Classic Coffee Drinks
Classic Cortado
Quick answer
The listed 40 ml of espresso and 40 ml of milk create a simple one-to-one starting point. A cortado is meant to soften espresso without turning it into a large, milk-forward drink. Cafés use different shot sizes and ratios, so treat this home version as one clear interpretation rather than a rule for every cortado.
Key takeaways
- The listed 40 ml of espresso and 40 ml of milk create a simple one-to-one starting point.
- The method asks for only a small amount of foam.
- A small heat-safe glass makes the proportions visible, but a small cup works just as well.
Ingredients
- 40 ml espresso
- 40 ml whole milk.
Method
- Brew the espresso into a small glass.
- Heat the milk and add a very small amount of foam, then combine equal volumes of coffee and milk.
Keep the milk smooth and restrained
The method asks for only a small amount of foam. Warm the milk and create a fine texture, then pour it into the espresso while both are fresh. Thick, dry foam can make the drink feel more like a small cappuccino and obscure the balanced coffee-and-milk character.
Serving and variations
A small heat-safe glass makes the proportions visible, but a small cup works just as well. If you prefer a stronger drink, use less milk next time; if the espresso is too intense, add a little more. Note the change so you can repeat the version you like.
For more milk and a larger cup, compare a caffè latte. For a foamier profile, try the cappuccino recipe.
Choosing the espresso for a cortado
A cortado is small, so a shot that tastes sharply sour or overly bitter will remain noticeable even after milk is added. Taste the espresso first and adjust the grind or shot yield if needed. Do not use more milk to hide a shot you do not enjoy; that changes the drink’s balance rather than improving the extraction.
Milk alternatives
Oat or soy milk can work in a cortado, though sweetness and foam vary by product. Warm only the amount you plan to use and pour gently. Because the serving is small, even a modest change in milk can noticeably change the coffee-to-milk balance.
Because the recipe is small, use a clean, pre-warmed cup if you want the drink to stay comfortable to sip. Avoid letting the espresso stand while you heat the milk; combining them soon after brewing keeps the coffee aroma clearer.
A tip for serving
Use a small glass or cup. Equal volumes of coffee and milk keep the espresso prominent; a large glass can tempt you to add more milk than needed.