“Cortado vs Latte” is a common dilemma when faced with a list of espresso-based options. Both drinks have dedicated fans and share an espresso base, but they have distinct identities in the coffee shop universe. Whether you’re an experienced coffee lover or someone taking their first steps into the world of coffee options, this article will illuminate the unique characteristics of both the Cortado and the Latte, ensuring that your next coffee choice is made confidently.
| Aspect | Cortado | Latte |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 4.5 ounces | 8 to 12 ounces |
| Espresso to Milk Ratio | 1:1 (Equal parts espresso and milk) | 1:3 to 1:5 (More milk than espresso) |
| Flavor | Strong coffee with a touch of creaminess | Milder coffee, creamier taste |
| Milk Foam | Minimal | Significant |
| Origin | Spain | Italy |
Cortado vs Latte: The critical difference between a latte and a Cortado lies in the beverage’s size and the balance of espresso to milk.
What is a Cortado?
Cortado is an espresso coffee to which a variable amount of milk is added. The main intention when adding milk is to tone down the inherent bitterness of the crema in the espresso, achieving a more harmonious blend in the cup.
Originating from Spain’s vibrant coffee culture, the name “cortado” comes from the Spanish verb “cortar,” which translates to “cut,” alluding to how milk “cuts” through the boldness of espresso. Typically presented in modest servings, the Cortado offers a happy medium for those who appreciate the strength of espresso but are looking for a smoother sip.
What is a Latte?
The Latte is a coffee drink made with one part espresso and three parts steamed milk, topped with a small amount of foam. Originating from Italy, “latte” directly translates to “milk,” highlighting milk foam as the drink’s primary ingredient.
The latte differentiates itself from other coffee beverages primarily by its milk-to-coffee ratio. Unlike other coffee drinks and the cappuccino, which features a balanced mix of espresso, steamed milk, and foam., the latte has a minimal foam layer.
Over time, variations have emerged. Flavored lattes incorporate syrups like vanilla or caramel. Alternative milk lattes use soy, almond, or oat milk instead of dairy. Iced lattes replace steamed milk with cold milk and ice.
Lattes are famous for their smooth, creamy espresso taste, making them a preferred choice for those who want a milder coffee experience.
Cortado Vs. Latte. Key Differences
Cortado Vs. Latte: Both are delightful espresso-based drinks with milk, but they have distinct characteristics.
Size and Composition
The size and composition of milk and espresso distinctly differentiate a Cortado from a Latte. The Cortado is typically served in a glass of around 4.5 ounces, maintaining an equal ratio of espresso to steamed milk, offering a less diluted flavor and a denser texture. In contrast, the Latte is enjoyed in considerably larger cups, ranging from 8 to 12 ounces, characterized by one or two shots of espresso, Crowned with an ample serving of steamed milk. And a subtle layer of foam, resulting in a smoother beverage with more diluted coffee.
Flavor and Texture
Regarding flavor and texture, the balance between espresso and steamed milk in a Cortado leads to an intense taste experience, allowing the nuances of the espresso to stand out with a slight creamy enhancement. With its ample milk, the Latte presents a softened taste profile, where the milk foam adds a velvety texture and subtle sweetness, making it a less intense and lighter drink than its counterpart.
Milk Foam, Steamed Milk, and Oat Milk
Milk foam plays a crucial role in the aesthetics and texture of these beverages, but its presence is more prominent in the Latte, where it tops the drink and serves as a canvas for latte art. On the other hand, steamed milk is the foundation of both drinks, providing creaminess and smoothness. Oat milk has gained popularity recently as a healthy and sustainable plant-based alternative, offering a natural consistency and sweetness that integrates seamlessly into both Lattes and Cortados, providing an option for those seeking a lactose-free experience.
Cultural Origin
The cultural heritage of these beverages is as rich as their flavor. The Cortado comes from Spanish tradition, indicating “cutting” the espresso with a splash of milk, reflecting its popularity in Spain and Portugal. The Latte, with Italian roots and meaning “milk,” has captured the American palate, where it has been adapted and is often served with indulgent variations that include flavored syrups and other creative toppings.
Cortado vs Latte: Which has more caffeine?
A Cortado typically contains one espresso shot, meaning it has around 63mg of caffeine. Nonetheless, this may differ based on the coffee bean type and the preparation method. But given its small size and equal coffee-to-milk ratio, each sip delivers a strong kick of coffee.
While the standard latte often includes a shot or two of espresso. A Latte can contain between 63mg and 126mg of caffeine. Since Lattes have a higher volume with more milk, the caffeine is distributed more significantly, making the coffee flavor and intensity smoother per sip than a Cortado.
Cortado vs. Other Popular Coffee Drinks
Cortado vs. Flat White
The cortado and the flat white are both espresso-based drinks that coffee lovers have cherished for their unique flavors and presentations. Originating from Spain, the cortado is all about equilibrium. It’s typically made by “cutting” a single or double shot amount of espresso with a nearly equal proportion of steamed milk, diminishing its inherent acidity without overshadowing its robust flavor.
On the other hand, the flat white, an Australasian invention, offers a double shot of espresso blanketed with velvety steamed milk. Unlike other coffee beverages, it distinguishes itself with its microfoam – a thin layer of silky milk that smoothly integrates with the espresso, providing a rich and creamy texture.
Cortadito
The “cortadito”, hailing from Cuba, is a sweetened espresso drink. Unlike its counterpart, the cortado, the “cortadito” is made by blending sugar with espresso to create a sweet and bubbly base. This mixture is then paired with a dash of steamed condensed milk throughout, yielding a bold yet sweet coffee beverage that captures the essence of Cuban coffee culture.
Macchiato
“The macchiato, rooted in Italian coffee tradition, translates to “stained” or “spotted”. It’s an espresso marked with a touch of frothy milk, capturing both strength and creaminess more pungent coffee taste. On the other hand, the cortado, hailing from Spain, blends espresso with a more even pour of steamed milk for a gentler flavor. While both offer unique tastes in their hot versions, if you’re intrigued by how they fare when iced, delve into our article Iced Macchiato Vs Iced Latte.
Final Sip
The debate between cortado coffee and latte highlights the wide variety of coffee in the world. Everyone has their favorite, and that’s the beauty of it. Whether you lean towards the balanced strength of a cortado or the creamy comfort of a latte, the joy is in the experience. Ultimately, it’s about savoring that perfect cup and cherishing the moments it brings with loved ones.
FAQ: Cortado vs. Latte
1. What is the main difference between a cortado and a latte?
At their core, both cortado and latte are espresso-based drinks, but they differ primarily in their milk-to-espresso ratios. A cortado is about balancing, often using equal amounts of steamed milk to espresso, resulting in a bolder coffee flavor. An atte, on the other hand, has a more significant proportion of steamed milk, topped with a layer of foam and espresso shots, making it creamier and milder in coffee intensity.
2. Can I add flavorings to a cortado or a latte?
Absolutely! Both cortados and lattes can be customized with various flavorings, from classic vanilla and caramel to more adventurous ones like lavender or chai. When adding flavor to a cortado, be mindful of the amount since it’s a more miniature drink; you wouldn’t want to overpower its inherent coffee richness.
3. Which drink is better for someone who wants a strong coffee flavor, cortado or latte?
The cortado would be ideal for those craving a more pronounced coffee flavor. Its balanced espresso-to-milk ratio ensures that the coffee notes shine through. While lattes also offer a delightful coffee taste, their higher milk content makes them creamier and have a softer flavor than a cortado.