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A freshly prepared cortado coffee in a glass with espresso and milk layers

The Ultimate Guide to Cortado Coffee: Origins, Recipes & Variations

Learn how to make the perfect cortado coffee, a Spanish favorite that blends bold espresso with smooth steamed milk for a balanced, creamy drink. Ideal for breakfast or a mid-day pick-me-up, this recipe offers step-by-step instructions to craft a café-quality cortado at home.

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cortado coffee 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 shot (1 oz) of freshly brewed espresso
  • 1 oz steamed whole milk (or non-dairy alternative, e.g., oat milk)

Instructions

  1. Brew the Espresso: Use an espresso machine or stovetop espresso maker to prepare 1 oz of fresh espresso. Pour it into a small, heat-resistant glass.
  2. Steam the Milk: Heat 1 oz of milk using a steam wand or milk frother until it reaches a smooth, velvety texture. Avoid creating too much foam, as the cortado requires a creamy consistency.
  3. Combine: Slowly pour the steamed milk over the espresso, maintaining a 1:1 ratio. Serve immediately and enjoy the harmonious blend of bold and creamy flavors.

Notes

  • For a sweeter taste, add a small amount of condensed milk or sugar to the espresso before adding steamed milk.
  • Non-dairy milk options like oat or almond milk can be substituted, though textures may vary.
  • Serve in a clear glass to showcase the beautiful espresso and milk layers.
  • Author: Joël
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Steaming
  • Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cortado coffee (2 oz)
  • Calories: 30 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 15 mg
  • Fat: 1.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg

Keywords: cortado coffee, espresso drinks, steamed milk coffee, Spanish coffee, espresso recipe