A Café Cortado is a smooth and balanced Spanish espresso drink made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk. The milk softens the intensity of the espresso without overpowering its rich flavor, making it a favorite for those who enjoy strong but slightly mellow coffee.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make an authentic Spanish Café Cortado at home, plus variations and expert tips.
1. What Is a Café Cortado?
✔️ Espresso “cut” with a small amount of steamed milk.
✔️ Stronger than a latte, but smoother than a straight espresso.
✔️ Typically served in a small glass rather than a ceramic cup.
✔️ Popular in Spain and Latin America, especially in the afternoon.
💡 Fun Fact: The word “cortado” comes from the Spanish verb “cortar”, meaning “to cut,” referring to how the milk cuts through the espresso’s intensity. 🇪🇸
2. Ingredients for Café Cortado
✔️ 1 shot (30ml) of freshly brewed espresso
✔️ 30ml of steamed milk (equal to the espresso)
💡 Pro Tip: Use whole milk for a creamy texture or oat milk (barista edition) for a dairy-free option.
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Café Cortado
Step 1: Brew the Espresso
- Use an espresso machine, Moka pot, or AeroPress to brew a single or double shot of espresso.
Step 2: Steam the Milk
1️⃣ Heat the milk to 55–65°C (130–150°F).
2️⃣ Use a steam wand or milk frother to create a smooth texture with little to no foam.
3️⃣ If you don’t have a frother, heat the milk and whisk vigorously.
💡 **Unlike a cappuccino or latte, cortado milk should be warm and velvety, not frothy.
Step 3: Combine & Serve
- Pour the steamed milk gently over the espresso in a small glass.
- Stir lightly if needed and enjoy!
💡 Traditional serving: A cortado is often served with a small sweet treat or biscuit on the side.
4. Café Cortado Variations to Try
🔥 Cortado Condensada – Made with sweetened condensed milk instead of regular milk.
🔥 Cortado Leche y Leche – Uses both steamed milk and condensed milk for extra sweetness.
🔥 Iced Cortado – Brew the espresso, cool it, and serve over ice with cold milk.
🔥 Cortado with Cinnamon – Sprinkle cinnamon or cocoa powder on top for extra flavor.
5. Best Coffee Beans for Café Cortado
✔️ Dark roast espresso blends – For a strong, rich flavor.
✔️ Spanish or Latin American espresso beans – Traditional choices with bold and smooth notes.
✔️ Single-origin Brazilian or Colombian beans – Naturally sweet, complementing the milk.
💡 Pro Tip: A cortado is best with high-quality espresso beans for a balanced yet bold taste.
6. Tips for the Best Café Cortado Experience
✔️ Use freshly ground espresso beans for the best flavor.
✔️ Steam the milk just enough—it should be warm, not overly foamy.
✔️ Serve in a small glass to keep the traditional Spanish presentation.
✔️ Pair with a pastry like a churro or shortbread for a classic café-style treat.
Final Thoughts
Café Cortado is a simple yet refined espresso drink that delivers the perfect balance between bold coffee and smooth milk. Whether you enjoy it plain, sweetened, or iced, making a cortado at home is an easy way to experience Spanish coffee culture in every sip. ☕✨