Cortado Vs Flat White: The Ultimate Comparison 2023
Cortado Vs Flat White: These two beverages are readily interchangeable due to their similar constituents. However, these are two distinct coffees that have become increasingly popular in recent years. After perusing our concise guide, you will understand the distinction between a cortado and a flat white. You could even begin to impress your peers or barista with your knowledge of these two coffee beverages.
Let’s get started!
What is Flat White?
A flat white is a specific style of coffee that was first popularized in New Zealand and Australia. The velvety mouthfeel and well-balanced espresso and milk flavors that result from this method of preparation come about as a result of pouring micro foamed milk over two shots of espresso.
The micro foamed milk that is utilized in the preparation of a flat white has a consistency that is silkier and less frothy than the milk that is utilized in the preparation of a cappuccino or latte. This is because the micro foamed milk is intended to blend in with the espresso rather than create distinct layers.
The beverage is distinguished by its opulent taste as well as its velvety smoothness, and it is usually presented in a ceramic cup or a tumbler of comparable size.
What is a Cortado?
Cortado is a popular drink in Spain, and its name derives from the Spanish verb “Cortar,” which means “to cut.”
A Cortado is typically composed of a 1.5- to 2-ounce (occasionally 2-ounce) Espresso shot with the same amount of heated milk added to dilute the Espresso. Some baristas like to add a small quantity of textured milk to the top of the Cortado in order to create latte art.
Because it is a relatively small drink (4.5 ounces), there isn’t a lot of milk in it. Because of this, the flavor of the espresso remains quite robust, while the milk gives a hint of sweetness and a subtle velvety mouthfeel. You can imagine this.
Flat White vs Cortado: what’s the difference?
Because of their similarities, flat white and cortado are frequently compared as espresso-based beverages. Nevertheless, there are significant distinctions between the two beverages. Here are five important differences between a flat white and a cortado:
Espresso to milk ratio
In flat white and cortado, the ratio of espresso to milk differs. A flat white typically contains a greater proportion of milk to espresso, whereas a cortado has a greater proportion of espresso to milk.
A flat white is prepared with a double shot of espresso and approximately 6 ounces of steamed milk, whereas a cortado is prepared with a single shot of espresso and approximately 2 to 3 ounces of steamed milk.
Milk texture
Typically, the milk used in a cortado is steamed to a gentler consistency, whereas the milk used in a flat white is steamed with more texture, resulting in a velvety micro foam. This variation in milk texture imparts each beverage with a distinct mouthfeel and flavor.
Size
In comparison to a flat white, a cortado is typically presented in a smaller glass or cup. The small size of the cortado is intended to accentuate the strength and concentration of the espresso: small amount, single shot, great choice, Gibraltar glass, large cortado, Spanish word, joseph Younan.
Origin
Flat white originated in Australia and New Zealand, whereas cortado is a Spanish invention. The origin of each beverage determines its preparation and cultural significance.
Taste
Flat white and cortado have a slightly distinct flavor due to the difference in espresso-to-milk ratio and milk texture. A cortado is robust and more intense, with a stronger coffee flavor, whereas a flat white has a smoother, creamier flavor with an optimal espresso-to-milk ratio.
Is a Cortado Stronger Than a Flat White?
Both of these beverages will have the same quantity of double espresso when you get them at the coffee establishment. The Cortado, on the other hand, would contain less milk, giving it a more robust flavor.
This holds true for standard beverages despite the fact that there are a wide variety of regional differences. On occasion, the Cortado will be prepared with just one dose of espresso and milk that has been steamed.
Keep in mind, too, that Starbucks creates the Flat White by combining the flavors of two double ristrettos. So, yes, a cortado will be more potent, but it also depends on how the drinks are made and may slightly vary depending on the coffee shop, the coffee beans, and the brewing technique. In other words, yes, a cortado will be stronger.
Cortado or Flat White Has More Caffeine?
Both a cortado and a flat white contain the same quantity of caffeine because they are both prepared with a double shot of espresso. Depending on the beans and the preparation, the caffeine content of a double shot of espresso can range between 80 and 120 milligrams.
On average, a double shot of espresso contains between 80 and 120 milligrams of caffeine. The distinction between a cortado and a flat white is the quantity of milk used. A cortado contains less steamed milk than a flat white, which results in a greater espresso concentration per volume of liquid.
However, the total quantity of caffeine in a cortado and a flat white is comparable because both beverages contain two shots of espresso.
Notably, the caffeine content of a coffee beverage can vary depending on the variety of beans used, the degree of roasting, and the brewing method. Additionally, some coffee shops may use varying quantities of espresso or milk in their cortados and flat whites, which may impact the caffeine content.
Cortado or Flat White Has More Calories?
The number of calories in a cortado or flat white can vary depending on the beverage’s composition and quantity. However, a cortado is likely to have fewer calories than a flat white due to its smaller size and lower milk content.
A cortado typically consists of 1-2 ounces of steamed milk and one dose of espresso. A cortado is typically made with whole milk and contains approximately 150 calories per 8-ounce cup. In addition to the espresso’s calories, a cortado is likely to contain between 25 and 40 calories from the milk.
A flat white consists of approximately 6 ounces of heated milk and two doses of espresso. The milk used in a flat white may vary, but it is typically either whole milk or 2% milk, which are both greater in calories than the milk used in a cortado.
Depending on the precise recipe and quantity, a flat white may contain 100 to 200 or more calories. In general, a cortado is likely to contain fewer calories than a flat white; however, the exact number of calories in each beverage will vary depending on its recipe and size.
If you are watching your calorie intake, you may want to choose a smaller size or request skim milk or an alternative milk option to reduce the calorie content of your coffee drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are a cortado and a flat white different?
The primary distinctions between a cortado and a flat white are the milk quantity and texture. A cortado contains less steamed milk than a flat white, which results in a stronger coffee flavor.
The milk used in a cortado is also steamed to create a velvety micro foam, whereas the milk used in a flat white is steamed to create a micro foam with more texture.
The cortado contains more caffeine than the flat white?
Both a cortado and a flat white are prepared with two shots of espresso, so their caffeine content is comparable. Depending on the beans and method of preparation, a double dose of espresso can contain anywhere between 80 and 120 milligrams of caffeine.
Which beverage contains more calories, a cappuccino or a flat white?
A cortado is likely to contain fewer calories than a flat white due to its smaller size and reduced milk content. A cortado typically contains 1-2 ounces of heated milk, whereas a flat white typically contains 6 ounces.
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