This cortado uses equal measured volumes of espresso and steamed milk: 2 US fl oz of each. The recipe makes one serving and takes about ten minutes.
What Is a Cortado?
A cortado is an espresso drink cut with steamed milk. In this version, the espresso-to-milk ratio is 1:1 by volume, with a light layer of foam. Measuring the brewed espresso and the milk you actually pour keeps that ratio clear. The amount of ground coffee your machine uses is a separate measurement.
Ingredients
- 2 US fl oz (about 60 ml) freshly brewed espresso
- 2 US fl oz (about 60 ml) cold pasteurized whole milk for the drink; extra if your steamer needs a larger fill
Method
- Brew 2 US fl oz (about 60 ml) espresso into a heat-safe cup with room for 4 US fl oz of drink and a little foam, using the coffee dose and brew settings appropriate to your machine and basket.
- Put cold milk in a suitable pitcher, meeting the steamer minimum fill. Steam according to its instructions, adding little air.
- Swirl the milk and pour 2 US fl oz (about 60 ml) warmed milk into the espresso, holding back excess foam. Serve immediately.
Measuring the Ratio
This version uses volume: 2 US fl oz espresso plus 2 US fl oz milk makes about 4 US fl oz before foam. The metric equivalents, about 60 ml of each and 120 ml total, are rounded. Crema and froth can affect a volume reading.
Fluid ounces measure volume; grams measure mass. Keep the two measurements separate when following this recipe.
Steaming and Equipment
Use the minimum milk fill required by your equipment, then measure only the drink portion. Steam and pour pasteurized milk; FDA explains why raw milk poses a separate risk . Clean and purge the wand as its manufacturer instructs.
For the steamed preparation above, follow your steamer’s instructions. Do not seal hot milk in a jar to shake it.
Is a Cortado the Same as a Flat White?
| Drink | How the drinks differ |
|---|---|
| Cortado | Equal volumes of espresso and steamed milk in this recipe |
| Flat white | Breville describes less milk than a latte and a thinner microfoam layer |
| Latte | Espresso with steamed milk and more microfoam than a flat white |
| Cappuccino | More foam than Breville’s latte preparation |
They’re both espresso-and-milk drinks, but the recipes describe different builds. This cortado uses equal measured parts. Breville describes its flat white as a milk-forward espresso drink with a thinner microfoam layer than a latte or cappuccino. That description does not assign the cortado’s 1:1 ratio to every flat white.
How Many Shots Go in a Cortado?
There is no single shot count across recipes. This recipe measures 2 US fl oz of brewed espresso. Shot volume can vary by machine and preparation. For the 1:1 formula on this page, measure the brewed espresso and poured milk by volume instead of relying on a machine’s shot label.
Cortado or Cortadito?
The names are similar, but the recipes differ. Our Cuban cortadito recipe whips sugar with hot coffee to make espuma before adding milk. This cortado recipe uses equal measured espresso and milk, with no sugar in its ingredient list.
Can You Use Oat Milk?
Full-fat oat milk is an alternative to whole milk in this preparation. Keep the same measured milk portion and follow that product’s heating instructions.
Serve and Store
Make one at a time and drink freshly made. Refrigerate unused cold milk promptly at 40 F (4 C) or below and follow its label. This recipe provides no storage schedule for the finished drink.
More Drinks
- Affogato Recipe with Espresso and Vanilla Gelato
- Best Espresso Machines for Iced Lattes at Home
- Iced Turmeric Latte Recipe (Golden Milk for Summer)
- 9 Iced Coffee Recipes Better Than the Drive-Thru
Recipe notes
Metric volumes are rounded conversions. Equipment and milk-handling references appear with the relevant advice above. Editorial checks are not a claim of TFA kitchen testing.
