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How to Make a Cortado in 3 Minutes: Spanish Recipe Guide | Fuga Coffee
Recipe
How to Make a Cortado: Recipe, Technique & Tips
AuthorFuga Coffee5 min read
What Is a Cortado?
A cortado is a Spanish-origin espresso drink. The name comes from the Spanish word "cortar" (to cut) — you "cut" the intensity of espresso with a small amount of steamed milk. It is much more intense and espresso-forward than a latte or cappuccino.
Cortado vs Other Espresso Drinks
Drink
Espresso
Milk
Foam
Total Volume
Cortado
30ml (1 shot)
30ml
Very little
~60ml
Macchiato
30ml
15ml
A dash
~45ml
Flat White
30ml (2 shots)
120ml
Thin microfoam
~180ml
Latte
30ml (2 shots)
200ml+
Thin foam
~300ml
Cappuccino
30ml (2 shots)
60ml
Thick foam
~180ml
The uniqueness of cortado is the 1:1 ratio — equal parts espresso and steamed milk.
Step 1: Brew the Espresso Brew 30ml of concentrated espresso using a moka pot or espresso machine. The crema layer should be visible. Freshness is critical — add milk within 10 seconds.
Step 2: Steam the Milk Steam milk to 55-62°C. The goal is silky smooth texture, not microfoam. There should NOT be thick foam like a cappuccino. Keep the steam wand just below the milk surface.
Step 3: Combine Pour steamed milk slowly over the espresso. The ratio is 1:1 — 30ml espresso, 30ml milk. Total volume should be around 60ml.
Pro Tips
Milk temperature is critical: Do not exceed 65°C — milk burns and loses sweetness
Glass size matters: Use a 120-150ml glass (gibraltar) — you cannot make a cortado in a large mug
Espresso quality is everything: Bad espresso + good milk = bad cortado. Use SCA 80+ specialty beans
Moka pot alternative: If you do not have an espresso machine, brew strong coffee with a moka pot for a close approximation
Milk choice: Whole milk gives the best result. Oat milk is a good alternative.
When to Drink a Cortado?
In Spain, cortado is an afternoon drink — a light but intense post-meal coffee. If a latte feels too mild but straight espresso is too intense, cortado is the perfect middle ground.
Cortado with Fuga Coffee
For the best cortado, choose dark roast, low-acid beans. Brazil Mogiana with its chocolate notes and smooth body makes an excellent cortado coffee. Explore our espresso coffees.
