How to Make a Cortado: Recipe, Technique & Tips

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.

How to Make a Cortado at Home

Ingredients - 18g freshly ground espresso coffee (fine grind) - 30ml freshly brewed espresso - 30ml whole milk - 120-150ml cortado glass (gibraltar glass is ideal)

Step-by-Step Recipe

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.