Cortado Vs Latte: Choosing The Right Espresso-Based Drink
Cortado Vs Latte. Are you a coffee lover who enjoys exploring different coffee beverages? Two popular options that you may come across are the cortado and the latte. While both drinks contain espresso and milk, they have distinct differences in their flavor, texture, and preparation.
In this article, Centralparkwestcafe will explore the differences between cortado and latte to help you decide which one is right for you.
What Is Cortado?
A famous coffee drink called a cortado originated in Spain and is now consumed all over the world. The Spanish word “cortado” literally translates to “cut” and describes how the espresso shot is “cut” with a little amount of steamed milk.
A cortado normally consists of one shot of espresso, which weighs about one ounce, and a little amount of warm milk, which weighs about two or three ounces and is used to “cut” the espresso and temper its powerful flavor. A cortado has more robust coffee taste than a cappuccino or latte since it contains less milk and froth.
Cortados are often consumed in the morning or early afternoon as a pick-me-up or as a midday coffee break, and they are frequently served in tiny glasses or cups. For individuals who want a strong espresso flavor but would rather have a less milky coffee beverage, they are a perfect option.
What Is Latte?
A latte, also known as a café latte, is a popular coffee beverage that originated in Italy and is now enjoyed all over the world. The word “latte” means “milk” in Italian, and the drink is named for the steamed milk that is a key ingredient in its preparation.
The basic components of a latte are one or two shots of espresso (often approximately 1-2 ounces), steamed milk (commonly 8–10 ounces), and a thin coating of milk froth on top. Depending on the size and taste of the user, the espresso-to-milk ratio might change.
Lattes are frequently served in large glasses or mugs, and flavor syrups or garnishes like whipped cream or caramel sauce can be added. They are a well-liked option for people who want a creamy, lightly sweetened coffee beverage that nonetheless has a pronounced espresso flavor.
Lattes are frequently served in large glasses or mugs, and flavor syrups or garnishes like whipped cream or caramel sauce can be added. They are a well-liked option for people who want a creamy, lightly sweetened coffee beverage that nonetheless has a pronounced espresso flavor.
Cortado Vs Latte
Coffee Bean Varieties
Robusta beans are the preferred kind to use for making cortado. The stronger, darker chocolate-like, and sweeter Robusta coffee flavor is enhanced by the milk. They should also be dark roasted for the finest outcomes.
For a latte, there is no “traditional” coffee bean variation. Because of availability, it will also have started off with dark roast Robusta. Yet, unlike a cortado, the character of the whole coffee does not depend heavily on the beans. So, you may choose any beans and roast intensity that you like.
Ratio Of Milk To Espresso
For a cortado, use milk and coffee in a 1:1 ratio. A 1:2 ratio of coffee to milk is recommended for lattes.
In practice, coffee is frequently diluted considerably more than this while making lattes. For a weaker cup of coffee, several well-known coffee businesses employ ratios of 1:5, sometimes even higher.
In this approach, the latte is considerably more adaptable. It essentially merely refers to “milky coffee with a bit of froth,” and the precise ratios may almost always be altered. Cortado is a definite term; either it is 1:1 or it isn’t.
Kinds Of Milk
Milk that has been heated but without texture or froth is used to make cortados. This indicates that the milk hasn’t been cooked to a point when it develops a smooth texture. Also, there shouldn’t be any foam on top, not even a very thin layer.
Since textured milk should include about 10% froth while making lattes, baristas may create artistic designs with it. But, this goes beyond aesthetics. An extremely smooth coffee beverage is produced by using latte milk, which has a completely distinct feeling from steamed milk for a cortado.
Size Choices
There is just one size of cortado. It’s a little cup of coffee that should include one espresso and milk. While it’s uncommon, some American coffee shops do occasionally provide it as a double.
Yet the menu does not provide a choice of sizes. partly because it would be absurd to fill a 20 oz. coffee cup with a mixture of 50% espresso and 50% milk. But also because it is a quick drink that should be enjoyed slowly.
The complete opposite of this, a latte may be whatever size you can think of. A bathtub to a thimble worth.
Starbucks offers two sizes of lattes: 8 ounces and 31 ounces. While consuming 10 ounces of espresso with 20 ounces of milk would be crazy, these huge versions have a significantly greater milk-to-coffee ratio.
Personalization
There are various methods to jazz up your latte, especially if a sweeter coffee beverage is what you like. The basic recipe will remain the same, but you may customize it by adding sauces, whipped cream, or syrups with different flavors.
If you need to cool yourself during the sweltering summer, an iced latte is an alternative.
However cortado coffee is available in its current form. Nothing else should be added, or the espresso drink will change completely.
Content Of Caffeine
About 63 mg of caffeine is included in each espresso shot (according to the USDA). All you get if you have a traditional cortado is that. As just one shot of espresso is likely to be present in a tiny latte, the amount of caffeine will likewise be one.
You can increase the amount of your latte to accommodate a double (or more) espresso shot if you discover that you need additional caffeine.
The amount of caffeine will increase by multiples of 63mg over time. To determine which contains more or less caffeine while comparing the two, simply count the espresso shots.
Cortado Vs Latte Calories
Several types of milk can be used to prepare the cortado and latte, respectively. You can figure out how many calories are in your coffee based on the type of milk you choose to use.
Often, whole milk is used to make these espresso-based beverages.
Look through the information below to get an idea of how many calories are in your favorite beverage:
| Kinds Of Milk Used | Latte Calories | Cortado Calories |
| Almond milk | 30 calories | 10 calories |
| Soy milk | 96 calories | 24 calories |
| Non-fat milk | 77 calories | 26 calories |
| Oat milk | 90 calories | 30 calories |
| 2% fat milk | 92 calories | 30 calories |
| Whole milk | 37 calories | 110 calories |
As you can see, the calories in the various drinks vary considerably. A latte will always include more calories since it needs more milk.
The greatest beverage for you could be a cortado if you’re looking for something with fewer calories. Instead, you might decide to get a latte made with low-fat milk. Everything depends on you and your preferences!
Which One Should You Choose? Factors To Consider
When deciding between a cortado and a latte, there are several factors to consider that can help you choose the right coffee beverage for your preferences:
- Intensity of Flavor: A cortado would be a better option if you enjoy a strong espresso flavor with little milk. A latte could be a better choice if you want a creamier, softer coffee flavor.
- Milk Preferences: If you like your coffee drinks with less froth or with a lower milk-to-espresso ratio, a cortado would be a better option. A latte can be the best choice if you want a greater milk-to-espresso ratio and appreciate more froth.
- Size: If you prefer a smaller coffee beverage that you can enjoy quick, a cortado may be the better choice. If you prefer a larger coffee beverage that you can sip on over a longer period of time, a latte may be the better option.
- Time of Day: The best option may be a cortado if you need a pick-me-up in the morning or early afternoon. A latte can be a better choice if you want to take a long coffee break or have a drink after supper.
- Flavor Preferences: Depending on your preferred level of coffee flavor, a cortado can be a better option. A latte can be a better choice if you like your coffee sweetened or flavored.
The decision between a cortado and a latte is ultimately a matter of taste. To choose your favorite coffee beverage, try both and experiment with various tastes and ratios.
How To Make A Cortado At Home?
Equipment
- Espresso machine
- Milk frother or steaming wand
- Cortado glass or cup
Ingredients
- 1-2 shots espresso 1-2 ounces total
- 1-2 ounces whole milk
Instructions
- Start by grinding fresh coffee beans and brewing 1-2 shots of espresso using an espresso machine. Aim for a finely ground coffee and 8-10 grams of coffee grounds per shot.
- While the espresso is brewing, use a milk frother or steaming wand to heat 1-2 ounces of whole milk to around 130-140°F. The milk should be heated and frothed until it reaches a velvety texture with a small amount of microfoam.
- Once the espresso is brewed and the milk is frothed, pour the espresso shot(s) into a cortado glass or cup.
- Next, pour the frothed milk into the espresso, slowly "cutting" the espresso shot with the milk. The ratio of espresso to milk in a cortado is usually around 1:1 or 1:2.
- Gently stir the espresso and milk together to combine the flavors.
- Serve the cortado immediately and enjoy!
Notes
How To Make A Latte At Home?
Equipment
- Espresso machine (or a Moka pot)
- Milk frother (or a whisk or French press)
- Coffee mug
- Measuring cup
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 shot espresso or 1/4 cup of strong brewed coffee
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar optional
Instructions
- Prepare a shot of espresso or a quarter cup of strong coffee. Use your espresso maker as directed by the manufacturer to prepare a shot. To produce robust coffee if you don't have an espresso maker, use a Moka pot.
- Heat up the milk. After the milk reaches the proper temperature, pour it into a measuring cup and heat it in the microwave or on the stove. If you don't have a milk frother, you may froth the milk with a whisk or a French press.
- Froth the milk. Use a milk frother to froth the milk until it becomes creamy and frothy. If you don't have a milk frother, you can use a whisk or French press to froth the milk.
- Add sugar (optional). If you prefer your latte to be sweet, you can add a tablespoon of sugar to the espresso shot.
- Pour the espresso into a coffee mug.
- Pour the frothed milk into the coffee mug, holding back the foam with a spoon until you've poured in all the milk.
- Spoon the foam on top of the latte. Use a spoon to scoop the remaining foam on top of the latte.
- Enjoy your homemade latte!
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Starbucks call a cortado?
Starbucks doesn’t offer cortado on its menu, which is surprising. Since it’s not a Starbucks espresso drink, you should be ready to explain how to make it if the barista is unfamiliar. A double shot of espresso with 2 ounces of steamed milk on top is how to order it.
Is a cortado the same as a flat white?
Generally speaking, a cortado is smaller than a flat white and has a considerably richer flavor because of the softly heated milk. The flat white also incorporates textured milk, which makes it hotter and thicker tasting, making it comparable to a tiny latte.
Is cortado same as macchiato?
The primary distinction between a cortado and a macchiato is the amount of steamed milk used; a cortado consists of espresso coffee and the same amount of steamed milk, but a macchiato uses less foamed milk.
What is the difference between a piccolo latte and a regular latte?
Don’t be misled by the piccolo’s name, which includes the word “latte”. The size of a latte is much bigger than that of a piccolo: while it varies across coffee shops, a regular latte weighs about 8 ounces (230 ml), as opposed to the piccolo’s 3 to 4 ounces (85 to 114 ml). The milk has a similar consistency.
Is A latte stronger than coffee?
Indeed, latte coffee is weaker than normal coffee. Compared to normal coffee, a latte has a greater milk to coffee ratio since it is comprised of espresso and steamed milk. As a result, it is less powerful and contains less caffeine.
Wrap Up
Popular coffee drinks with distinctive tastes and textures include cortado and latte. The latte is a creamy, softer coffee beverage that is popular among people who want a sweeter coffee with more milk, whereas the cortado is a tiny, strong coffee beverage that is ideal for individuals who appreciate the flavor of espresso.
Centralparkwestcafe hope this article has helped you understand the differences between cortado and latte and has given you the information you need to choose the perfect coffee beverage for your taste buds. Enjoy your next cup of coffee, whether it’s a cortado or a latte!
| After realizing she needed caffeine in university, Mia Ramaciotti’s passion for coffee grew. Since he started drinking only instant coffee, she’s learned a lot, and she now appreciates and delights in every stage of the coffee experience, from planting the seeds to drinking the brew.
Mia Ramaciotti She has drunk over a hundred different types of instant coffee. Through various exchange programs, she has visited several countries, including Mexico, Thailand, India, Indonesia, etc. These are great chances for her to sample coffee from all over the world. With her contribution in terms of content, you will have a greater understanding of coffee’s fascinating facts. |
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