Canonical: https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/classic-coffee-drinks/cortado-coffee-to-milk-ratio/ Language: en Classic Coffee Drinks # What Is a Cortado? Coffee-to-Milk Ratio and How to Make One Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/) Category: [Classic Coffee Drinks](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/classic-coffee-drinks/)Tags: [Recipes](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/recipes/) [Milk](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/milk/) [Espresso](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/espresso/) ## Quick answer Want espresso softened by milk without turning it into a large latte? **A cortado** keeps **the serving** small and the coffee prominent. **Equal parts** offer a clear starting point, although café recipes and shot sizes vary. ## Key takeaways - Want espresso softened by milk without turning it into a large latte? - A cortado starts with espresso and adds warm milk with little or modest foam. - Pull an espresso shot you enjoy, warm a small amount of milk, and add it gradually. ![An espresso cup on a scale under an espresso machine.](https://www.coffeejay.com/assets/editorial/weighing-an-espresso-shot.avif) An espresso cup on a scale under an espresso machine. ## What goes into a cortado? A cortado starts with espresso and adds **warm milk** with little or modest **foam**. Compared with **a latte**, it is usually smaller and less milk-forward. Compared with a macchiato, it contains more milk. Cafés may serve it in a small glass, but the vessel and recipe vary by shop. ## How to make one at home Pull an **espresso shot** you enjoy, warm **a small amount** of milk, and add it gradually. Stop when the drink tastes balanced to you. If you have **a steam wand**, aim for smooth, fine-textured milk rather than a stiff cap of foam. Without a wand, use a handheld frother or another safe method to warm and aerate milk. ## Adjust the coffee-to-milk balance If **the espresso** disappears, use less milk or a more expressive shot. If it tastes too intense, add a little more. **Change one thing** at a time so you can repeat the version you like. Our guide to [milk-based espresso drinks](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/milk-drinks/cappuccino-vs-latte-vs-flat-white/) compares larger styles, and [espresso and hot-water drinks](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/espresso-basics/americano-vs-long-black/) offers another way to serve a shot. ## Why the ratio is a guide, not a fixed standard This page’s companion **recipe** uses **equal volumes** of espresso and milk, which gives a clear starting point for a home **cortado**. Cafés may serve a different cup size or use a different shot recipe. If the drink you order looks milkier or stronger, that does not automatically mean it is incorrectly made; the name describes a general style rather than one global specification. ### How to adjust your home version Start with espresso you enjoy on its own, then add **warm milk** gradually. If the coffee still tastes sharp, adjust the shot before increasing the milk. If **the espresso** is pleasant but too intense in the finished drink, add **a small amount** more milk in your next cup. Changing one part at a time helps preserve the balance you liked. ## Choosing a cup and texture A small glass or cup keeps the drink compact. The milk should be warm and smooth, with little foam; a large cap changes the mouthfeel toward **a cappuccino**. For a larger, milkier version, compare a [piccolo latte](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/classic-coffee-drinks/piccolo-latte/) or [**latte** and **flat white**](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/milk-drinks/cappuccino-vs-latte-vs-flat-white/). If you prefer to keep espresso more prominent, a cortado is a useful middle ground between a plain shot and a full latte. When **tasting**, let the drink **cool** briefly before deciding whether it needs more milk. Very hot coffee can mute subtle flavors, and a small addition changes **the balance** quickly. Use a spoon to mix gently if you want an even sip, or leave it layered for a short first taste. ## Further reading For background on [**espresso**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espresso) and [milk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milk), see Wikipedia. [Back to Learn library](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/) ## Frequently asked questions What goes into a cortado? A cortado starts with espresso and adds warm milk with little or modest foam. Compared with a latte, it is usually smaller and less milk-forward. Compared with a macchiato, it contains more milk. Cafés may serve it in a small glass, but the vessel and recipe vary by shop. Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/). [Read our editorial approach](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/editorial-policy/). ## Related guides - [Café au Lait: How to Make French-Style Coffee with Milk](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/classic-coffee-drinks/cafe-au-lait/) - [What Is a Dirty Chai Latte? How to Make Chai with Espresso](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/classic-coffee-drinks/dirty-chai-latte/) - [Espresso Macchiato: What It Is and How to Make It at Home](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/classic-coffee-drinks/espresso-macchiato/)