Cortado vs Latte: A Comprehensive Guide for Coffee Lovers

Hey there, coffee enthusiast! If you’ve ever stared at a café menu wondering, “Should I go for a cortado or a latte?”, you’re not alone. While both drinks use espresso and milk, the flavors and textures they deliver can be quite different. Here’s everything you need to know about cortados and lattes from what makes each drink unique to how to choose the right one for your taste.

So, grab your favorite mug and let’s dive into this delightful coffee journey together!

 

What’s a Cortado?

A cortado, originally from Spain, is all about balance. “Cortado” means “cut” in Spanish, referring to how the steamed milk “cuts” through the intense espresso. This small but mighty drink usually comes in a 4-ounce glass and combines equal parts espresso and steamed milk. Because the milk-to-coffee ratio is 1:1, a cortado is perfect for those who love the bold taste of espresso but want a smoother finish.

Key Features of a Cortado:

• Ratio: 1:1 espresso to steamed milk
• Size: Typically around 4 ounces
• Milk Texture: Silky with minimal foam
• Flavor Profile: Strong, espresso-forward with a slight creaminess

Why You’ll Love It: The cortado is a powerhouse of espresso flavor, with just the right amount of milk to mellow the coffee’s intensity without diluting it.

Does Latte Have More Caffeine Than Cortado?

What’s a Latte?

The latte originated in Italy and is a creamy, comforting coffee experience. Lattes use more milk than cortados, which results in a mild, smooth taste. A classic latte has a 1:3 ratio of espresso to milk, creating a larger drink, typically around 12 ounces, although some lattes go up to 20 ounces. The steamed milk is frothed to form a thin layer of microfoam on top, which makes it perfect for latte art.

Key Features of a Latte:

• Ratio: 1:3 espresso to steamed milk
• Size: Usually between 8 to 20 ounces
• Milk Texture: Creamy with a layer of microfoam
• Flavor Profile: Mild, creamy, with espresso notes softened by milk

Why You’ll Love It: If you enjoy a sweeter, creamier coffee experience, the latte’s smooth texture and milder flavor make it a perfect choice for sipping slowly.

 

Cortado vs. Latte: Breaking Down the Key Differences

Choosing between a cortado and a latte often comes down to taste, texture, and personal preference.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Feature	Cortado	Latte
Ratio	1:1 espresso to milk	1:3 espresso to milk
Size	Small (4 oz)	Larger (8-20 oz)
Milk Texture	Silky, minimal foam	Creamy with a microfoam layer
Flavor	Bold espresso taste	Creamier, with a mild espresso flavor
Origin	Spain	Italy

 

Espresso Strength

The cortado delivers a bold, strong coffee flavor with its equal parts espresso and milk. With more milk, the latte is mellower and has a more balanced, milk-forward taste.

Texture and Foam

The cortado is served with a velvety milk texture and minimal foam, while the latte is known for its thick, creamy milk and a thin layer of microfoam on top. The foam layer in a latte adds creaminess and creates the perfect canvas for latte art.

Serving Size

If you’re looking for a quick, concentrated coffee, the 4-ounce cortado is a fantastic choice. However, if you want a larger drink to sip and savor, the latte’s generous size is ideal.

How to Make a Cortado at Home

Making a cortado at home is simple and requires only a few ingredients.

Here’s a quick guide:

You’ll Need:

• 1 shot (about 2 oz) of espresso
• 2 oz of steamed milk
• Espresso machine or Moka pot (for espresso)
• Milk frother or steam wand

Steps:

1. Brew the Espresso: Pull a shot of espresso and pour it into a small glass or mug.
2. Steam the Milk: Steam your milk to about 140°F (60°C) for a silky texture. If you don’t have a steam wand, heat the milk and use a handheld frother.
3. Combine: Pour the steamed milk over the espresso in a 1:1 ratio. There should be minimal foam on top, creating a smooth blend.

 

How to Make a Latte at Home

Lattes are more forgiving than cortados because they use more milk, allowing you to adjust for strength and sweetness.

You’ll Need:

• 1 shot (about 2 oz) of espresso
• 6 oz of steamed milk
• Milk frother or steam wand

Steps:

1. Brew the Espresso: Prepare your espresso and pour it into a more giant mug or glass.
2. Steam the Milk: Steam milk to about 150°F (65°C), creating microfoam. If using a handheld frother, whisk until creamy and foamy.
3. Pour and Enjoy: Pour the milk over the espresso, allowing a thin foam layer to sit on top. If desired, add a flavored syrup like vanilla or caramel!

 

Choosing Between a Cortado and a Latte

Still not sure which drink is right for you? Here are a few questions to help you decide:

• Do You Love a Bold Espresso Flavor? If yes, go for a cortado. Its strong espresso-to-milk ratio lets the coffee shine.
• Prefer a Milder, Creamy Coffee? Lattes are ideal, thanks to the extra steamed milk.
• Looking for a Quick Pick-Me-Up? Cortados, with their small size and intense flavor, are perfect for a quick caffeine boost.
• Want a Sippable, Long-Lasting Drink? Lattes, which come in significantly larger sizes, are made for slow sipping and savoring.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Which Has More Caffeine: Cortado or Latte?

Typically, cortados and lattes contain similar amounts of caffeine if each uses a single espresso shot. However, more giant lattes can have more caffeine if extra shots are added.

 

Can I Customize a Cortado or Latte?

Absolutely! Both drinks can be made with different types of milk, such as almond, oat, or soy. You can add flavored syrups to a latte for a sweet twist, though cortados are traditionally kept simple to highlight the espresso.

 

Is a Cortado Healthier Than a Latte?

It depends on your goals. With its smaller serving size and lower milk content, a cortado usually has fewer calories. If you’re watching calorie intake, opt for a cortado or a small latte with a plant-based milk alternative.

Which Has More Caffeine, Latte Or Cortado?

A latte generally contains more caffeine than a cortado. This is due to the larger volume of milk in a latte, which typically uses a double shot of espresso, while a cortado usually has a single shot.

Is Cortado Stronger Than A Latte?

Yes, a cortado is stronger than a latte. It has a higher coffee-to-milk ratio, making its flavor more intense and robust compared to the milder, milkier latte.

How Much Caffeine In A Cortado?

A cortado typically contains about 80-100 mg of caffeine. This amount comes from a single shot of espresso, which is the standard base for cortados.

How Much Caffeine In A Latte?

A latte usually has 150-200 mg of caffeine. This is because it often contains a double shot of espresso, which is more than what a cortado has.

 

Conclusion: Cortado or Latte—Which Will You Choose?

Choosing between a cortado and a latte depends on what you’re craving. A cortado offers a bold, balanced experience in a small glass, making it perfect for espresso lovers who want a quick, rich drink. Meanwhile, a latte gives you the comfort of creamy milk, with options to add flavors and make it your own.

Whether you’re looking for a quick caffeine hit or a creamy, cozy drink to savor, the cortado and latte have something unique. So, next time you’re at the coffee shop, why not try both and discover your perfect brew?

Ready to brew your coffee masterpiece? Grab your favorite beans and get started with our straightforward guides. And remember, every sip is an adventure!