Ever stared at a coffee menu, felt a little overwhelmed by the choices, and wondered, What Is A Cortado? You’re not alone. Tucked between the familiar latte and the intense macchiato, this little drink is a hidden gem for true coffee lovers. It’s the kind of drink that, once you try it, makes you wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s all about perfect, beautiful balance.
A cortado is a beverage of Spanish origin consisting of espresso mixed with a roughly equal amount of warm, steamed milk. The key is that the milk cuts through the intensity of the espresso without overwhelming it, creating a smooth, strong, and incredibly satisfying coffee experience. And the secret to getting that perfect texture at home? You guessed it – a quality milk steamer. Let’s dive into the world of the cortado and find out why it might just become your new favorite drink.
So, What Exactly is a Cortado?
At its heart, a cortado is simplicity itself. The name comes from the Spanish word cortar, which means “to cut.” This is the perfect description of what the milk does: it cuts the acidity and intensity of the espresso, smoothing it out and making it more approachable, all while letting the coffee’s true flavor shine.
The classic recipe is a straight 1:1 ratio:
- One part espresso: Typically a double shot (around 2 ounces).
- One part steamed milk: Around 2 ounces of beautifully textured, silky milk.
Unlike a cappuccino with its mountain of airy foam, or a latte with its milky volume, the cortado’s milk is steamed just enough to create a delicate layer of microfoam. This results in a drink that’s strong, but not harsh; creamy, but not heavy. It’s the Goldilocks of coffee drinks – just right.
Cortado vs. The World: How Does It Stack Up?
This is where things get interesting. To truly understand the cortado, it helps to compare it to its coffee shop cousins. It all comes down to ratios and milk texture.
Cortado vs. Macchiato
A traditional macchiato is an espresso “marked” or “stained” with just a dollop of milk foam. It’s overwhelmingly an espresso-forward drink. A cortado, with its equal parts milk and espresso, is a much more balanced and less intense beverage.
Cortado vs. Cappuccino
The cappuccino is famous for its distinct layers: one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third airy, thick foam. A cortado has very little foam; the milk is integrated smoothly into the espresso, creating a consistent texture from top to bottom.
Cortado vs. Flat White
This is the closest relative. A flat white also uses microfoam and is known for its velvety texture. However, a flat white is typically larger and has a higher milk-to-espresso ratio (often 1:2 or 1:3), making it a milkier, less coffee-forward drink than a cortado.
Cortado vs. Latte
A latte is the milkiest of the bunch, with a ratio that can be 1:4 or even higher. It’s served in a large glass and is much milder in coffee flavor. The cortado, in its small glass, packs a much more concentrated coffee punch.
Expert Take: As our resident barista, Isabella Rossi, puts it, “The cortado is a barista’s handshake. It’s a no-frills drink that showcases the quality of the espresso. You can’t hide bad coffee or poor milk technique in a cortado. It’s pure, balanced, and honest.”
The Secret Weapon: Why a Milk Steamer is Key for a Cortado
You might be thinking, “Can’t I just warm up some milk in the microwave?” Well, you could, but you’d be missing the entire point. The magic of a cortado lies in the texture of the milk. This is where a dedicated milk steamer or frother becomes your best friend.
A proper milk steamer doesn’t just heat the milk; it uses steam to create a vortex, gently incorporating tiny air bubbles. This process creates what’s known as microfoam—a silky, velvety texture that feels like liquid velvet in your mouth. This is what allows the milk to blend seamlessly with the espresso, rather than sitting on top like a fluffy cloud. Trying to achieve this without a steamer is like trying to whip cream with a spoon—it’s just not the right tool for the job.
|
Our Picks for the Best Milk Steamer in 2025
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
|
||
| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Instant Pot Milk Frother, 4-in-1 Electric Milk Steamer, 10oz/295ml Automatic Hot and Cold Foam Maker and Milk Warmer for Latte, Cappuccinos, Macchiato, From the Makers of Instant 500W, Black |
|
| 2 | Milk Frother and Steamer, Large Capacity Detachable Electric Milk Frother, Automatic Warm and Cold Foam Maker, Stainless Steel Jug, BPA Free |
|
| 3 | SIMPLETASTE Milk Frother, 4-in-1 Electric Milk Steamer, Automatic Warm and Cold Foam Maker and Milk Warmer for Latte, Cappuccinos, Macchiato |
|
| 4 | Dreo Milk Frother [Upgraded], All-in-1 Electric Foam Maker for Coffee, 15oz/450ml Automatic Foam Frother for Latte Art-level Microfoam, 30+ Drinks, Dishwasher Safe, Easy to Clean, LED display |
|
| 5 | SIMPLETASTE Milk Frother, 4-in-1 Electric Milk Steamer, Automatic Warm and Cold Foam Maker and Milk Warmer for Latte, Cappuccinos, Macchiato |
|
| 6 | Subminimal NanoFoamer Pro Gen-2 – Revolutionary Hands-Free Microfoam Milk Maker for Cafe-Quality Foam, Coffee Bar Accessories for Dairy & Plant-Based Milk, Perfect Coffee Gifts – US Plug Type |
|
| 7 | Dreo Milk Frother [Upgraded], All-in-1 Electric Foam Maker for Coffee, 15oz/450ml Automatic Foam Frother for Latte Art-level Microfoam, 30+ Drinks, Dishwasher Safe, Easy to Clean, LED display |
|
| 8 | Electric Milk Frother and Steamer, 16.9oz/500ml Milk Steamer and Frother for Latte, Dishwasher Safe, BPA Free, 4 Functions, Enjoy Perfect Milk Froth in 2 Min - White |
|
| 9 | Milk Frother and Steamer, Large Capacity Detachable Electric Milk Frother, Automatic Warm and Cold Foam Maker, Hot Chocolate Maker, BPA Free, Black |
|
| 10 | Nespresso Aeroccino 3 Milk Frother, Black, Steel |
|
How to Make a Perfect Cortado at Home (Step-by-Step)
Ready to leave the coffee shop lines behind? Making a cortado at home is surprisingly simple once you have the right tools and technique.
- Pull Your Espresso: Start by pulling a double shot of your favorite espresso into a 4-5 ounce glass. The traditional choice is a Gibraltar glass, which is the perfect size.
- Steam Your Milk: This is the crucial step. Pour about 3-4 ounces of cold, fresh whole milk into your milk frothing pitcher.
- Insert the steam wand of your milk steamer frother just below the surface of the milk.
- Turn on the steam. You’re looking for a gentle “tearing” or “hissing” sound for just a second or two to introduce a small amount of air.
- Submerge the wand deeper into the milk to create a swirling vortex. This breaks down the larger bubbles and creates that silky microfoam.
- Heat the milk until the pitcher is warm to the touch (around 140-150°F or 60-65°C). Don’t overheat it, or you’ll scorch the milk and ruin the flavor.
- The Pour: Give the pitcher a firm tap on the counter to pop any large bubbles and a gentle swirl to keep it silky. Slowly pour the steamed milk directly into the center of your espresso until the glass is full. The goal is a 1:1 ratio.
And that’s it! You’ve just made a coffee shop-quality cortado in your own kitchen.
Pro Tips for Nailing Your Cortado
- Milk Matters: Whole milk is your best bet for creating rich, creamy microfoam due to its higher fat content. Oat milk is a fantastic dairy-free alternative that also steams beautifully.
- Start Cold: Always start with a cold pitcher and cold milk. This gives you more time to steam the milk and develop the perfect texture before it gets too hot.
- Glassware is Key: While any small glass will do, serving a cortado in a traditional Gibraltar glass just feels right. It enhances the experience and is the perfect volume.
- Practice the Pour: Don’t worry if your first few attempts aren’t perfect. Mastering milk texture and pouring takes a little practice. The good news is, even the “mistakes” are delicious!
Choosing the Right Milk Steamer for Your Cortado Journey
Not all milk frothers are created equal, especially when your goal is the perfect cortado. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the right tool for the job.
| Type of Steamer | Best For | Cortado-Making Pros | Cortado-Making Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handheld Frother | Beginners on a budget | Inexpensive and easy to use. | Creates more airy foam than silky microfoam; lacks heating capability. |
| Electric Milk Steamer | Convenience & Consistency | Heats and textures milk automatically. Many have settings for different foam levels. Perfect for consistent results. | Less manual control over the final texture than a steam wand. |
| Espresso Machine Steam Wand | Ultimate Control & Quality | The gold standard. Provides complete control over aeration and texture to create true barista-quality microfoam. | Requires an espresso machine; has a steeper learning curve. |
For the dedicated cortado lover, an electric milk steamer or an espresso machine with a steam wand is the ideal investment. It gives you the control needed to move beyond bubbly froth and into the world of silky, integrated microfoam.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cortado
Is a cortado strong?
Yes, a cortado is considered a strong coffee drink. With a 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk, the coffee flavor is very prominent, much more so than in a latte or cappuccino.
What is a cortado called at Starbucks?
Starbucks does not have a “cortado” on its official menu. You can, however, order it by asking for a double shot of espresso with an equal amount of steamed milk in a short cup.
Can you add flavor to a cortado?
While you certainly can, it’s not traditional. The beauty of a cortado is in its simplicity and the pure flavor of the coffee and milk. Adding syrups can easily overpower its delicate balance.
What kind of glass is a cortado served in?
Traditionally, a cortado is served in a 4.5-ounce glass called a Gibraltar glass. Its small size is perfect for the 1:1 ratio and is sturdy enough to handle the hot liquid.
Is a cortado hotter than a latte?
Generally, they are served at the same temperature, around 140-150°F (60-65°C). However, because a cortado is smaller and has less milk to cool the espresso, it might feel hotter initially and will cool down faster than a larger latte.
Your New Favorite Coffee Awaits
So, what is a cortado? It’s more than just a drink; it’s a statement. It’s a celebration of balance, a perfect harmony between the bold power of espresso and the subtle sweetness of steamed milk. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest things are the most profound. By understanding the crucial role of perfectly textured milk, you can stop just dreaming about that perfect coffee shop drink and start making it yourself. Grab your milk steamer, pull a fresh shot of espresso, and discover the beautiful simplicity of the cortado. Your morning routine will thank you.