What It Tastes Like
A cortado (kor-TAH-doh) is a small espresso drink made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk.
You taste the espresso clearly, while the milk softens sharp edges and adds a smooth texture. The result is a drink that feels balanced without becoming milky.
It is stronger than a latte, smaller than a flat white, and less intense than straight espresso.
💡 Behind the Cup
A cortado works because of its ratio. Equal amounts of espresso and milk keep the drink concentrated while reducing the sharpness of straight espresso.
The milk is lightly textured, meaning it is steamed until smooth but not very foamy. Instead of forming a thick foam layer, the milk blends directly with the espresso.
Because the drink stays small, the balance between coffee and milk remains clear from the first sip to the last.
How to Order
Simple version:
"I'll have a cortado, please."
If the café isn’t familiar:
"Equal parts espresso and steamed milk, in a small cup."
With customization:
- "Cortado with oat milk, please."
- "Can I get a cortado with an extra shot?"
- "I'd like a cortado with a little sugar."
What to expect:
Cortados are usually served hot in a small 4–5 oz glass or cup.
Customize It
Milk
Whole milk is most common because it creates a smoother texture.
Alternative milks work, though thinner milks may change the texture slightly.
See milk options.
Strength
Want more intensity? Ask for an extra shot — cafés will usually keep the same balanced style.
Sweetness
Not sweet by default. Sugar can be added, but many people enjoy cortados plain to taste the espresso clearly.
See sweetness guide.
Common Confusion
"How is this different from a flat white?"
Both are strong milk drinks, but size and ratio differ:
- Cortado ≈ 4–5 oz, equal espresso and milk
- Flat white ≈ 5–6 oz, more milk with a thin microfoam layer
A cortado tastes stronger because it contains less milk.
Compare with a flat white.
"What about a macchiato?"
A macchiato is mostly espresso with just a small amount of foam.
A cortado mixes milk and espresso evenly for balance.
See how a cortado compares to a macchiato.
"Why is it served in a glass?"
Traditionally, the small glass highlights the drink’s size and balance. Larger cups would change the intended ratio.
"Can I get it iced?"
Some cafés will make one, but cortados are traditionally served hot. If you want something similar cold, try a small iced latte.
📌 Good to Know
Is a cortado stronger than a latte?
In terms of flavor, yes. Both drinks often use a double shot of espresso, but a cortado contains much less milk. This makes the coffee taste more direct.
How much caffeine is in a cortado?
A typical cortado contains about 80–150 mg of caffeine, depending on the espresso used. This is similar to a latte because both drinks usually contain the same amount of espresso.
Why might it come with sparkling water?
Some cafés serve a small glass of sparkling water alongside espresso drinks. This helps cleanse the palate before tasting the coffee.
Regional Note
Cortado comes from Spain, where the word means “cut,” referring to espresso cut with milk.
Some specialty cafés use the name Gibraltar (jih-BRAWL-ter). The name refers to the small glass the drink is often served in, but the drink itself is the same style as a cortado.
Try Next
If you enjoy this balance but want slightly more milk, try a flat white.
If you want espresso intensity without milk, explore an americano.