The cortado is a Spanish tradition that perfectly balances the intense flavor of espresso with the smoothness of milk. This article will take you through its rich history, its variations around the world, and how to prepare it to enjoy at home.
What exactly is a cortado coffee?
The cortado is a jewel of Spanish coffee culture. Imagine a strong, dark espresso, but with a touch of smoothness from the hot milk. That's the cortado:
an espresso "cut" with a splash of milk to soften its intensity and bitterness.
Originating in the Basque Country , the cortado has become a classic not only in Spain, but also in Latin America and beyond. Each place has its own version, like the "cortadito" in Cuba or the "pintado" in Colombia, but it always maintains its essence: the perfect balance between coffee and milk.
What is not a cortado coffee? - Similar coffees that are often confused
Although a cortado shares some similarities with other drinks, there are key differences that set it apart. It's not a
latte , which uses more milk in a larger cup. Nor is it a
macchiato , which is made with espresso topped with a small amount of milk foam. Finally, it's not a
flat white , which has a similar milk ratio to a cortado but is served with a layer of microfoam in a larger cup. Each of these drinks has its own unique character and preparation method.
How to make a classic cortado coffee
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of coffee
- 1-2 tablespoons of milk
Instructions:
1. Prepare the coffee
With an Italian coffee maker:
- Fill the base of the Italian coffee maker with water until it reaches the screw.
- Place the filter on top and fill it with ground coffee to the top, without overdoing it; there's no need to press it down.
- Screw on the top of the coffee maker and place it on the heat until coffee comes out.
If you have an espresso machine at home, this is the ideal method. The result is coffee that tastes very similar to what you'd normally get at a café.
2. Heat the milk
Pour the milk into a stainless steel jug.
Use the espresso machine's steam wand to heat the milk, making sure not to create too much foam. The milk should reach a temperature of 60-65°C.
If you don't have a steamer, you can heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
3. Cut the coffee with the hot milk
Pour the coffee into a small cup.
Add the hot milk to the coffee. The classic ratio is 1:1, that is, the same amount of milk as coffee.
If you prefer a milder cortado, add a little more milk, but don't double the amount of coffee.
4. Serve it to your liking
Serve the cortado coffee immediately to enjoy its full aroma and flavor.
You can accompany it with a packet of sugar or a sweetener if you prefer to sweeten your drink.
Tips:
- Use fresh, good quality milk for a more authentic flavor.
- If you like to experiment, try different types of milk, such as almond or oat milk, to give your cortado a different touch.
How to order a cortado in other countries and not mess it up
Are you traveling and struggling to understand what the coffees offered in restaurants mean? Here's a quick guide to ordering a cortado when you're abroad. If you're not comfortable speaking the local language, simply
show the phrases on your phone to the waiter and they'll understand perfectly.
Order a cortado in English
If you're traveling outside of Spain and want to order a cortado in English, you can say: "
I would like an espresso with a little bit of steamed milk, please. " This describes exactly what a cortado is: an espresso with a little steamed milk.
If you want to make sure they understand the correct ratio, you can add: "
Can you make it with equal parts espresso and steamed milk? " This will guarantee that they serve you a cortado like the one you would enjoy in Spain.
Order a cortado in French
When you're in a French-speaking country and want to order a Spanish-style coffee, you can simply approach the waiter and politely say:
"Bonjour, pourrais-je avoir un espresso avec une touche de lait chaud, s'il vous plaît?" This specifies that you want an espresso with a small amount of hot milk.
To ensure you get the right blend, add:
"Je préfère que ce soit moitié espresso, moitié lait." This will make it clear that you're looking for a balance between coffee and milk, similar to the cortado you enjoy in Spain.
Ordering a cortado in Italy
When you travel to Italy and want to order a cortado, you can ask for a "caffè macchiato." This order specifically refers to
an espresso with a little milk , similar to a Spanish cortado but usually with less milk.
When ordering, simply say,
"Un caffè macchiato, per favore." This indicates that you want an espresso "stained" with a small amount of steamed milk. It's common in cafes and bars, and it will allow you to enjoy an Italian version of the cortado you're familiar with.
Ordering a cortado in Portugal
To order a cortado in Portugal, you need to know the local terminology.
In northern Portugal, especially in Porto, order a
"pingo." It's an espresso with a small amount of milk, similar to a Spanish cortado. If you're
further south , near Lisbon, the word is
"garoto."
When ordering, simply say: "Um pingo, por favor" or "Um garoto, por favor," depending on the region you're in. These variations reflect the Portuguese style of enjoying an espresso with a touch of milk.
In conclusion...
The cortado, a jewel of Spanish culture, combines the strong flavor of espresso with the smoothness of milk. We've shown you how to prepare it and how to order it when you're traveling, ensuring you can enjoy this classic drink anywhere in the world.
