Espresso gives various types of drinks when we add milk to it. They look the same sometimes but they are different due to the distinguished amount of milk in espresso. To understand what is a cortado, we must go through the cortado recipe.

Cortado or coffee cortado is a spanish espresso based drink with an equal amount of steamed/warmed milk in it. The cafe cortado recipe is very similar to macchiato and flat white but we will describe the difference further in this article. Let’s get started with the recipe.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1

Ingredients Needed for a Perfect Cortado

• Espresso 2 oz
• Whole Milk (steamed) 2 oz

Equipment

• Milk frother
• Espresso machine
• Small mug

Step By Step Guide To Make Coffee Cortado Recipe

1. Brew 2 ounces of espresso into a small mug.
2. Pour 2 ounces of whole milk (steamed) over espresso
3. Your favorite cafe cortado recipe is ready to serve.

The Best Coffee Beans for a Cortado in 2025

Choosing coffee beans are an important entity to a coffee drink. There are four famous types of coffee beans used worldwide. Each type of coffee beans has its own flavor profile and variations feasibility.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans originated in Ethiopia and have a full flavor that is variable with less bitterness and rich aroma. These dark brown coffee beans are best to use in brewed coffee as they add smoothness to the texture of the drink.

Robusta

Robusta beans are more bitter in flavor compared to Arabica with undertones of wood and nuts. The higher bitterness makes these coffee beans suitable for espresso and blended coffee recipes. These beans are a perfect option for those who like bold notes in their cup of coffee. These beans also have a higher amount of caffeine.

Excelsa

Excelsa beans have their place in all the beans due to their complex flavor. The flavor might be fruity and dark, that’s why these are used in blended coffee drinks. The flavor of these beans are only found in southeast asia. So, these beans must be bought by a specialty retailer.

Liberica

Central and western Africa produces most of the Liberica beans in harsh and tough climates. However, Malaysia and the Philippines also grow them well. Liberica has an unusual nutty and woody flavor that makes it unique. These coffee beans are commonly used in desserts and brewed coffee.

The Best For Cortado

Cortado is an espresso based drink so we must look for the beans which can give the best result for an espresso. Always look for the quality ingredients. Beans with a full bodied base along with nutty undertones would be the best option for espresso. Robusta is used worldwide for espresso because of its rich crema. So Robusta is the best option for cortado.

Common Mistakes To Avoid While Making A Cortado

1. Incorrect Grind Size: Always use finely ground coffee beans to make a cortado as coarsely ground is suitable for French press.
2. Inaccurate Water Temperature: Too high temperature or low temperature may affect the final taste and flavor. Water temperature must be between 194-205°F.
3. Improper Measurements: Using the ingredients without measuring properly will not give you the desired result.

Tips For A Perfect Cortado

Brew a fresh double shot of espresso whenever you make a cortado coffee at home. Pour steamed milk gently over espresso. Always use the recommended ratio of milk to coffee which is 1:1. Stir gently to combine steamed milk with espresso seamlessly. The gentle stir will form a thin layer of foam on the top.

What’s the Difference? Macchiato | Flat White | Cortado

All these three espresso dirks, macchiato, flat white and cortado share the same ingredients which are milk and espresso. But the amount and ratio of these ingredients get the variation work done perfectly. To learn about what is cortado, we must go through these similar espreso based drinks.

Macchiato

Macchiato commonly contains a single or a double shot of espresso with the total size of the drink which is 3 fluid ounces. It has 2 parts of espresso and 1 part of milk. Macchiato has a bold espresso flavor due to an excessive espresso ratio than milk.

Flat White

Flat white coffee consists of a double shot of ristretto espresso. It also has a 2:1 milk to coffee ratio that makes its flavor more smooth and semi-sweet.

Cortado

Cortado coffee contains a single shot of espresso (2 oz) with 1:1 milk to espresso ratio. This drink has a balanced flavor with sweetness of milk and bitterness of espresso. 

Final Thoughts

Cortado ingredients are not different from some of other espresso-based drinks. But it is the amount and ratio of milk in espresso that makes the difference in flavor and taste. Robusta beans are the best option for espresso and it also works great for cortado.

Whole milk adds creamy and smooth texture along with lowering the bitterness of espresso. A thin layer of milk foam makes it look more desirable. If you avoid common mistakes while making a cortado, you can make a perfect cortado at home effortlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to make a cortado?

To make a cortado, pull a shot of espresso in a small mug. Pour steamed milk over espresso. Stir gently until a thin layer of foam takes place on the top.

What is the ratio for a cortado?

The ideal ratio of milk to espresso for a cortado is 1:1. This ratio makes it a balanced flavored drink.

What makes a good cortado?

The rich aroma of Robusta beans used to brew espresso makes the cortado good. The boldness of espresso with the sweetness of milk form a delightful treat. Whole milk is a better option for a higher creamy effect in the drink.

How to make cortado at home?

To make cortado at home, you need the following equipment: Espresso machine, milk frother and a small coffee mug. Pull a shot of espresso (2 oz) in a small coffee mug. Pour steamed milk (2 oz) over espresso slowly. Stir gently to combine milk and espresso seamlessly. Your favorite cortado coffee drink is ready to serve.