Cortado vs Latte: What’s the Difference? Coffee culture has taken the world by storm in recent years, with different types of coffee becoming more and more popular.
Two popular coffee drinks that are often compared are the Cortado and the Latte. While these drinks may look similar, they are actually quite different in their composition, flavor, serving size, milk content, caffeine levels, calories, traditional serving containers, and variations.
Composition:
The Cortado is made with espresso that is cut with a small amount of steamed whole milk. This gives it a smooth and creamy texture that is not too strong.
A Cortado typically has about 1-2 ounces of espresso and 2-3 ounces of milk, depending on the size of the glass. The milk and espresso are combined in the glass, without any layering.
On the other hand, the Latte is made with espresso and steamed milk. It is typically a larger drink than the Cortado, with approximately 6-8 ounces of liquid.
The milk needs to be steamed and frothed properly to create the perfect texture for the drink. The milk is also layered on top of the espresso, giving the drink a distinct look.
A Latte can also be customized with flavored syrups, such as vanilla or hazelnut, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Flavor:
The flavor profile of the Cortado is strong and bold, due to the espresso shot, but also has a creamy and mild taste from the small amount of steamed milk.
The ratio of espresso to milk is perfectly balanced, creating a smooth and rich flavor.
The Latte, on the other hand, is known for its smooth and mild taste.
The steamed milk is the star of the show, providing a creamy sweetness that balances out the espresso. The flavor of the Latte can also be customized with syrups, making it easy to experiment with different flavors.
Serving Size:
The Cortado is traditionally served in a small, 4 to 6-ounce glass. The small serving size reflects the drink’s strong, bold flavor.
The Latte, on the other hand, is served in a larger glass, typically 8 to 12 ounces. The larger serving size is needed to accommodate the added milk volume.
Milk Content:
The milk used in the Cortado is typically whole milk, which is steamed just enough to create a creamy texture that does not overpower the taste of the espresso. The milk is not frothed, which creates a silky texture.
In contrast, the milk used in the Latte is also steamed, but it is frothed to create a creamy consistency and airy texture. The consistency of the milk in the Latte is what creates the beautiful layers on top of the espresso.
Caffeine Levels:
The Cortado has an average caffeine content that is similar to an espresso shot. The small serving size means that the caffeine is not diluted with a large volume of milk.
On the other hand, the Latte has a lower caffeine content due to the large volume of milk that is added. However, if you choose to add an extra shot of espresso to your Latte, the caffeine content will increase.
Calories:
Due to its small size, the Cortado has a relatively low calorie count. A small Cortado contains about 35-50 calories, depending on the amount of milk used.
A Latte, on the other hand, has a higher calorie count due to the added volume of milk. A small Latte contains around 120-150 calories, and a larger Latte can have up to 400 calories.
If you add syrups or sugars to your Latte, the calorie count will increase even further.
Traditional Serving Container:
The Cortado is traditionally served in a small, 4 to 6-ounce glass.
The glass is often clear, allowing the rich color of the espresso to be seen. The small glass also allows for the perfect balance of milk and espresso.
The Latte is traditionally served in a larger, 8 to 12-ounce glass. The glass is often tall and narrow, allowing for the beautiful layers of milk and espresso to be seen.
Variations:
Both the Cortado and the Latte can be customized with different flavors and variations. The Latte is particularly versatile, with different types of milk, syrups, and spices that can be added.
Popular variations include flavored Lattes like vanilla or hazelnut, or even seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice.
A Cortado also has a few variations that can be enjoyed.
In Spain, a unique variation of the Cortado called Cortado condensada is popular. This variation involves adding a small amount of sweetened condensed milk to the espresso.
Another variation, popular in Latin America, is called cafe con leche y leche, which is a Cortado with added steamed milk.
What is a Cortado?
(Overview + How They Are Made)
If you’re a coffee lover who appreciates a strong and bold coffee without the bitterness, then a Cortado is the perfect drink for you. A Cortado is a Spanish coffee that is made by combining a small amount of steamed milk with a shot of espresso.
Definition and Origin:
The word Cortado means cut in Spanish, which refers to the way the espresso is cut with a small amount of steamed milk. The Cortado is believed to have originated in Spain, where it is a popular coffee drink in many cafes.
Description:
A Cortado is a small, strong coffee that is similar to a shot of espresso but with a small amount of steamed milk added to it. The small amount of milk is added to cut the bitterness of the espresso and create a smooth, creamy texture.
The flavor and taste of a Cortado can be compared to that of a whiskey that has been cut with water.
Making Process:
To make a Cortado, start by brewing a shot of espresso.
The espresso should be brewed fresh, and of high quality.
Next, steam a small amount of milk, just enough to create a creamy texture.
The milk should not be frothed or heated too much.
Once the milk is steamed, pour it into the espresso, creating a perfect balance of milk and coffee.
The milk and espresso should be well blended, and the drink should be served hot.
In conclusion, the Cortado vs Latte debate may create confusion, but it is actually easy to differentiate between these two popular coffee drinks.
Remember that a Cortado is a strong, small coffee that is balanced with a small amount of steamed milk. The Latte, on the other hand, is a larger, smooth coffee that is made of espresso and a larger amount of steamed, frothed milk.
No matter which coffee drink you choose, customizing it with different flavors and variations can create a unique and delicious experience.
3) Health Benefits of Cortado vs Latte
Thanks to the growing popularity of coffee culture, the Cortado and Latte have become two of the most popular coffee drinks. While both contain caffeine, the amount of caffeine and calories vary between the two.
Additionally, the type of milk used and size of the drink plays a role in the health benefits attributed to each drink. Caffeine and Calorie Content:
The caffeine content in a Cortado can vary depending on the size, but typically ranges from 70 to 100 milligrams per two ounces of espresso.
Since the Cortado is a small drink, the calorie content is relatively low as well. A traditional Cortado with two ounces of espresso and two ounces of whole milk contains around 50 to 70 calories.
However, the addition of sugar or syrups can increase the calorie count. The calorie content of a Latte is higher than that of a Cortado due to the larger serving size and higher amount of milk used.
A typical Latte contains around one to two shots of espresso and six to eight ounces of milk, resulting in 120 to 240 calories. Added syrups or sugars can also increase the calorie count.
Milk Choices:
Milk plays an important role in the health benefits of coffee drinks. Whole milk is traditionally used in both Cortados and Lattes, but there are now a variety of milk alternatives available.
Skim milk is a healthier alternative for those looking to decrease the calorie and fat content of their coffee drink. Plant-based milk, such as almond milk or oat milk, can also be used as a dairy-free option.
For those looking to reduce their sugar intake, using stevia instead of sugar or syrups is a healthier option. Stevia is a natural sweetener that is low in calories and does not cause blood sugar spikes.
Size and Serving Container:
The size of the drink and the serving container it is served in can affect the overall health benefits of the drink. Choosing a smaller size, such as a Cortado, can help reduce calorie intake.
Additionally, drinking from a ceramic cup rather than a to-go cup or plastic cup can provide health benefits. Ceramic cups do not contain chemicals that can leach into the coffee, unlike paper or plastic cups.
4) Frequently Asked Cortado & Latte Questions
Clarification of Confusing Terms:
Coffee drinks can be confusing, especially in specialty coffee shops. Clarifying the differences between a piccolo latte, flat white, and macchiato can be helpful.
A piccolo latte is a small latte that is typically made with one shot of espresso and steamed milk. It has a higher percentage of espresso compared to milk, making it a stronger coffee drink.
A flat white is similar to a latte, but with less milk and more foam. It is typically made with a single shot of espresso and is served in a smaller cup.
A macchiato is a shot of espresso with a small amount of milk added on top. It is typically served in a small cup and has a stronger coffee flavor.
Cortado Serving Style:
Traditionally, Cortados are served in a small glass without a handle. They are often accompanied by a spoon for stirring.
After the milk is poured into the glass of espresso, the drinker can use the spoon to stir the milk and coffee together, creating the perfect balance of espresso and milk. Availability at Starbucks:
While the Cortado is not a common menu item at Starbucks, it can be made upon request.
Baristas know how to make and prepare Cortados, and have the necessary ingredients to create the drink. The drink can also be customized with different milk options or flavors.
In conclusion, coffee drinks can vary in their health benefits depending on the type and size of the drink, as well as the milk and additives used. Choosing smaller sizes, milk alternatives, and natural sweeteners can provide added health benefits.
Understanding the differences between similar coffee drinks can also help in making more informed choices. In conclusion, understanding the differences between a Cortado and a Latte is crucial for coffee enthusiasts looking to explore the world of specialty coffee.
While the Cortado offers a strong and bold flavor with a small amount of steamed milk, the Latte provides a smooth and creamy experience with a larger milk-to-espresso ratio. Customizing these drinks with different milk choices, such as skim milk or plant-based alternatives, can further enhance their health benefits.
Additionally, being aware of the caffeine and calorie content, as well as the serving size and container, can help individuals make informed choices that align with their dietary preferences. Whether you prefer the boldness of a Cortado or the smoothness of a Latte, experimenting with these drinks and understanding their unique characteristics can elevate your coffee journey to new heights.
Enjoy the richness of flavor and savor every sip with these delightful coffee creations.