What Is
What is a cortado coffee?
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Cortado coffee is a newcomer to the world of coffee, only popping up in coffee shops in the last few years. Due to its smaller size, it’s often confused with a flat white but it’s actually quite different.
Refreshingly small
Unlike other coffee types the milk isn’t texturised and instead, cortado coffee is made with lightly steamed milk, no froth or foam. The steamed milk on top reduces the acidity of the coffee and creates a micro-foam which doesn’t separate from the espresso, giving it a strong and rich flavour.
Cortado origins
Not much is known about its origins, aside from the fact that it came from Spain’s Basque Country. It’s also popular in Portugal and Latin America, commonly enjoyed as an afternoon treat.
A cortado is not dissimilar to a macchiato. Both contain the same amount of espresso, except the macchiato has a little less milk and is a bit smaller, which results in a slightly more bitter taste.
Differences between a cortado and a flat white
A cortado is generally smaller than a flat white and possesses a much stronger taste due to the lightly steamed milk. Additionally, the flat white can be likened to a small latte as it has textured milk, making it hotter with a much thicker taste.
Cortado vs Macchiato
A cortado is not too dissimilar to a macchiato. Both contain the same amount of espresso, except the macchiato has a little less milk and is slightly smaller, which results in a slightly more bitter taste.
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