If you’ve ever stood at a coffee bar staring at the menu wondering what is a cortado (kor-TAH-doh), you’re not alone. It’s one of those drinks coffee pros love to order, but most people aren’t quite sure what makes it different from a flat white or latte.
Cortados are a favorite at our cafes (and among our baristas) because they’re coffee-forward, intentionally small, and highlight the rich, layered flavors that make a great espresso shine. Let’s dig into what makes a great cortado; and maybe inspire you to try making one yourself!
So, What Is a Cortado?
A real cortado is a small, hot espresso drink made with a 1:1 ratio of espresso to steamed milk, resulting in a 4-ounce beverage that’s silky, balanced, and smooth. The milk is gently steamed to temperature, and poured over a 2 ounce shot of espresso; usually served without the addition of flavors. The goal is balance: bold espresso with a creamy finish, not a milk-heavy drink.
It’s traditionally served in a small, clear glass, which lets you see that beautiful contrast between espresso and milk. And while it might look simple, the craft is in the ratio and the milk texture; it’s what separates a real cortado from a latte or cappuccino.
And just to clear something up: if you see a large ‘cortado’ on a big chain menu (like a 12-16 ounce) be wary, this is probably a latte by definition. The true version is small and strong - a little glass of balance and intention, not a large-sized milk bath. At our cafes we do offer an 8 ounce cortado (because sometimes we all need a quad shot) but it is still sticking to the traditional 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk. Meaning this cortado is 4 ounces of espresso and 4 ounces of steamed milk. Is it true traditional? No, but is it made traditionally, yes.
How Many Shots in a Cortado?
Traditionally, a cortado has two shots of espresso (a double shot), balanced with roughly the same amount of milk: which is about 2 ounces each. That’s what gives the cortado size its signature strength: small but mighty. It’s designed to be sipped slowly, not gulped, and it’s a great choice if you want something stronger than a latte but smoother than a straight espresso.
Cortados are nothing to be intimidated by, in fact they are more simple than fancy layered lattes or shaken espressos. And don’t forget - your coffee is for YOU, if you want to add some brown sugar, use oat milk, or whatever else you can dream up, we are here for you. Like Captain Barbossa said “The code is more what you'd call 'guidelines' than actual rules.” Sticking to the code of a cortado, you can still have fun with it.
How to Make a Cortado at Home
If you’re ready to make your own cortado - as long as you’ve got good espresso and fresh milk - lets get started. Here’s a quick cortado coffee recipe you can follow:
You’ll need:
Espresso (we recommend using Tail Wind)
Milk (whole milk works best, but any other milk works too)
A small glass, around 4.5 ounces
Steps:
Pull a double shot of espresso into your glass.
Steam about 2 ounces of milk until it’s smooth and velvety (not foamy).
Pour the milk over the espresso, aiming for a silky, even texture.
That’s it! Your cortado is ready. Simple, balanced, and full of character.
Cortadito vs Cortado: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve seen the term cortadito and wondered if it’s the same thing - it’s close, but not quite. A cortadito is the Cuban version of a cortado, often made with sweetened espresso (using sugar or condensed milk). The cortado, on the other hand, stays true to the espresso-and-milk balance without added sweetness. Think of the cortadito as the dessert version of the cortado; small, rich, and sweet.
Why Coffee Lovers Love the Cortado
The cortado coffee has earned a loyal following among coffee purists and coffee shop regulars for one simple reason: balance. It lets the espresso take center stage, while the milk softens the edges just enough to make it silky and satisfying.
Whether you’re ordering one at your favorite cafe or dialing in your own cortado coffee recipe at home, this little drink delivers a big flavor experience in one small package.
