A Cortado is a coffee drink that is traditionally made by adding a small amount of steamed milk to an espresso shot.
The name “cortado” comes from the Spanish word “cortar,” which means “to cut.” This refers to the fact that the milk cuts or tempers the strong flavor of the espresso, creating a balance of flavors in the drink. The cortado is typically served in a small, 4-6 ounce glass and is a popular choice among coffee aficionados.
Read on for a Cortado recipe, how to make a Cortado at home, and how to order a Cortado at Starbucks.
History of Cortado
The exact origins of the Cortado are uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in Spain or Portugal in the late 19th or early 20th century. The Cortado as we know it today, is a traditional Spanish and Portuguese coffee drink, that was made with a small amount of steamed milk to an espresso shot. It is similar to the Italian Macchiato, which also features a small amount of steamed milk, but the Cortado is generally considered to be stronger and less sweet.
In Spain, Cortado is a common morning coffee and it’s also a traditional drink in many Spanish bars, where it is often served with a small glass of water alongside it. In America, Cortado is not as popular as a Latte or a Cappuccino, but it’s becoming increasingly popular as more people discover the balance and complexity of flavors that it offers.
It is also worth mentioning that, Cortado is a drink that has many variations, in different places like in South America, Central America, and also different regions of Spain and Portugal, the recipe and measurements may vary, but the general idea is the same.
What is a Cortado?
Cortado recipe
A Cortado is a coffee drink that is traditionally made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk. To make a Cortado, you will need:
- Espresso (1 shot)
- Steamed milk (1 shot)
- Optional: sugar or sweetener to taste
How to make a Cortado at home
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a Cortado at home:
- Start by brewing an espresso shot using your preferred method (e.g. espresso machine, stovetop pot, or pour-over). You’ll need about 1 ounce of espresso for a traditional cortado.
- While the espresso is brewing, heat up about 2 ounces of milk in a small saucepan or using a steam wand of an espresso machine. You want the milk to be hot, but not too hot to touch.
- Once the milk is heated, use a milk frother or a whisk to create a small amount of foam on the surface of the milk.
- Pour the brewed espresso shot into a 4-6 ounce glass.
- Slowly pour the steamed milk into the glass, holding back the foam with a spoon if necessary. The milk should be poured in a circular motion to create a “tiger stripe” effect on the surface of the drink.
- Serve the Cortado immediately and enjoy! You can add a small amount of sugar if you prefer a sweeter drink.
Note: You can experiment with different ratios of milk and espresso to find the balance of flavors that you prefer. Also, you can use different types of milk like whole milk, skim milk, almond milk, soy milk, etc. Each type of milk will give a different texture, taste, and foam to your cortado.
You might also like to read: How to brew a perfect cup of espresso at home
How to order a Cortado at Starbucks
At Starbucks, a Cortado is known as a “Gibraltar.” To order a Cortado at Starbucks, you can simply ask the barista for a “Gibraltar.”
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to order a Cortado at Starbucks:
- Walk up to the counter and let the barista know you would like to order a Gibraltar.
- Specify the size of the drink you would like (e.g. tall, grande, venti).
- Tell the barista if you would like to customize the drink with any additional flavors or syrups.
- Pay for your order and pick up your cortado when it is ready.
Note that you may also be able to customize your Cortado with different types of milk, such as soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk. You can also ask for a flavored syrup to be added to your drink.
The availability of a Cortado may vary by location and time, as it is not a very common drink in Starbucks, but the baristas should know how to make it.
You might also like to read: What are the popular espresso drinks
Final Thoughts
A Cortado is a traditional Spanish and Portuguese coffee drink made of equal parts espresso and steamed milk. It is similar to a Macchiato but less sweet.
The milk tempers the strong espresso flavor, creating a balance of flavors in the drink. It is served in small glass, traditionally 4-6 oz. “Gibraltar” is the term used to order a Cortado at Starbucks.
It’s becoming increasingly popular among coffee enthusiasts.
FAQ’s
Q1: Cortado vs. Latte
A Cortado and Latte are both coffee drinks that feature espresso and steamed milk, but they are made in different proportions and have distinct differences in taste and texture.
A Cortado is traditionally made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, whereas a Latte is made with more steamed milk and less espresso. This means that a Cortado is stronger and has a more intense coffee flavor, while a Latte is creamier and has a more prominent milk flavor.
A Cortado is also served in smaller glass typically 4-6 oz, and typically has a very thin layer of foam, if any, on top of the drink. A Latte, on the other hand, is typically served in a larger glass, and features a substantial amount of foam on top, which gives it its signature latte art.
In summary, a Cortado is a coffee drink with a balance of coffee and milk, whereas a Latte is a coffee drink with a more prominent milk flavor and more foam.
Q2: Cortado vs. Cappuccino
A Cortado is traditionally made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, whereas a cappuccino is made with a third of espresso, a third of steamed milk and a third of foam on top. This means that a Cortado has a more intense coffee flavor and a less creamy texture, while a Cappuccino has a creamier texture and a more prominent milk flavor due to the added foam.
A Cortado is typically served in a smaller glass, typically 4-6 oz, and has a very thin layer of foam, if any, on top of the drink. A Cappuccino, on the other hand, is typically served in a smaller glass as well, but it has a thick layer of foam on top, which gives it its signature Cappuccino look.
In summary, a Cortado is a coffee drink with a balance of coffee and milk, whereas a Cappuccino is a coffee drink with a more prominent milk flavor and more foam.
Q3: Cortado vs. Macchiato
A Cortado is traditionally made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, whereas a macchiato is made with a shot of espresso, with a small amount of steamed milk added to it and a dollop of foam on top. This means that a Cortado has a more balanced flavor of coffee and milk, while a Macchiato has a stronger espresso flavor and a less prominent milk flavor.
A Macchiato is typically served in a small glass, and has a dollop of foam on top, which gives it a different texture and look.
In summary, a Cortado is a coffee drink with a balance of coffee and milk, whereas a Macchiato is a coffee drink with a stronger espresso flavor and less milk.
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