Cortado Coffee

Cortado is an espresso coffee drink, cut with a little milk.

From Spain, this drink is becoming a popular choice in cafes around the world. It shares characteristics with the Flat White and the Macchiato, so it's worth understanding the subtle differences that could mean it takes away some of your favorite coffee drink the next time you serve coffee.

Hot milk should create a micro-foam that does not separate from the espresso, unlike many other coffee makers that produce milk. The milk is used only to reduce some of the acidity of the espresso here, or in the past it would only be enough to make the espresso heavy and bitter. In good Spanish cafes you can also choose how to take your milk - warm, hot, cold or even with condensed milk. The difference between Cortado and your other favorite coffee drinks 

Although it helps that all cafes and cafes use the same measure when serving drinks, the truth is that all coffees with milk can vary from cafe to cafe. . Often times the amount and amount of milk added can vary greatly, meaning that the Cortado at one restaurant may be different from another. Larger coffee chains add more milk to their drinks and serve them in larger cups than specialty coffees. This can sometimes mean that people are surprised when they go to a specialty coffee shop and order the same drink only to find it comes in a smaller cup. In the case of Cortado, it's usually a small drink, so don't order one if you're looking for a big coffee.

With an espresso and milk ratio of 1:1, this espresso coffee drink sits between a Flat White and a Macchiato. For some, steamed milk helps provide the perfect milk and espresso. Milk does not overpower espresso and makes the unique qualities of specialty coffee shine. Cortado Vs Flat White 

Flat White is becoming a staple in cafes around the world. From Australia (or New Zealand, depending on who you talk to), the Flat White has become a favorite for those looking for a non-dairy espresso that dominates the cup and flavor. Cortado is smaller than Flat White, so it will give a stronger taste. Think about dilution here - it's not just water that can dilute things. Milk dissolves coffee in the same way, but also gives its own flavor.

Cortado Vs Macchiato 

Macchiato is an Italian classic - espresso with milk. It is placed in an espresso cup, and those who want to enjoy espresso that is rich and sweet drink it well, with the feeling of milk to make it more delicious. Milk has a sweet and fatty content, so it is used in this type of drink for those who like the full body of espresso but want it to be a little less. However, it should also be remembered that acidic espresso can be a matter of drinking the right coffee or simply choosing the right coffee blend. For many, the Macchiato will always be a favorite. However, if as a consumer you add milk to reduce the effect of acidity in espresso, you may want to look into choosing a low acid coffee for a taste that is not Needs restructuring. A good example would be a coffee with the most chocolate or hazelnut, for example our only one from Brazil, Rainha de Paz. What we love about North Star Coffee is the ability to get and drink coffee to celebrate all the beauty and nuances that coffee has to offer. This means we can help you choose the perfect coffee based on your preferences. How to make a cortado 

Since Cortado is an espresso-based drink, it is more commonly associated with coffee shops than home brewed coffee. Still, for those lucky enough to have an espresso machine at home, or any aspiring baristas out there, we asked one of Leeds' top baristas, Rob Gordon, for a tour We have the process to make Cortado. 

1. Make an espresso 

Clean and dry your hands and filter baskets to prepare your ground coffee system. Take your coffee according to the strength of your filter basket.

Dispense and strain the coffee well in the filter basket. Use a horizontal motion to tap the coffee, until it stops leaking under pressure.

Run water into the group's head to prepare the group for action. Slowly add one hand and start brewing.

Take your time and measure the brewing process, stop according to your recipe (a traditional cortado will have a ratio of 1:1, so maybe 40ml coffee and 40ml milk) 

2. Milk 

Fill with milk (or other milk). Clean the steam wand.

Expand (aerate) and texturize (emulsify) milk. Touch the box to check the temperature.

Remove any trapped air bubbles and pour over the steamed milk ready to pour over your espresso. ** Tip - Be careful to add a little more froth than other steamed milks, as the Cortado is served in a small glass.

3. Pour milk and serve 

Pour the milk over your shot of espresso (taste the milk - it's hard to add exactly the right amount of milk for your 1:1 ratio).

If you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at some milk crafts. The best coffee to use for cortado 

The quality of Cortado depends largely on the coffee beans used at the barista level. As coffee beans will play a big role in the taste and flavor that comes out of your Cortado, it is important to choose the right coffee beans for this type of drink. To start, try using a coffee with a chocolate and nutty profile, like our house blend or the Brazilian coffee mentioned above. This type of coffee will provide a rich and complete coffee that will make your Cortado irresistible. Cortado is made from espresso, so choosing a coffee shop that serves great espresso is the best way to go. Consider full-bodied coffees rather than flavored ones, as these flavors will be easily replaced or muted with a little milk. Fruit-based coffees do not mix well with milk-based coffees because they can be acidic. 

These types of coffee are suitable for brewing methods such as V60 or Chemex. Making the perfect espresso is both a science and an art, so if you need help understanding how to make perfect espressos, don't hesitate to contact us. A dedicated coffee school was created with the aim of helping coffee lovers get the best out of it.