Cortado: What it is, How to make it and When to Choose It
For coffee lovers, the choices of coffee beverages at cafes and coffee shops can be overwhelming. For those who want a more refined and unique coffee experience, the cortado is a choice that can’t be missed.
In this article, were going to take a closer look at what cortado is, how to make an authentic one and when to choose it. We will also discuss the difference between cortado and flat white and the macchiato.
Overview of Cortado
Cortado means cut in Spanish. This coffee drink is made up of espresso and a small amount of heated milk, which is added to cut the strong espresso taste.
The milk used is usually steamed, giving the coffee a creamy texture and smooth finish. The preparation process for cortado is unique too.
Unlike regular coffee or espresso, the brewing process of cortado involves blending the milk and espresso to provide a consistent and delicate flavor.
How to make an authentic cortado
If you love coffee and want to try something new, then making an authentic cortado is easy. Here are the steps to get you started:
1.
Firstly, pull a shot of espresso, using your preferred machine, into a demitasse cup. 2.
Stretch small quantities of milk in a steaming pitcher, making sure it’s creamy and not too bubbly. 3.
Remove any bubbles by swirling the pitcher and tapping it lightly. 4.
Then, pour the frothed milk into the espresso until the cup is 2/3 full. 5.
Add a dollop of the foam from the steamed milk to the top of the espresso. 6.
Voila! Your authentic cortado is ready. This espresso drink is all about getting the right balance between the flavor of coffee and the sweetness of the milk.
With the right preparation, your cortado should have a smooth texture, silky appearance, and perfect harmony of sweet and strong flavors.
When to choose a cortado
The cortado is not as well-known coffee drink as other popular coffee beverages such as the latte or cappuccino. However, the cortado is perfect for those who enjoy stronger coffee and like the taste of espresso but don’t want a full cup of it.
We recommend choosing a cortado if:
1. You want to avoid the sweetness of a latte or cappuccino.
2. You want to avoid the sour espresso taste.
3. You want to enjoy the creamy milk flavor with the bold espresso taste together.
A well-prepared cortado with the right balance of milk and sugar can create the perfect brew for many palates. It’s the beverage of choice for those who like coffee without sugar, and who appreciate sipping a hot drink with a creamy texture and smooth finish.
Difference between cortado and flat white
Cortado and Flat White are the most popular coffee drinks and can often be confused for the other. But, there are differences between the two.
Cortado has around 3 ounces of milk, which turns it into a creamy coffee with a reduced bitterness, while the Flat White has a velvety layer of microfoam and around 6 ounces of milk.
The Macchiato
The Macchiato is a traditional Italian coffee beverage, often referred to as an espresso with a stain of milk. The name comes from the Italian word macchiare, which means to stain.
The Macchiato is made with a shot of espresso and topped with a small amount of foamed milk, about 2-3 spoonfuls. Conclusion:
In conclusion, the cortado is a unique coffee beverage that is perfect for those who like a balance between the flavors of coffee and milk.
This coffee drink is ideal for those who want to enjoy the bitterness of the espresso but want to balance it out with a creamy texture. The preparation process for cortado is essential to achieve the delicate flavor, texture, and look of this espresso drink.
Lastly, the Macchiato is another Italian coffee drink that is similar to the cortado, but with a different preparation method. Be adventurous and try these coffee beverages to experience a unique taste of coffee!
Making a Traditional Macchiato
A traditional macchiato is a delicious espresso-based drink that is topped with just a little bit of frothed milk, creating a perfect balance of bold and smooth flavors. The mark of milk on top gives the beverage an aesthetic appeal that is unique and visually appealing.
In this section, we will discuss how to make a traditional macchiato and what makes it so special.
How to Make a Traditional Macchiato
To make a traditional macchiato, you will need a shot of espresso and some frothed milk. Here are the steps to make a traditional macchiato:
1.
Start by brewing a shot of espresso using your favourite coffee machine. 2.
Meanwhile, froth a small amount of milk, making sure to stop before the milk gets too hot. 3.
Pour the frothed milk slowly and steadily, but in small increments to create the mark of milk on the surface of the espresso. 4.
Serve your macchiato immediately to enjoy the taste and temperature at full potential.
The Macchiato Drinker
Many coffee enthusiasts believe that the Macchiato is an acquired taste because of the drink’s bold and bitter character. A traditional Macchiato is unique because it features a broken layer of frothy milk contrasting with rich espresso, providing an exquisite style on the palate.
As for the texture, the Macchiato has a harmonious balance of coffee and milk flavors which connoisseurs love. For the strong and smooth taste lovers, the Macchiato is a go-to drink.
Macchiato vs Cappuccino
Cappuccino and Macchiato are both popular Italian coffee drinks, and it’s easy to confuse them. However, the difference between the two is the milk content in each beverage.
Macchiato has a small frothed milk mark on the espresso, while cappuccino has a thick layer of frothed milk covering the espresso. Here are the fundamental differences between a Cappuccino and a Macchiato:
1.
Milk content: A Macchiato is an espresso drink with a small amount of frothed milk, while a cappuccino has a thick layer of frothed milk. 2.
Espresso content: A Macchiato has a single shot of espresso, while a Cappuccino has two. 3.
Sweetness: Cappuccino tends to be a sweeter drink, while Macchiato is more bitter and bold. Cortado vs Macchiato: Conclusion
In conclusion, the Cortado and Macchiato are two different Italian coffee drinks featuring unique taste profiles.
Although the preparation process and the composition of the ingredients are different, both beverages feature espresso and milk. The Cortado features milk in a 50-50 ratio and features a smooth texture.
In contrast, the Macchiato, with its frothed milk mark on the surface, stands out with its strong and bold coffee flavor. With this information, coffee enthusiasts can make a well-informed decision when choosing between these two distinctive coffee beverages.
In summary, the Macchiato is a drink for coffee-lovers who enjoy bold and authentic coffee flavors with the right kick. Though the Macchiato might not be a drink for everyone, it’s a unique experience that every coffee enthusiast should try at least once.