Cortado

A cortado is a coffee drink originating in Spain, made with espresso and a small amount of warm milk to reduce the acidity. The milk, often steamed but not frothed, is added to the espresso in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio, allowing the coffee flavor to dominate while creating a smooth, balanced beverage. The goal is to 'cut' (hence the name) the espresso's intensity with a touch of milk, preserving the coffee's strength and complexity without significant dilution or the heavy texture of a latte or cappuccino. A cortado offers a concentrated coffee experience. The milk should be just warm enough to integrate the espresso and not overheat or change the flavor of the coffee.

Cortado meaning with examples

• I love starting my day with a cortado. The strong espresso taste is there, but the warm milk takes away the bitterness so it's a delicious drink to consume on the go.
• At the cafe, the barista expertly crafted a perfect cortado, carefully pouring the steamed milk into the rich espresso to achieve that ideal balance. The customer watched, admiring the professional skill.
• After a long day, the cortado provided the perfect caffeine kick. I felt a wave of energy with the perfect proportion of espresso and milk, keeping me focused on the long to-do list ahead.
• Unlike a latte, the cortado’s stronger coffee flavor is a welcomed taste, and with the added warm milk, it makes for a fantastic drink at any time of the day.