Olivia Carter
The cortado is a popular espresso-based drink that originated in Spain and has gained popularity around the world. It is a simple yet delicious drink that combines espresso with a small amount of warm milk, resulting in a rich and smooth flavor. The name cortado comes from the Spanish word “cortar,” which means to cut, referring to the way the espresso is “cut” with the milk.
To make a cortado, you will need an espresso machine to brew the espresso. The key to a great cortado is using a good espresso blend with a bold and rich flavor. Look for beans that are specifically labeled for espresso. These beans are typically roasted darker and have a stronger flavor profile that pairs well with milk.
Once you have your espresso machine and espresso beans, start by grinding the beans to a fine consistency. The grind should be similar to that of table salt. Make sure to measure the coffee carefully to get the right amount. Aim for a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2, depending on how strong you like your cortado. For a 1:1 ratio, use 18 grams of coffee for every 18 grams of water. For a 1:2 ratio, use 18 grams of coffee for every 36 grams of water.
Next, preheat your espresso machine and double-shot portafilter. This will help ensure that the espresso is brewed at the correct temperature and that the flavor is fully extracted. Once everything is preheated, load the portafilter with the ground coffee, level it off, and tamp it down firmly. Attach the portafilter to the espresso machine and start the brewing process.
In the meantime, heat a small amount of milk in a separate container. You can use any type of milk you prefer, whether it’s whole milk, skim milk, or a non-dairy alternative. Heat the milk until it’s warm but not scalding. To get the perfect temperature, aim for around 150°F (65°C).
About Cortado
A cortado is a type of coffee beverage that originated in Spain and is popular in Latin America. The word “cortado” means “cut” in Spanish, which refers to the way the drink is made. It is made by cutting the espresso with a small amount of warm milk, resulting in a balanced flavor and a velvety texture.
The cortado is similar to a macchiato, but with a higher ratio of milk to espresso. It is typically served in a small glass or cup, allowing the rich, dark color of the espresso to be visible. The milk is steamed and foamed slightly, creating a creamy texture without overpowering the taste of the espresso.
Traditionally, a cortado is made with equal parts espresso and milk, although the exact ratio can vary depending on personal preference. The aim is to create a harmonious balance between the boldness of the espresso and the creaminess of the milk.
In addition to its smooth taste, the cortado is known for being a drink that is enjoyed slowly. It is often served as a mid-morning or mid-afternoon treat, providing a moment of tranquility and relaxation. Some people also enjoy pairing a cortado with a small pastry or biscuit.
If you are a fan of espresso and enjoy a hint of milk in your coffee, the cortado is the perfect choice. Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it a delightful indulgence that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Give it a try and experience the unique taste of this Spanish-inspired coffee beverage.
What is a Cortado?
A cortado is a type of coffee beverage that originated in Spain. It is made by combining equal parts espresso and warm milk, resulting in a balanced and smooth drink. The word “cortado” comes from the Spanish term “cortar,” which means to cut. This refers to the way the milk “cuts” the espresso, tempering its strength and adding a creamy texture.
A cortado is often served in a small glass or ceramic cup, allowing the layers of espresso and milk to be visible. The ratio of espresso to milk can vary depending on personal preference, but it is typically a 1:1 ratio. The milk used is usually steamed to a temperature of around 150°F (65°C), which is slightly cooler than a traditional latte or cappuccino.
Unlike a latte or cappuccino, a cortado has less milk and foam, resulting in a stronger and more concentrated coffee flavor. It is an ideal choice for those who enjoy the taste of espresso but prefer a smoother and less intense experience. The balance between the espresso and milk in a cortado creates a drink that is rich and velvety, with a slight sweetness from the milk.
Some variations of the cortado include adding a small amount of foam on top or serving it with a slice of lemon zest. These additions add a touch of complexity to the flavor profile of the drink. However, the traditional cortado is simply a combination of espresso and milk, highlighting the natural flavors of the coffee.
Overall, a cortado is a delicious and sophisticated coffee beverage that is perfect for those who enjoy a balanced and flavorful espresso drink. Its simplicity allows the quality of the coffee to shine, making it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts around the world.
How to Make a Cortado
A cortado is a delicious espresso-based drink that originated in Spain. It is made by combining equal parts espresso and warm, steamed milk. The result is a smooth and balanced beverage that is perfect for those who enjoy a milder espresso flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of espresso
- 2 ounces of warm milk
Instructions:
- Brew 2 ounces of espresso using an espresso machine.
- In the meantime, heat 2 ounces of milk in a separate container. You can use a steam wand on your espresso machine or a milk frother to froth the milk if desired.
- Combine the espresso and warm milk in a small cup or glass.
- Give it a gentle stir to mix the two ingredients together.
- Enjoy your homemade cortado!
It’s important to note that a cortado is different from a traditional latte or cappuccino. The ratio of espresso to milk in a cortado is equal, while lattes and cappuccinos have more milk and less espresso. This results in a bolder coffee flavor in a cortado.
You can experiment with the ratio of espresso to milk to find your preferred taste. Some people prefer a stronger cortado with more espresso, while others enjoy a milder version with more milk.
| Drink | Espresso | Milk | Ratio | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cortado | 2 ounces | 2 ounces | 1:1 | Small |
| Latte | 2 ounces | 6 ounces | 1:3 | Medium to large |
| Cappuccino | 2 ounces | 4 ounces | 1:2 | Small to medium |
Now that you know how to make a cortado, you can impress your friends and enjoy this delicious espresso drink in the comfort of your own home. Cheers!
Step 1: Grind Coffee Beans
Begin by selecting fresh and high-quality coffee beans specifically suited for making a cortado. The flavor and aroma of the coffee will greatly depend on the beans used.
Measure out the desired amount of coffee beans depending on the strength of the cortado you prefer. As a general guideline, use 1 to 1.5 ounces (28-42 grams) of coffee beans for a single cortado.
Using a burr grinder, grind the coffee beans to a medium-fine consistency. This consistency is ideal for making cortados and allows for a balanced extraction of flavors.
For reference, the consistency of the ground coffee should be similar to that of granulated sugar. Avoid grinding the beans too fine or too coarse as it can affect the taste and texture of the cortado.
Once the coffee beans are ground to the desired consistency, ensure that you have enough for the number of cortados you wish to make. Store any excess ground coffee beans in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Step 2: Prepare Your Espresso Machine
Before making a cortado, it is essential to prepare your espresso machine properly. Follow these steps to ensure that your espresso machine is ready to use:
- Fill the water reservoir: Check the water levels in your espresso machine and fill the reservoir if needed. It is crucial to have enough water for brewing.
- Preheat the machine: Turn on the espresso machine and let it heat up for a few minutes. This will ensure that the water reaches the optimal temperature for brewing the espresso.
- Warm up the cups: Cortado is best enjoyed in warm cups, so place the cups on the cup warmer or rinse them with hot water before use.
- Grind the coffee beans: Measure the appropriate amount of coffee beans for your cortado and grind them to a medium-fine consistency.
- Tamp the coffee grounds: Distribute the ground coffee evenly in the portafilter and tamp it down firmly using a tamper. This will ensure proper extraction.
By following these steps, you will have your espresso machine prepared and ready to brew a delicious cortado. Now you can move on to the next step of the process.
Step 3: Measure and Add Coffee Grounds
Now that your espresso machine is warmed up and ready, it’s time to measure and add the coffee grounds. For a cortado, you’ll want to use a medium roast coffee. The amount of coffee grounds needed will depend on the size of your cortado and your personal preference for strength.
Start by grinding your coffee beans to a medium-fine consistency. If you don’t have a coffee grinder, you can purchase pre-ground coffee from your local store. Just make sure it’s a medium-fine grind, as this will allow for the best extraction of flavor.
Next, measure out the desired amount of coffee grounds. A good starting point is around 18 grams of coffee for a double shot cortado. You can adjust this amount based on your taste preferences. A digital scale can be helpful for precision, but if you don’t have one, a tablespoon is roughly equal to 5 grams of coffee grounds.
Once you have measured the desired amount of coffee grounds, evenly distribute them into the portafilter. Gently tap the portafilter on the counter to settle the grounds and ensure an even extraction. Use your finger or a flat edge to level the coffee bed, making sure there are no gaps.
Now, insert the portafilter into the group head of your espresso machine and lock it into place. You’re ready to move on to the next step!
Step 4: Brew the Espresso
Now it’s time to brew the perfect espresso for your cortado. Follow these steps to ensure a flavorful and balanced shot of espresso:
1. Prepare the Portafilter
Before brewing, make sure your portafilter is clean and dry. Remove any leftover coffee grounds and give it a quick rinse if needed. Once it’s clean, insert the portafilter into the espresso machine.
2. Grind the Coffee Beans
For a cortado, you’ll need a fine grind. Adjust your grinder accordingly to achieve the desired fineness. Measure out the appropriate amount of coffee beans for a single shot of espresso, usually around 18-20 grams.
3. Tamp the Coffee
After grinding the coffee beans, transfer them into the portafilter. Use a tamper to evenly distribute and compact the coffee grounds. Apply firm and even pressure, aiming for a level and compact puck.
4. Start the Extraction
Place the portafilter back into the espresso machine, ensuring a proper fit. Start the extraction process and wait for the espresso to brew. The ideal extraction time for a cortado is around 25-30 seconds, resulting in approximately 1-1.5 ounces of liquid.
5. Monitor the Shot
While the espresso is brewing, keep an eye on the consistency and color of the shot. It should have a rich, dark color with a slow and steady flow. Adjust the grind size or brewing time if necessary to achieve the desired outcome.
Congratulations, you’ve successfully brewed a shot of espresso for your cortado! Now it’s time to move on to the final step: steaming and frothing the milk.
Step 5: Heat and Froth the Milk
Now that you have your espresso shot ready, it’s time to prepare the milk for your cortado. The milk needs to be heated and frothed to achieve the creamy texture that is characteristic of this drink.
What you’ll need:
- 6 ounces of milk
- Milk steaming pitcher
- Thermometer
Follow these steps to heat and froth the milk for your cortado:
| Step | Instructions |
| 1 | Start by pouring the milk into the milk steaming pitcher. You should aim for around 6 ounces of milk for a standard cortado. |
| 2 | Insert the thermometer into the pitcher, making sure the tip is submerged in the milk. |
| 3 | Place the pitcher under the steam wand of your espresso machine. |
| 4 | Turn on the steam wand and gradually raise the pitcher so that the tip of the wand is just below the surface of the milk. |
| 5 | Keep steaming the milk until the thermometer registers a temperature of around 150°F (65°C). |
| 6 | Once the milk has reached the desired temperature, turn off the steam wand and remove the pitcher from underneath. |
| 7 | Gently tap the pitcher on the counter to eliminate any large bubbles and swirl the milk around to create a silky texture. |
| 8 | Pour the frothed milk into your espresso shot, holding back the foam with a spoon to achieve the perfect balance of milk and foam. |
Once you have completed these steps, your cortado is ready to be enjoyed. The combination of the rich espresso and creamy milk will provide you with a delicious and satisfying drink.
Step 6: Combine Espresso and Frothed Milk
Now that we have our espresso shot and frothed milk ready, it’s time to combine them to create the perfect cortado.
Instructions:
- Take a warm cup or glass and pour the espresso shot into it.
- Gently pour the frothed milk into the cup, aiming for the center so that it gradually blends with the espresso.
- Continue pouring until the cup is nearly full, leaving enough room for latte art if desired.
- If you’d like, you can use a spoon to hold back the foam while pouring the milk, allowing primarily liquid milk to enter the cup. This will create a stronger espresso flavor.
Be careful not to pour too quickly or forcefully, as it can disrupt the balance between espresso and milk. The ideal cortado should have equal parts espresso and milk, so adjust the amount of milk according to your preference.
Once the espresso and frothed milk are combined, you can give it a gentle stir to further blend the flavors. However, it is important to maintain the distinct layers of milk and espresso for a traditional cortado presentation.
You can now sit back, relax, and enjoy your homemade cortado!
| Ingredients | Equipment |
|---|---|
| – Espresso shot | – Espresso machine with steam wand |
| – Milk | – Cup or glass |
| – Spoon (optional) |
Q&A
What is a cortado?
A cortado is a coffee beverage made with equal parts espresso and warm milk. It is typically served in a small glass and is perfect for those who prefer a balanced coffee flavor.
Can I make a cortado with an espresso machine?
Yes, you can definitely make a cortado with an espresso machine. In fact, using an espresso machine is the best way to ensure that you have the perfect shot of espresso for your cortado.
What kind of milk should I use for a cortado?
Traditionally, a cortado is made with whole or 2% milk. However, you can use any type of milk that you prefer, such as almond milk or oat milk, to make a dairy-free cortado.
How do I make a cortado with an espresso machine?
To make a cortado with an espresso machine, start by pulling a double shot of espresso. Then, heat up an equal amount of milk to around 150°F (65°C) using the steam wand on your espresso machine. Finally, pour the steamed milk into the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon. Enjoy your homemade cortado!
Can I add any flavorings to my cortado?
Yes, you can add various flavorings to your cortado if desired. Some popular options include a dash of vanilla syrup, caramel syrup, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon. Feel free to get creative and customize your cortado to suit your taste preferences.
