Cortado Balance

Balanced espresso-milk

A cortado is a sophisticated Spanish coffee drink that exemplifies the perfect balance between rich espresso and silky steamed milk. This elegant beverage, whose name means "cut" in Spanish, traditionally consists of equal parts: a single shot of espresso "cut" with an equal amount of warm milk. The result is a small but satisfying drink that sits comfortably between a macchiato and a café con leche in terms of milk content.

The preparation of a cortado is an art that requires precision and care. The milk is steamed to create a light microfoam, but unlike a latte or cappuccino, the texture is more delicate and less frothy. This allows the bold flavors of the espresso to shine through while being gently mellowed by the creamy milk. The drink is typically served in a small glass, often with a distinctive metal saucer or strip, making it instantly recognizable in cafes around the world.