How do I make a Cortado?
The Cortado: A spicy cup with a mild milky flavour.
A cortado is a refined coffee specialty that originated in Spain and Portugal. This drink combines the strong taste of espresso with a soft addition of warm milk. The name "cortado" literally means "cut" in Spanish, which refers to the milk that softens the intensity of the espresso. Also, the coffee is 'cut' by the espresso in the lower part and the milk in the upper part. It is a perfect choice for those who like a balanced, but still intense coffee taste.
What exactly is a cortado?
A cortado is made by combining espresso with hot milk. The milk is often frothed using an espresso machine steam wand, a milk frother, or simply heated in a pan on the stove or in the microwave. The ratio of espresso to milk can vary depending on the tradition:
Spanish cortado : 1 part espresso to 1 part milk. This means, for example, 30 ml espresso and 30 ml milk.
Portuguese cortado : 1 part espresso to 2 parts milk. For example, here you use 30 ml espresso and 60 ml milk.
A double cortado for the enthusiasts
For those who like a stronger coffee, you can make a double cortado:
Double Spanish cortado : 60 ml espresso and 60 ml milk.
Double Portuguese cortado : 60 ml espresso and 120 ml milk.
Coffee cup from Barista Essentials
How to make a cortado in 4 steps?
Make an espresso
Use an espresso machine or percolator to make a 30ml espresso. Make sure you have a good grind and fresh beans for the best taste.
Heat the milk
Use a steam wand for silky smooth milk with a thin layer of microfoam.
Or heat the milk in a saucepan or in the microwave and beat it with a whisk or milk frother until lightly frothy.
Note: the cortado differs from the cappuccino in that the cortado's milk foam is minimal. In terms of milk foam, the drink resembles a caffe late (coffee verkeerd), which also has little foam and more liquid milk.
Combine the espresso and milk
Pour the espresso into an espresso glass or small cup. Add the milk in the right proportion: 1:1 for the Spanish cortado or 1:2 for the Portuguese version.
Enjoy your cortado
Drink your cortado neat or add a dash of sugar or a coffee syrup, such as caramel or vanilla .
Tips for an optimal cortado
Clean milk system : Always keep your milk system clean. Milk residue can build up and shorten the life of your appliance. Use a special milk cleaner, such as the one in our cleaning products collection , to thoroughly clean your steam pipe or milk frother.
Milk Quality : Choose fresh, whole milk for a rich flavor and good foam texture. Plant-based milks, such as oat milk, also work well and will add a light, nutty flavor to your cortado.
Conclusion
Making a cortado is easier than you think, and with the right techniques you can enjoy this delicious coffee classic at home. Choose your favorite ratio and try a double cortado if you need an extra boost. Remember to keep your equipment clean to continue creating the perfect milk texture.
Try it yourself and be inspired by the authentic flavors of Spain and Portugal!
