Cortado

A Cortado is a beautifully simple beverage that perfectly balances the rich, intense flavor of espresso with the creamy texture of lightly steamed milk. Served in a small glass, its name comes from the Spanish word 'cortar' (to cut), as the milk cuts through the intensity and acidity of the espresso. This 1:1 ratio results in a smooth, strong, yet mellow coffee experience that highlights the espresso's flavor without being overwhelmed by milk. It is less milky than a latte but less sharp than a straight espresso shot.
Cortado

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Cortado is classified as a classic coffee drink. It falls into the category of espresso-based beverages that include milk, distinguishing it from black coffees but also from larger, milk-heavy drinks like lattes.

Serving

This small, hot coffee drink is best served in a pre-warmed 4.5 oz Gibraltar glass to maintain its temperature and showcase its layered colors. It is completely alcohol-free.
Serving size
Approximately 120-135 ml / 4-4.5 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Hot
Glass type
Gibraltar glass or small tumbler
Glass treatment
Pre-warmed

Backstory

Originating in the Basque Country of Spain, the Cortado was created as a way to soften the intensity of espresso while still celebrating its robust character. It quickly gained popularity throughout Spain and Portugal before spreading to Cuba and, eventually, the global specialty coffee scene. Its service in a small glass, often a 'Gibraltar' tumbler, became a signature of third-wave coffee shops, cementing its status as a sophisticated choice for coffee aficionados.
Origin
The Cortado originated in the Basque Country region of Spain. While the exact year is unknown, it has been a staple in Spanish cafés for many decades before gaining international fame in the 21st century.

Cortado

The drink is originally known by its Spanish name, Cortado. It is often called a Gibraltar, a name popularized by the Blue Bottle Coffee Company, which served it in a specific 4.5-ounce 'Gibraltar' glass. While sometimes used interchangeably with Piccolo Latte, a Piccolo is typically smaller and made with a single ristretto shot.
Original name
Cortado
Alternative names
  • Gibraltar
  • Piccolo Latte

Characteristics overview

The Cortado offers a rich, roasted coffee aroma and a silky texture, with a flavor profile that perfectly balances the bitterness of espresso with the natural sweetness of milk. Its aftertaste is clean and pleasantly lingering, making it a warming, all-season beverage.
Flavor
Rich coffee, creamy, balanced, nutty, slightly sweet
Aroma
Roasted coffee, warm milk, caramel notes
Taste balance
Bitter, sweet
Aftertaste
Smooth, lingering coffee, clean
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Dark brown espresso base, light tan top layer, minimal foam
Texture
Silky, smooth, velvety, light body
Seasonality
Warming, all-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink is defined by a moderate bitterness from the coffee, balanced by a pleasant creaminess and slight sweetness from the milk. It is non-alcoholic, non-carbonated, and has no salty, spicy, or fruity notes.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

To make a Cortado, you only need two core ingredients: a fresh double shot of espresso and an equal amount of whole milk. The quality of both the coffee and the milk is key to a perfect result.
  • Espresso60 ml / 2 oz (double shot)
    Use freshly ground, high-quality coffee beans for the best flavor.
  • Whole Milk60 ml / 2 oz
    Can be substituted with oat milk or other plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version. Whole milk provides the best texture.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

An espresso machine with a steam wand is essential for preparing both the coffee and the textured milk. A milk pitcher is needed for steaming the milk to the correct consistency.
  • Espresso machine with steam wand
  • Coffee grinder
  • Portafilter and tamper
  • Milk frothing pitcher

Instructions

The process involves pulling a double espresso shot into a warmed glass, lightly steaming an equal amount of milk to a velvety texture, and then pouring the milk over the espresso to create a balanced drink.
1. Pre-warm your serving glass (a 4.5 oz Gibraltar glass or small tumbler) by filling it with hot water and then discarding the water.
2. Grind your coffee beans and pull a double shot of espresso (approximately 60 ml or 2 oz) directly into the pre-warmed glass.
3. Pour about 60 ml (2 oz) of cold whole milk into a frothing pitcher.
4. Steam the milk using the espresso machine's steam wand until it reaches about 55-60°C (130-140°F). The goal is to create a velvety microfoam with minimal froth, just enough to heat and texturize the milk.
5. Gently pour the steamed milk over the espresso. Pour from the center to blend the milk and espresso, raising the pitcher at the end if you wish to create simple latte art.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy the balanced flavors.

Garnishing

Traditionally, a Cortado is served without any garnish to emphasize its simplicity. However, skilled baristas often top it with simple latte art, like a heart or a rosetta.
  • Latte art (optional)

Dietary Information

This drink contains caffeine and dairy. It can be made dairy-free and vegan by substituting whole milk with a plant-based alternative like oat or almond milk.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a low-calorie coffee option, with its calories, carbohydrates, and sugars deriving almost entirely from the small amount of milk used. Nutritional values can vary based on the type of milk.
Calories
Approximately 50-60 kcal / 209-251 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 4-6 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 4-6 g
Sugar level

Occasions

The Cortado is a versatile drink perfect for any time of day. It serves as a potent morning starter, an ideal afternoon pick-me-up, or a sophisticated digestif after a meal.
  • Morning Coffee
  • Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
  • Coffee Break
  • Post-Meal Drink

Pairing suggestions

The Cortado pairs wonderfully with simple, lightly sweetened pastries that complement its rich coffee flavor without overpowering it. Classic choices include almond biscotti, buttery croissants, or delicate shortbread cookies.
  • Biscotti
  • Croissant
  • Shortbread cookies
  • Madeleines

Cortado: The Art of Balance in a Glass

The Cortado is the embodiment of balance in a coffee drink, offering a perfect 1:1 ratio of espresso to steamed milk. Its Spanish origins are reflected in its straightforward, no-fuss nature, delivering a strong coffee flavor that is "cut" by the silkiness of the milk. It is the ideal choice for those who find espresso too intense and a latte too milky. Served in a small glass, its simplicity is its greatest strength, providing a pure, robust, and smooth coffee experience.

Similar drinks

Flat White

Larger than a Cortado, with a higher milk-to-espresso ratio and a very thin layer of microfoam. It is creamier and less intense.

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