Cortado Recipe At Home With Step By Step Instructions
Last month, when I went to my friend’s house to meet her, it was raining outside. I was sitting on the balcony. All of a sudden, I noticed a smell of coffee coming from the kitchen. But this aroma was different- A little less sweet, a little stronger. The smell seemed to speak- quiet, but intense.
My friend came and sat in front of me with two cups of coffee. I asked, “What coffee is this?” She smiled and said, Cortado. “Not only in a cafe, but Cortado coffee can be made at home.” I was surprised. The sweet aroma of cortado felt like it brought a touch of peace into life.
It’s that kind of coffee you sip it to give yourself some time. No matter how stormy life is outside, cortado coffee brings calmness within.
And today, I’ve decided- I’ll teach you the easiest way to make this coffee at home.
No, you won’t need too many ingredients. No, you won’t need any machines. Just a little attention, and a little silent time.
What Is a Cortado?
Cortado is a coffee that comes in a small size, but is absolutely full of flavor! This coffee requires no big machines, no fancy decorations, no extra drama. There’s also no foam or syrupy excess.
The word cortado comes from the Spanish word “cortar”, which means “to cut”. But in the case of cortado, the intensity of the espresso is ‘cut’ with milk, so that the taste is smooth, mellow and balanced.
If espresso is strong and silent, and the latte is sweet and straightforward, then cortado is that deep conversational friend- one that has balance, sincerity, and does not care about current trends.
Cortado vs Latte vs Cappuccino
Cortado is different from latte and cappuccino. In cortado, we use one or two shots of espresso and an equal amount of hot milk without any foam. And in the latte we use a lot of milk like 6–10 ounces, so the taste of the coffee is reduced. On the other hand in cappuccino we use hot milk with thick foam.
History of Cortado
Cortado coffee originated in the Basque region of Spain and the city of Madrid. In the 1920s and 1930s, Spanish cafes began serving a drink that was smoother than an espresso but thicker than a latte. It became a popular afternoon drink to chat with friends.
There, morning meant a rush, and coffee meant a small but thick sip. But not everyone could drink strong espresso, so the taste was slightly ‘cut’ by mixing an equal amount of milk with the coffee and that’s why cortado was created.
After that, this drink became very popular with people in Latin America. It became especially popular in Cuba, Colombia, and Mexico. Now in modern cafes in Europe and America, cortado has come to mean––“a little peace amidst the hustle and bustle and fatigue“.
Ingredients
- 1 or 2 shots of espresso (made with a moka pot, aeropress, or espresso machine)
- Equal amount of hot milk (without foam)
- Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder.
Equipment
- Espresso machine or a Moka pot
- Milk steamer or saucepan & whisk
- Small 4-6 ounce cup or glass
Step-by-Step Instructions For Cortado Recipe
Step 1: Brew Your Espresso
For brewing espresso you can use any kind of espresso machine you have. If you don’t have an espresso machine don’t worry, we have a detailed article about how to make espresso without machine, where we share several ways to make espresso.
And one more thing try to use freshly ground coffee beans and preferably, medium or dark roast is best. Pull a double shot (around 60 ml) into a small glass.
Step 2: Steam Your Milk
In the 2nd step we are going to steam the milk.If you’re using an espresso machine, use the steam wand to steam until the milk is warm and silky between 130–150°F (54°–65°C).
However, if you don’t have an espresso machine in that case you can use a saucepan, heat gently and whisk to create texture. Remember you don’t need to create foam for this recipe.
Step 3: Pour With Care
Now the fun part, pour the steamed milk directly over the espresso in a 1:1 ratio. You don’t need to make a layer, just blend it.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Your Cortado is almost ready now, for garnishing, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder as you desire- but the beauty of the cortado lies in its bare simplicity.
Some Tips for Cortado
- Regular cow’s milk gives the best flavor. However if you don’t like dairy milk you can use non dairy milk like oat milk, soy milk or almond milk.
- Making a cortado with cheap instant coffee won’t give you the real flavor. So try to use the best coffee beans for the best ever cortado coffee.
- Be careful when you heat the milk don’t overheat the milk as it burns the flavor. So try to keep it below 150°F (65°C).
- One more tip is to practice latte art. The smooth texture of cortado milk is great for basic latte art, such as hearts or rosettes.
Health Benefits of Cortado
Cortado coffee is not only a taste sensation, but it is also a great option for the health-conscious. It consists of one or two espressos and an equal amount of hot milk, without any foam or sugar. As a result, it is low- calorie and diet-friendly.
The caffeine in Cortado increases attention and mental focus, relieves fatigue, and wakes up the mind during work. In addition, the antioxidants in coffee (such as chlorogenic acid) protect the body against toxins and cell damage.
Warm milk aids digestion and provides calcium, especially when using cow’s milk. Those who are lactose intolerant can use oat milk or almond milk if they wish. The habit of drinking cortado slowly helps reduce stress. It’s a kind of mindful drink like a cup of small happiness, which helps maintain balance in the body and mind.
However, it is better not to drink more than 1–2 cups a day, especially not at night because it can disrupt sleep.
FAQs
Can I make a cortado with non-dairy milk?
Obviously, you can make a cortado with non-dairy milk instead of dairy milk. You can use oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk.
Does a cortado have foam?
No, if you’re looking for foam in cortado then sorry to say cortado does not have foam. It only contains warm milk, which mixes with the espresso to create a smooth flavor.
How many times is it safe to drink Cortado in a day?
The thing is Yes, too many cups of cortado can be harmful. According to different sources it’s safe to drink only 1-2 cups of cortado per day. Excess caffeine can cause sleep problems or mental stress.
Final Thoughts
This drink is not just about caffeine. It’s the essence of the cortado. So whether you’re standing in your kitchen in the soft morning light or in the corner of your local cafe, let the cortado bring you back to the center. Let it remind you that peace can come in small, warm moments.
And let it be your quiet rebellion against a noisy world.
Hi! I’m Semiul Bennett. After spending so many years in the coffee industry, I’ve developed a deep passion for all things coffee—from the beans to the brewing process. Now, I’m on a mission to help people have a better coffee experience at home and outdoors. Together with my team, we’re here to share expert tips, brewing techniques and the latest coffee trends, so you can enjoy your perfect cup every time.
