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When it comes to coffee, there are many different choices that you can make. Which one, cortado vs latte, is right for you?
What’s the difference between the two?
In this blog post, we will compare cortados and lattes and help you decide between the two! We will also provide recipes for both drinks so that you can make them at home.
Let’s get started!
Cortado vs Latte: A Battle of Bold and Creamy
When it comes to coffee, everyone has their favorite drink. Some people love the strong and bitter taste of espresso, while others prefer the sweetness of a caramel macchiato.
But what about when you want something in between? That’s where the cortado and the latte come in.
These two drinks are similar in some ways, but different in others, making it a tough decision for those who can’t choose between them.
What is a Cortado?
A Cortado is a type of espresso-based coffee drink commonly served in cafés in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. It is made by combining a shot or two of espresso with a small amount of steamed milk.
The result is a strong-tasting yet smooth and creamy beverage with both the flavor of coffee and a hint of sweetness from the milk.
The name “Cortado” comes from the Spanish word for cut, which refers to how the espresso is “cut” with the addition of milk.
The perfect Cortado should have an equal balance between espresso and steamed milk, as well as just a touch of foam on top. It should also retain its strong espresso flavor without being overly bitter or acidic.
To make it extra special, some people like to add extra ingredients like cinnamon or chocolate powder.
Caffeine Content
In terms of caffeine content, a traditional Cortado contains more than an Americano but less than a latte due to the smaller amount of espresso used.
This makes it slightly more energizing than an Americano but not as potent as other drinks like cappuccinos or macchiatos that contain more espresso shots.
Whether you prefer your Coffee Cortado hot or cold, it’s sure to be one of your favorite go-to drinks for when you need that extra bit of energy or want something a little different than your regular cup o’ joe!
What is a Latte?
A latte, on the other hand, is a more elaborate coffee drink that originated in Italy.
It’s made with espresso, steamed milk, and a thin layer of foam on top. It’s usually served in a ceramic cup or glass tumbler, depending on the size of the drink.
This creamy caffeinated concoction has become incredibly popular around the world and can be found in almost any coffee shop.
The classic latte consists of one shot of espresso and about 8 ounces of steamed milk and foam. The coffee-to-milk ratio is very important for a good latte – too much or too little can ruin the flavor and overall experience.
The perfect cup should have a thick layer of creamy foam that sits atop the espresso-milk mixture.
Latte Variations
Typically, lattes are sweetened with syrups, like vanilla or caramel, if desired. Other variations may include adding spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
Some people even add cocoa powder or chocolate chips to create a mocha-style latte.
Lattes are versatile drinks that can be enjoyed both hot and cold – simply switch out the hot milk for cold and add some ice cubes!
A great perk of making your own lattes at home is being able to customize them to fit almost any dietary restriction: from dairy-free alternatives such as coconut milk to vegan syrups; there are tons of options available so everyone can enjoy their perfect latte!
Cortado vs Latte: The Taste
Cortado and latte are two of the most popular espresso-based beverages out there, but what really sets them apart? The difference in taste between these two drinks is quite subtle and can be difficult to spot.
Cortado
At its core, a cortado is an espresso cut with a small amount of foamed milk. This creates a creamy texture that has a slightly sweet flavor that complements the boldness of the espresso.
The ratio of espresso to milk used in a cortado can vary, but it is typically one part espresso to two parts milk.
The result is a relatively small drink that packs an intense flavor punch, usually served in an 80ml (3oz) glass or cup.
Latte
On the other hand, lattes are created using one or two shots of espresso mixed with steamed milk and topped off with some foam.
This makes them considerably larger than cortados, as they tend to be served in glasses up to 200ml (7oz).
The ratio of espresso to milk used in lattes also varies depending on preference, although it tends to be more heavily weighted towards milk than in cortados.
The resulting flavor is much smoother and creamier compared to cortados, making for a more mellow drinking experience overall.
In terms of which one tastes better, it all depends on personal preference – do you prefer the strong flavor kick from a cortado or the smooth and creamy texture from a latte?
Both drinks have their own unique charm and offer something different for every coffee lover out there!
Cortado vs Latte: The Texture
When it comes to the texture, cortado, and latte vary quite a bit.
Cortado
A cortado is a Spanish-style espresso beverage that is made with equal parts of espresso and steamed milk.
This combination creates a thick, velvety texture that perfectly pairs with the bitter yet sweet flavor of the espresso shot.
Latte
On the other hand, a latte is an Italian-style drink made with slightly more milk than a cortado.
Latte has an airy, creamy texture due to the addition of frothed milk as well as espresso.
The resulting drink is much smoother than cortado, which makes it perfect for those who don’t like the strong bitterness of espresso but still love the flavor of the coffee.
Additionally, lattes usually have some kind of sweetener added which can make them sweeter than cortados.
All in all, both drinks offer distinct sensations when you savor your favorite cup of coffee.
For those who crave a stronger and more velvety taste, cortados are the ideal choice. But if you seek something smoother with more subtle flavors, lattes will be perfect for your palate.
Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences and what kind of coffee experience you are seeking. Do you prefer one or the other? The choice is yours!
How To Make A Cortado
Cortado Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 shot of espresso
- 1-2 oz of steamed milk
Instructions:
- Prepare a shot of espresso.
- Steam 1-2 ounces of milk
- Pour the shot of espresso into a small glass.
- Slowly add the steamed milk to the glass, making sure to mix it well with the espresso.
- Serve the cortado immediately, enjoying the bold and creamy taste.
How To Make A Latte
Latte Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 shot of espresso
- 6-8 oz of steamed milk
- 1 oz of foam (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare a shot of espresso.
- Steam 6-8 ounces of milk.
- Pour the shot of espresso into a large glass.
- Slowly add the steamed milk to the glass, making sure to mix it well with the espresso.
- Add 1 ounce of foam on top of the latte (optional).
- Serve the latte immediately, enjoying the mild and creamy taste.
FAQ’s
Can you make a cortado without an espresso machine?
Yes, you can make a cortado without an espresso machine. All you need is strong brewed coffee and steamed milk to recreate the flavors of a cortado.
Can I make a latte without steaming the milk?
No, it is not recommended to make a latte without steaming the milk as this will affect the texture and taste of the latte. The steamed milk helps create the airy, creamy texture associated with lattes.
Is a cortado stronger than a latte?
Yes, a cortado is generally considered to be stronger than a latte as it contains more espresso relative to steamed milk. This results in a bolder and more intense taste.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! The world of cortados and lattes, two delicious coffee drinks that offer a unique experience.
Cortados are perfect for those who want a quick and satisfying coffee fix, while lattes are perfect for those who want a more relaxed and creamy experience.
Whether you choose a cortado or a latte, you’re sure to enjoy the bold and creamy flavor that coffee has to offer!
Happy brewing! Happy sipping!
P.S. Be sure to check out our other coffee-related articles for more information, as well as more tips and tricks on making the perfect cup of joe and to learn “All About That Coffee!”