milk to create a smoother, balanced flavor that is not too strong but also not as mellow as a typical latte or cappuccino. The ratio of espresso to milk in a cortado is typically 1:1, making it a small, but powerful drink.

The cortado’s simplicity is one of its defining qualities. Unlike other drinks, like a cappuccino, which has a frothy top layer of milk foam, a cortado maintains a more direct and smooth texture. This makes it a great choice for anyone who enjoys the boldness of espresso but with a softening of the intensity.

What Is a Cortado Made Of?

As mentioned earlier, the cortado is primarily made of two simple ingredients: espresso and steamed milk. But it's the proportions that make this drink unique. Unlike a latte, which has a much higher proportion of milk, the cortado is a more balanced creation.

Espresso

Espresso is the base of the cortado and provides that rich, concentrated flavor that coffee lovers crave. It’s made by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely-ground coffee beans. This process results in a concentrated shot of coffee that is the foundation of most specialty coffee drinks.

Steamed Milk

The milk in a cortado is steamed to a silky-smooth texture, but it’s not frothy like the milk in a cappuccino. This is a key difference between the cortado and drinks like lattes or cappuccinos, where the milk foam is thick and airy. Instead, the milk in a cortado is heated but still fluid, helping to "cut" the sharpness of the espresso while maintaining the rich flavor.

The 1:1 ratio of espresso to steamed milk gives the cortado a strong, full-bodied coffee taste that isn’t diluted or overly creamy. It’s a perfect drink for those who appreciate the strength of espresso but need a little softening to make it more approachable.

How Is a Cortado Different from Other Coffee Drinks?

A cortado is often compared to several other coffee drinks, especially the latte and cappuccino. So, how does it differ from these popular beverages?

Cortado vs. Latte

A latte is made with espresso and steamed milk, but the key difference lies in the milk-to-espresso ratio. A latte typically has more milk than a cortado, making it a creamier and milder coffee drink. Lattes are often topped with a layer of frothy milk foam, while a cortado focuses on a smooth, silky milk texture.

Cortado vs. Cappuccino

A cappuccino also contains espresso and steamed milk, but the ratio of milk to espresso in a cappuccino is different. A cappuccino has more foam, and less milk compared to a cortado. This creates a much frothier texture and a lighter, airier drink. In contrast, a cortado is more about the balance between strong espresso and milk, without the foaminess.

Cortado vs. Macchiato

While a macchiato also uses espresso and milk, the proportions are vastly different. A macchiato typically has a shot of espresso with just a splash of milk, which is more of a “mark” on the espresso rather than a mix of the two ingredients. It’s much stronger than a cortado and tends to be more intense, whereas a cortado is smoother and more balanced due to the equal amount of espresso and milk.

So, if you're looking for something that’s bold but not overwhelming, the cortado sits comfortably between a straight espresso shot and a milder latte. It's got all the flavor you love but with just enough smoothness to make it more enjoyable for longer sips.

What Time of Day is Best to Drink a Cortado?

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about the ideal time to enjoy your cortado. The beauty of this coffee is that it’s versatile and can fit into various parts of your day.

Morning Pick-Me-Up

Like many coffee drinks, a cortado can serve as the perfect morning pick-me-up. Its strong rich flavor can help you wake up and start your day. However, due to the equal balance of espresso and milk, it might not be as jarring as a straight espresso shot, making it easier on the palate, especially for those who aren’t yet ready for an all-black espresso.

Afternoon Boost

Because a cortado doesn’t have a huge amount of milk, it won't leave you feeling heavy like a latte might. It's light enough to enjoy in the afternoon as a mid-day energy booster without the feeling of being too full. It’s a great option if you need a little jolt to get you through the second half of your day.

Post-Meal Delight

If you're someone who loves coffee with dessert or after a meal, a cortado makes an excellent companion. Since it’s a bit stronger than other milky drinks, it pairs well with pastries, cakes, or chocolates. The combination of the bold coffee and the smooth milk makes it a delightful contrast to the sweetness of many desserts.

What Should You Eat with a Cortado?

A cortado is a flexible coffee drink when it comes to food pairings. It’s not as intense as a straight espresso, so it’s an excellent option to enjoy with a light snack or a small breakfast.

Pastries: Croissants, Danish pastries, or muffins complement the cortado perfectly. The slight sweetness of the pastries balances the strong coffee flavor, and the richness of the milk works well with the buttery, flaky textures of the baked goods.
Chocolate: If you’re a fan of chocolate, a cortado pairs wonderfully with a piece of dark or milk chocolate. The coffee’s strength cuts through the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a satisfying balance.
Breakfast Sandwiches: A savory breakfast sandwich with eggs, cheese, and maybe a little bacon or avocado will work well with the cortado. The milk and espresso combo won’t overwhelm the savory flavors, and the drink will help you feel more awake and alert.
Toast: Simple toast with jam or butter can be a perfect companion for your cortado, offering a light yet fulfilling combination.

Essentially, you can enjoy your cortado with just about anything that doesn't overpower its delicate balance of flavors.

How Does the Cortado Compare to Similar Coffees in Popularity?

While the cortado is hugely popular in Spain and Latin American countries, it has slowly been making its way to other parts of the world, especially the United States and Europe. It is gaining traction in specialty coffee shops where people are looking for alternatives to the more common latte or cappuccino. In fact, many modern coffee drinkers enjoy the cortado as a simpler, more direct coffee option. It's not too fancy or complicated, yet it’s flavorful enough to satisfy those seeking a well-balanced cup of coffee.

The cortado has also become a favorite among coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the artistry behind espresso-based drinks but want a simpler, more straightforward experience than what a latte or cappuccino provides. It offers that perfect balance of richness and strength, making it a perfect drink for anyone who enjoys espresso but isn’t ready to dive into the world of straight shots.

The Best Way to Enjoy a Cortado

If you're wondering what the best way is to enjoy a cortado, it’s simple: sit back and relax! A cortado is all about the balance, so there’s no need for fancy toppings or extra add-ins. Keep it straightforward and savor each sip. Whether you’re in a trendy coffee shop, your kitchen, or your local café, enjoy it the way it was meant to be—smooth, strong, and satisfying.

The Most Similar Alternate Coffee Drinks to the Cortado

If you've fallen in love with the cortado but want to mix things up, there are a few similar coffee drinks that you might want to try:

Flat White: Originating from Australia and New Zealand, the flat white is similar to a cortado but typically has a little more milk. It’s creamy, smooth, and slightly milder than a cortado, with a more texture.
Gibraltar: The Gibraltar is practically a cortado, but the main difference is in the glass. It’s typically served in a small, clear glass (often referred to as a “Gibraltar glass”) rather than a standard espresso cup, giving it a slightly different visual appeal.
Macchiato: If you enjoy the strength of espresso but want a little more milk, you might enjoy a macchiato. While the macchiato has much less milk than a cortado, it’s a great option for those who enjoy a more espresso-forward drink with just a touch of milk.

Conclusion: A Simple, Perfect Coffee Experience

The cortado is a great middle ground between a strong espresso and a lighter coffee drink. It’s simple, bold, and smooth, making it perfect for any time of day. Whether you're looking to start your day with a bang or enjoy a midday pick-me-up, a cortado might just be your new go-to.

If you’re not yet familiar with this drink, now is the perfect time to step out of your coffee comfort zone. And when you're ready to buy a coffee table to complement your new coffee ritual, you’ll have the perfect space to sit, relax, and sip on your perfectly balanced cortado. Cheers to coffee! Buy coffee, coffee tables and mugs at CycloneSale.com for everything coffee today!