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Spain · Drinks

Café Cortado (Spanish Espresso with a Dash of Milk)

2 min
20 kcal
1 serving

By eatmundo · July 7, 2026

Café Cortado (Spanish Espresso with a Dash of Milk)🇪🇸AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

18 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Café Cortado (Spanish Espresso with a Dash of Milk). The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Compare these dishes: Caffè Macchiato (Marked Coffee)Same technique: Hot milk drink30 recipes from 19 countriesSee all 18 matches

A Café Cortado is a quintessential Spanish coffee experience, balancing the intensity of a strong espresso with a small, precise 'cut' of steamed milk. This short, elegant drink is perfect for those who appreciate the robust flavor of coffee softened just slightly, making it a popular choice throughout the day in Spain.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Café Cortado from another cuisine is Caffè Macchiato (Italy): the two share 100% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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1 serving

How to Make It

  • 1

    Prepare your espresso machine: Ensure your espresso machine is preheated and ready to brew. Use freshly ground coffee beans for the best flavor.

  • 2

    Brew a fresh espresso: Extract a single shot (approx. 30ml / 1 oz) of high-quality espresso directly into a small, preheated glass or cortado cup. The crema should be rich and golden-brown.

  • 3

    Steam the milk: Pour 60 ml (2 oz) of cold milk, preferably whole milk for creaminess, into a small pitcher. This is more than the drink needs, but a very small volume is hard to steam well. Steam the milk until it is hot but not boiling, with a very thin layer of fine microfoam. Aim for a temperature around 60-65°C (140-150°F).

  • 4

    Pour the milk: Gently swirl the steamed milk in the pitcher to eliminate any larger bubbles and create a smooth, velvety texture.

  • 5

    Add to espresso: Carefully pour 30 ml (1 oz) of the steamed milk, equal to the espresso, into the center of the espresso, topped with only a thin layer of microfoam. The milk should cut through the dark espresso, hence the name cortado (cut). Discard the remaining milk or use it for another drink.

  • 6

    Serve immediately: The Café Cortado is meant to be enjoyed hot and fresh. Serve it promptly, often without sugar, allowing the balance of coffee and milk to shine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cortado?

A cortado is a Spanish coffee drink consisting of equal parts espresso and warm, steamed milk. Originating in Spain, it is typically consumed throughout the day as a balanced beverage that reduces the acidity of the espresso.

What kind of milk is best for a Cortado?

Whole milk is typically preferred for its creaminess and ability to create a good microfoam, which enhances the texture and flavor balance with the strong espresso. Low-fat or plant-based milks can also be used, but may yield a different texture.

What's the difference between a Cortado and a Macchiato?

A Cortado has equal parts milk and espresso, where the milk 'cuts' the espresso. A Macchiato (espresso macchiato) is just espresso 'stained' with a tiny dollop of milk foam on top, having a much stronger coffee flavor.

Why is my milk not frothing well?

Ensure your milk is very cold before steaming. The steam wand should be properly submerged and angled to create a vortex for microfoam. Clean your steam wand thoroughly after each use.

Should a Cortado be served with sugar?

Traditionally, a Cortado is enjoyed without sugar to appreciate the balance between the intense espresso and an equal amount of steamed milk. However, personal preference always dictates, so sugar can be offered alongside.

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