Discover the Delicate Art of Crafting a Delicious Cortado Coffee

Cortado coffee is an awesome drink made with espresso and steamed milk that strikes the perfect balance between strong espresso flavor and smooth milkiness. Originally from Spain, it’s become popular worldwide because it tastes so darn good and has this velvety texture that just hits the spot.

For the ratio of espresso to milk in a cortado, it’s usually about equal parts. But hey, that can change depending on what you like or where you’re getting it from. The whole idea of adding milk to the espresso is to kind of mellow out the strong, intense flavor of the espresso, while still letting its unique characteristics shine through.
People often enjoy cortado coffee in the late morning or afternoon when they need a little pick-me-up.

It has this perfectly balanced, smooth taste that appeals to coffee lovers who want something less milky and more concentrated than other espresso drinks. It’s like a little cup of heaven for your taste buds!

Coffee Selection

For a Cortado, it’s important to choose a coffee with a medium to dark roast profile. Opt for a single-origin espresso blend with a rich, balanced flavor.

Cortado Grind Size

For a Cortado coffee, it is recommended to use a fine to medium grind size. This ensures proper extraction of flavors while preventing over-extraction or bitterness.

Ingredients

Cortado coffee typically consists of a 1:1 ratio of espresso to steamed milk. For a standard cortado, we will use:

• 2 shots (2 ounces or 60ml) of espresso
• 2 ounces (60ml) of whole milk

How to Make a Cortado Coffee

1. Start by preheating your espresso cup and milk pitcher. This ensures the drink maintains its temperature throughout the process.
2. Grind the coffee beans to a fine to medium consistency.
3. Distribute and tamp the coffee grounds into the portafilter with firm, even pressure.
4. Attach the portafilter to the espresso machine and initiate the extraction process. Aim for a total brew time of approximately 25-30 seconds to achieve a balanced shot.
5. While the espresso is extracting, steam the milk in a separate pitcher. Position the steam wand just below the milk’s surface, creating a gentle swirling motion to achieve a velvety texture. Heat the milk to approximately 150°F (65°C).
6. Once the espresso shot is ready, pour it into the preheated espresso cup.
7. Gently tap the milk pitcher on the countertop to remove any large bubbles. Slowly pour the steamed milk into the espresso cup, using a 1:1 ratio with the espresso.
8. As you pour, aim to create latte art by gradually increasing the pour height, allowing the milk to integrate with the espresso.
9. Serve the Cortado Indulgence immediately, allowing your guest to experience its delightful aroma and taste.

Cortado Aroma

The aroma of a Cortado coffee is a delightful blend of the nutty and caramel notes from the espresso, accompanied by the sweet and creamy scent of steamed milk. The combination creates an inviting aroma that awakens your senses.

Cortado Taste

Cortado coffee offers a harmonious balance between the intensity of espresso and the smoothness of milk. The first sip brings a bold and robust flavor profile, with hints of chocolate, caramel, and roasted nuts from the espresso. As the drink unfolds, the creamy steamed milk softens the intensity, imparting a velvety texture and a subtle sweetness to the palate.

Cortado Sensation

When savoring a Cortado coffee, you’ll experience a delightful sensation on your taste buds. The combination of the rich espresso and velvety milk creates a silky mouthfeel that coats your palate, leaving a lingering, comforting sensation after each sip.

Do you use a Moka Pot? If you want to see how they make stove-top espresso, please check out our Illustrated guide on how to use a Moka Pot here.

Cortado Coffee Variations and Tips

• Vanilla Cortado: Add a touch of vanilla syrup to your Cortado for a subtle and aromatic twist.
• Caramel Cortado: Drizzle caramel syrup over the top of your Cortado for a sweet and indulgent flavor.
• Hazelnut Cortado: Infuse your Cortado with a nutty aroma by adding a splash of hazelnut syrup.

• Iced Cortado: Enjoy a refreshing twist by pouring your Cortado over ice cubes.
• For a stronger flavor, use a darker roast espresso bean.
• Adjust the ratio of milk to espresso based on your preference for a stronger or milder taste.

Cortado Coffee Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 40-60 calories per serving, depending on the type of milk used.
• Fat: Varies depending on the type of milk, ranging from 1-4 grams.
• Protein: Around 2-3 grams.
• Carbohydrates: Less than 5 grams.

Cortado Coffee FAQ

What Is Cortado Coffee?

Cortado coffee is this awesome espresso-based drink that combines espresso and steamed milk in equal parts. It comes all the way from Spain and has become super popular worldwide because it has this amazing balance of flavors and textures.

How Is a Cortado Different From Other Espresso Drinks?

Well, the thing that sets Cortado apart from other espresso drinks is the equal ratio of espresso to milk. Unlike cappuccinos or lattes, which have more milk, Cortado lets the espresso shine through while still being creamy and smooth.

Can I Customize the Ratio of Espresso to Milk in a Cortado?

Totally! While the classic Cortado has equal parts espresso and milk, you can definitely ask for adjustments depending on your taste or where you’re getting it. Some places might offer variations with a bit more or less milk.

When Is the Best Time to Enjoy a Cortado?

Many people enjoy a Cortado as a mid-morning or afternoon pick-me-up. It’s perfect for those who want a concentrated coffee experience with a smooth and balanced taste. But honestly, you can have it whenever you’re in the mood for a delicious espresso-based drink.

Can I Make a Cortado at Home Without an Espresso Machine?

It might be a bit tricky to recreate the exact Cortado experience without an espresso machine, but you can still try something similar. Just brew a strong cup of coffee and add an equal amount of steamed milk. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll give you a satisfying alternative. Another great alternative is to get a Moka pot. I use a Moka pot daily even though I have an espresso maker because I like the muddy taste. Check out my  Illustrated guide on how to use a Moka Pot.

 If you need a Moka Pot, you can find the one I use here.

Wrapping Up How to Make a Cortado Coffee

Treat yourself to the pure luxury of a Cortado coffee. This classy drink perfectly combines espresso and milk, giving you a delightful balance of flavors and textures. No wonder coffee lovers everywhere are obsessed with it!

Whether you enjoy it in the morning to kick-start your day or in the afternoon when you need a little boost, the Cortado coffee is guaranteed to take your coffee experience to a whole new level. It’s like a luxurious indulgence you can’t resist, with its irresistible taste and creamy goodness that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.

Want to make the best coffee at home all the time? Please check out our guide to making the best coffee!