A cortado is one of those coffee beverages that marries simplicity with elegance. Its name, derived from the Spanish word “cortar” (meaning “to cut”), perfectly encapsulates the drink’s essence—espresso that’s “cut” with an equal amount of steamed milk to balance the robust flavors. Unlike a cappuccino or latte, the cortado is served in a smaller glass, offering a focused coffee experience for those who appreciate the boldness of espresso but prefer it softened by just a touch of creaminess.
What makes the cortado stand out in the world of espresso-based drinks is its harmony of flavors. With a 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk, the cortado presents a smooth yet intense coffee experience, perfect for those who enjoy a well-rounded coffee without too much froth or excess milk. It’s a drink that invites you to savor each sip, making it a favorite among coffee purists.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make a perfect cortado at home, no matter your skill level. Whether you’re an espresso enthusiast or a coffee novice, learning to make this timeless drink will elevate your coffee routine and leave you with a café-quality beverage, made with your own hands. Let’s dive in and discover how easy it is to create this delicious and satisfying drink.
Before we jump into making your perfect cortado, it’s essential to gather the right equipment and ingredients. The beauty of a cortado lies in its simplicity, but to achieve that well-balanced harmony of espresso and milk, you’ll need a few key tools and fresh ingredients. Let’s walk through what you’ll need to ensure you can make this drink like a pro.
Ingredients:
- Espresso beans: Since a cortado is espresso-based, the coffee beans you choose will have a significant impact on the final flavor. Aim for high-quality beans that are freshly ground. Medium to dark roasts are often preferred for their bold flavors, but feel free to experiment with different roasts to find what suits your taste best.
- Whole milk: The milk you use can make or break the texture of your cortado. Whole milk creates a creamy texture that balances the strong espresso. If you prefer non-dairy options, oat milk or almond milk are great alternatives, though they may change the overall flavor and texture slightly.
Equipment:
- Espresso machine: This is the most critical piece of equipment for making a cortado. An espresso machine ensures that the coffee is brewed under the right amount of pressure to create that bold, concentrated shot. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a stovetop espresso maker (Moka pot) is a good alternative.
- Milk frother or steam wand: A cortado requires steamed milk, not frothed. A steam wand attached to your espresso machine will be perfect for this, but a separate milk frother can work as well. The goal is to heat the milk until it is warm and smooth, without adding much froth.
- A small glass: Traditionally, cortados are served in small 4-ounce (120 ml) glasses to keep the ratio of espresso to milk balanced. Opt for a glass with a heavy base to capture the authentic café experience.
- Grinder: Freshly ground coffee makes a noticeable difference in espresso. Using a burr grinder will allow you to grind your beans finely, which is essential for pulling a rich, flavorful shot of espresso.
Optional Add-Ons:
- Thermometer: If you’re new to steaming milk, a thermometer can help ensure your milk reaches the ideal temperature (around 140°F or 60°C).
- Tamper: While most espresso machines come with one, a tamper is used to compress the ground coffee in the portafilter. Tamping evenly ensures the water extracts flavor from the espresso evenly.
With these tools and ingredients at hand, you’re set to craft a café-style cortado in the comfort of your kitchen. The preparation may be simple, but the result will offer a delightful, balanced coffee experience that rivals any professional barista.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Cortado
Crafting the perfect cortado is about achieving balance — the right ratio of espresso to milk, combined with precision in every step. Here’s how you can make a café-quality cortado at home in just a few simple steps:
1. Grind and Prepare Your Espresso:
- Start by grinding your coffee beans to a fine consistency. This is crucial for espresso as it ensures optimal extraction. If you’re using a burr grinder, aim for a grind that’s slightly finer than table salt.
- Measure out about 18–20 grams of ground coffee, depending on your espresso machine’s basket size.
- Insert the coffee grounds into the portafilter, and use a tamper to compress the grounds evenly. The key is to apply firm pressure, ensuring a flat surface for even water distribution.
2. Pull Your Espresso Shot:
- Attach the portafilter to your espresso machine and start brewing. A cortado typically uses a double shot of espresso, which is about 2 ounces (60 ml).
- The ideal espresso extraction should take around 25–30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when you see a rich, dark stream that gradually lightens to a golden-brown crema.
- Set your espresso aside while you prepare the milk.
3. Steam the Milk:
- Pour about 2 ounces of whole milk into your frothing pitcher. For a cortado, you want to steam the milk until it’s velvety and smooth, but without too much froth. The goal is to create a texture that mixes effortlessly with the espresso.
- If you’re using an espresso machine with a steam wand, position the wand just below the surface of the milk and steam until the milk reaches about 140°F (60°C). You want it warm but not scalding.
- If you don’t have a steam wand, a handheld milk frother or stovetop method works too. Just ensure the milk remains liquid and not too foamy.
4. Combine Espresso and Milk:
- Grab a small, 4-ounce glass (traditionally used for cortados), and pour your freshly brewed espresso into it.
- Gently pour the steamed milk over the espresso. The ratio should be 1:1, meaning equal parts espresso and milk. You can slightly adjust this ratio based on personal preference, but keeping the balance is key to maintaining the cortado’s signature taste.
5. Final Touches:
- Optional: Add a touch of sugar or sweetener if you prefer a slightly sweeter drink.
- For a traditional finish, avoid adding any flavored syrups or additional foam. The charm of the cortado lies in its simplicity and balance.
Variations of a Cortado
While the classic cortado maintains its elegant balance of equal parts espresso and milk, there are several variations that tweak the ratio or ingredients to suit different preferences. These variations allow for creative twists on this simple yet refined coffee drink:
1. Leche y Leche Cortado:
Originating from Spain’s Canary Islands, this version adds a dash of sweetness to the traditional cortado. It incorporates condensed milk along with steamed milk. The condensed milk adds a rich, sweet flavor that contrasts with the bold espresso, making this version an indulgent treat.
2. Iced Cortado:
A refreshing twist on the original, the iced cortado is perfect for warmer days. Rather than steaming the milk, it is poured cold over the espresso. You can serve it over ice, maintaining the signature 1:1 ratio. This version offers the same strong espresso hit, but with a cool and refreshing finish.
3. Cortadito:
Popular in Cuban coffee culture, the cortadito is a slightly sweeter variation. It involves adding a small amount of sugar to the espresso shot before steaming the milk. The sugar caramelizes slightly with the heat of the espresso, adding depth and sweetness to the drink. It’s a small but flavorful twist on the traditional cortado.
4. Piccolo Latte:
Often confused with a cortado, the piccolo latte is a similar espresso-milk beverage, but with a smaller milk-to-espresso ratio. In this case, a single ristretto shot (a more concentrated version of espresso) is mixed with steamed milk in a slightly larger glass, resulting in a stronger espresso flavor.
5. Oat Milk or Almond Milk Cortado:
For those who are lactose-intolerant or prefer non-dairy alternatives, using oat milk or almond milk creates a great variation. Oat milk offers a creamy consistency that closely mimics dairy milk, while almond milk adds a subtle nutty flavor to the espresso, both maintaining the cortado’s smooth texture.
These cortado variations allow for personal expression and cater to a wide range of tastes, whether you’re after something sweeter, more refreshing, or simply dairy-free. The foundation remains the same, but with small adjustments, the cortado transforms into a coffee experience tailored just for you.
Some tips for Perfecting Your Cortado
Perfecting your cortado requires attention to detail and a few key techniques to ensure balance between the espresso and milk. Here are some tips to elevate your cortado-making skills:
1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Coffee Beans:
The foundation of any great cortado is the espresso, and to get a rich, bold shot, you should always start with fresh, high-quality beans. Opt for a medium or dark roast to achieve the robust flavor that pairs well with steamed milk. Grind the beans just before brewing to ensure the freshest taste.
2. Master the Espresso Shot:
Pulling a perfect shot of espresso is crucial. Aim for a 25-30 second extraction, depending on your espresso machine. The shot should have a rich crema on top and a well-balanced taste without being too bitter or too sour. Achieving this balance will give your cortado a smooth, rich base.
3. Achieve the Right Milk Texture:
The texture of the steamed milk is what sets a cortado apart from other milk-based drinks. Instead of frothing the milk into a thick foam (as you would for a cappuccino), you want to achieve a velvety, microfoam consistency. Lightly steam the milk so it’s warm, not boiling, and aim for a texture that smoothly integrates with the espresso rather than overpowering it.
4. Maintain the 1:1 Ratio:
The key to a cortado is its 1:1 espresso-to-milk ratio. For every ounce of espresso, add one ounce of milk. This creates the perfect balance where neither the milk nor the espresso dominates. Keep this ratio in mind to avoid turning your cortado into a latte or cappuccino.
5. Preheat Your Glass:
Preheating your cortado glass keeps the drink warm longer, enhancing the drinking experience. Pour hot water into the glass for a few seconds, then discard it before pouring your espresso. This simple step can prevent the drink from cooling too quickly, especially when served in a small glass.
6. Experiment with Milk Alternatives:
If you prefer dairy-free options, practice with alternatives like oat milk, which steams well and provides a creamy texture, or almond milk for a subtle nutty flavor. Different non-dairy milks behave differently when steamed, so experimenting will help you find the one that works best for your cortado.
7. Taste Test and Adjust:
Once you’ve made your cortado, taste it and assess the balance. If the espresso is too strong, try adjusting the milk temperature or slightly altering the ratio. With time, you’ll develop a personal preference that matches your ideal flavor profile.
Mastering the art of making a cortado at home is not only simple but also deeply rewarding for coffee enthusiasts who value the perfect balance between espresso and milk. The beauty of the cortado lies in its straightforwardness—just two ingredients, espresso and steamed milk, brought together in equal measure. But as we’ve explored, achieving the right flavor and texture requires more than just knowing the ratio. From selecting high-quality beans to mastering the fine art of milk steaming, each step plays a role in creating a cortado that feels on par with café standards.
By following the step-by-step guide, experimenting with variations, and applying the tips for precision, you’ll not only make a great cortado but also gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances of coffee preparation. Whether you prefer the classic version or enjoy customizing it with non-dairy milk alternatives or flavored syrups, making a cortado offers endless possibilities for personal taste.
Most importantly, the experience of crafting your cortado allows you to connect with the process of coffee making, from bean to cup. It’s a skill that can transform your daily coffee ritual into something more intentional and satisfying, bringing the joy of café-quality coffee right into your kitchen.
