Content Summary
Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just a casual home chef, the classic cortado is a great way to get your morning caffeine fix.
But what exactly is a cortado? It’s an espresso with equal parts steamed milk, making it similar to a cappuccino but with less foam and more body.
We’ll cover 3 different methods of making your cortado at home. Read on to learn how to make the perfect cup of coffee in no time!
3 Methods For Making A Cortado
1. How To Make A Cortado With An Espresso Machine
Making a cortado using an espresso machine is pretty straightforward.
- Grind your beans to the correct size for your specific espresso machine.
- You'll want to use about 18 grams of ground coffee for every two ounces of water you use.
- Put your grounds into the portafilter and tamp them down until they are evenly distributed and firm.
- Place the portafilter into your espresso machine and pull your shot of espresso.
- Use the steam wand from your espresso machine to heat and froth the milk until it reaches around 160 degrees Fahrenheit (or 71 Celsius).
- Finally, pour equal amounts of espresso and steamed milk into your cup for a creamy and delicious cortado.
- Stir together and enjoy!
2. How To Make A Cortado With An Aeropress
If you don’t have access to an espresso machine, you can still make a delicious cortado using an Aeropress.
- Begin by wetting the filter paper before inserting it into the Aeropress chamber so that it sticks securely in place.
- Measure out 20g of freshly ground coffee beans into the chamber before adding 200 ml of hot water (just off the boil).
- Place the plunger onto the top of the chamber and let steep for 30 seconds.
- Press down slowly on top of the plunger for over 45 seconds until all liquid has been extracted into your cup below.
- Heat and froth some milk before adding it in equal amounts with your freshly brewed espresso for a perfect cortado.
- Stir together and enjoy!
3. How To Make A Cortado With A French Press
Making a cortado with a french press is not much different from making one with an Aeropress—the only difference is that you don't need any special equipment like filters.
- Begin by measuring out 40g of freshly ground coffee beans into your french press carafe along with 400 ml of hot water (just off the boil) to around 2/3 full.
- Lock on the top plunger lid before stirring everything together gently but thoroughly for 15 seconds.
- Allow to steep for 4 minutes then carefully plunge until all liquid has been extracted from the grounds at the bottom of your carafe.
- Transfer your brewed coffee into a cup or mug.
- Heat some milk as usual before pouring equal amounts of both into each cup for café-style results.
- Stir together and enjoy!
Making Cortado FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to make a cortado:
What is the ratio for cortado?
The ratio for a cortado is typically 1 part espresso to 1 part steamed milk.
Is a cortado the same as a flat white?
No, a cortado is not the same as a flat white. A flat white usually contains more steamed milk than espresso, whereas a cortado is made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk.
Is cortado stronger than latte?
Yes, a cortado is typically stronger than a latte. Both drinks contain the same amount of espresso, but a cortado has less steamed milk than a latte. This makes the cortado slightly less milky, with a stronger flavor.
Is a cortado stronger than a cappuccino?
Yes, a cortado is typically stronger than a cappuccino. While both drinks contain the same amount of espresso, a cortado has less steamed milk than a cappuccino. This makes the cortado less milky, and stronger in flavor.
Is a cortado a cafe con leche?
No, a cortado is not the same as cafe con leche. While both drinks contain espresso and milk, they are prepared differently.
- Cafe con leche, a Cuban brewed espresso using a moka pot, is made with one part espresso and two parts steamed milk, and sugar.
- A cortado is a Spanish brewed espresso using an espresso machine. It is traditionally prepared with equal parts espresso and steamed milk.
Tips & Tricks
- If you’re looking for something a bit more special, try adding some spices or flavors such as cinnamon or vanilla to your cortado for an extra twist.
- You can also experiment with different types of milk—almond and oat milk work great too.
- If you’re feeling extra adventurous, why not try making a cortado-style latte? Just replace the equal parts espresso and steamed milk with a shot of espresso poured over a cup of hot-frothed milk.
Need a proper tool to make your cup of of cortado? Check out our picks of best espresso coffee makers - including espresso machines, a French press, a Aeropress, or moka pots.
Jane Vo
Jane Vo
With this step-by-step guide as a reference, you should be able to whip up cafe-quality coffee drinks without too much hassle or stress. Make yourself or someone else special coffee drinks like cortados. Happy brewing!
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