cortado

A cortado is a coffee beverage made by combining a shot of espresso with an equal amount of warm milk. The name derives from the Spanish cortar, meaning “to cut,” referencing the milk cutting the espresso’s intensity. It is typically served in a small glass, roughly 4 to 5 ounces (about 120 milliliters), with little to no foam.

Preparation across regions usually involves a 1:1 ratio of espresso to steamed milk. The milk should be warm and velvety, not foamy, producing a balanced drink that moderates the espresso’s bitterness while preserving its aroma. Some variations use slightly more milk for a milder flavor or a tiny amount of microfoam, but the defining characteristic remains the equal mix of coffee and milk.

Regional variations and nomenclature can differ. In Spain and parts of Portugal, cortado is common and clearly defined by its equal parts, whereas in Latin America forms such as cortadito may appear with local twists, sometimes including sugar or different milk textures. The drink is often served in a small glass and is considered between a straight espresso and a latte in strength and texture.

Related drinks include the macchiato, which places a small amount of milk or foam on top of an espresso, and the cappuccino, which features a larger proportion of milk and a thicker foam. The cortado’s emphasis is on a simple, cut-through balance between coffee and milk.