Cortado Recipe

Have you ever tasted a heavenly Cortado and wondered how you could make one at home?

Well, you’re in luck! Today, I’m spilling the beans (coffee beans, that is) on crafting the perfect Cortado, that rich and delightful blend of espresso and steamed milk.

Intrigued?

Keep reading to learn the secret recipe, and you’ll be sipping your own homemade Cortado in no time.

What is a Cortado?

A Cortado is a delicious coffee concoction that hails from Spain. Its name comes from the Spanish word “cortado,” which means “to cut.” So, what’s being cut here?

It’s the perfect blend of espresso and steamed milk that creates a delightful balance of flavors.

Unlike other coffee drinks, a Cortado has a unique flavor profile that reduces the bitterness of the espresso while adding a touch of brightness and sweetness.

Trust me, as a barista, I can say that once you’ve had a Cortado, you’ll be hooked. It is my absolute favorite milk-espresso drink.

Let’s dive into how to make one at home using the right ingredients and techniques.

Equipment and Ingredients

To make a top-notch Cortado, you’ll need the following equipment and ingredients:

• A 4.5-ounce halter or rocks glass
• An espresso machine with a steamer (Here’s a great espresso recipe to follow)
• Freshly ground coffee beans
• Milk of your choice (I recommend using whole milk for a creamier texture)

Barista’s insight: A halter or rocks glass is essential for a true Cortado experience. These handleless glasses are designed to be held comfortably, allowing you to enjoy your Cortado at just the right temperature.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Cortado at Home

1. Preparing the Espresso

The first step to making an incredible Cortado is to pull a beautiful shot of espresso. Follow these simple steps:

1. Measure and grind your coffee beans to a fine consistency, perfect for espresso.
2. Aim for 16.5 grams of ground coffee in your Porta filter. This should be similar to the basket size on your home espresso machine.
3. Pull the espresso shot, targeting about 40 grams in weight. This should be slightly less than two ounces.
4. The ideal extraction time is between 25 and 30 seconds.

Barista’s insight: Pulling the perfect espresso shot is crucial for a great Cortado. If you’re unsure about how to do this, check out this espresso drinks guide for helpful tips and tricks.

2. Steaming the Milk

After pulling your espresso, it’s time to steam the milk. Steaming milk for a Cortado is slightly different from other milk-based coffee drinks like a cappuccino or café latte. Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose your preferred milk. Whole milk is recommended for a richer, creamier texture.
2. Aim for a temperature of around 120°F. This will ensure your milk is not too hot and maintains its sweetness.
3. When steaming, create as little foam as possible. Listen for a few “paper tearing” sounds, and stop steaming when the milk feels warm to the touch.

That’s it! You’ve now prepared both key components of a Cortado. Let’s move on to assembling this delightful drink.

3. Assembling the Cortado

Now that you’ve got your espresso and steamed milk ready, it’s time to put them together and create your very own Cortado. Follow these steps to assemble the perfect Cortado:

1. Pour the shot of espresso into your 4.5-ounce halter or rocks glass. The espresso should fill about half the glass.
2. Slowly pour the steamed milk into the glass, on top of the espresso. Fill the glass to the top, creating a harmonious blend of espresso and milk.
3. The final result should have a small band of foam on top, adding a velvety texture to each sip.

Voilà! Your Cortado is complete, and it should be a delightful mix of bold espresso and smooth, slightly sweet milk. The drink should be at just the right temperature, not too hot to hold in your hand, and enjoyable in its halter or rocks glass.

Barista’s insight: When I make a Cortado, I love watching the milk mingle with the espresso, creating mesmerizing patterns before settling into its final form. It’s a small detail, but it adds to the overall experience of enjoying this wonderful drink.

Tips for Enjoying Your Cortado

A Cortado is best enjoyed at a slightly lower temperature than other coffee drinks like a Flat White or Espresso Macchiato. Thanks to the halter or rocks glass, you’ll be able to hold your Cortado comfortably without burning your hand. This also means that it’s meant to be consumed a bit quicker than other coffee drinks.

Here are a few tips to help you savor your homemade Cortado:

• Make sure the glass is at a comfortable temperature to hold. This will ensure you’re enjoying your Cortado at the optimal temperature.
• Take your time to appreciate the aroma and flavor profile of your Cortado. Notice how the espresso and milk complement each other, creating a delightful balance.
• Compare the taste of your Cortado to other espresso-based drinks like an Americano or a Lungo. See how the Cortado stands out with its unique flavor and texture.

FAQ

You may have a few questions after reading my cortado recipe, some of which will be answered below.

By following the steps I’ve shared with you, you can create a perfectly balanced coffee drink that’s sure to impress your friends and family.

Remember, the key to a great Cortado lies in the harmony between the bold espresso and the smooth, steamed milk. So go ahead, pull that perfect shot, steam the milk just right, and enjoy the rich and bright flavors of your homemade Cortado.

I’d love to hear about your Cortado-making journey, so feel free to leave a comment below and share your experiences.