Cortado vs Flat White: A Coffee Guide

Coffee lovers often puzzle over the difference between a cortado and a flat white. These two drinks look alike, but they’re not the same. Many coffee shops mix them up, leaving customers confused.

Cortado vs flat white is a hot topic in the coffee world. A cortado has equal parts espresso and steamed milk. A flat white has more milk and a thin layer of microfoam. Both drinks come from different parts of the world.

This guide will clear up the confusion. You’ll learn how to spot each drink and what makes them unique. We’ll cover their history, how they’re made, and why people love them. Ready to become a coffee expert?

What Is A Cortado Coffee?

A cortado is a small, strong coffee drink. It blends equal parts espresso and warm milk for a rich taste.

Origin And History Of Cortado

Cortado coffee hails from Spain’s Basque region. It emerged in the mid-20th century as a way to enjoy espresso without the bitterness. The name “cortado” means “cut” in Spanish, referring to how milk cuts the strong coffee taste.

This drink spread across Spain and into nearby countries. Portugal adopted it as “garoto”, while Cuba created the “cortadito” version. Unlike modern versions, early cortados came in small glasses with no foam.

This simple style let drinkers focus on the pure flavours of coffee and milk.

Traditional Preparation Method

The traditional preparation method for cortado is straightforward and precise. You’ll need a few key items to make this Spanish coffee drink.

• Espresso machine: Extract a single or double shot of espresso.
• Milk steamer: Gently steam milk without creating froth.
• 4-5 ounce cup: Use a small glass or ceramic cup.
• 1:1 ratio: Combine equal parts espresso and steamed milk.
• No foam: Refrain from creating any foam on top of the drink.
• Serve promptly: Consume immediately while hot for best flavour.
• Mix gently: Blend the espresso and milk slightly before drinking.
• Room temperature milk: Begin with milk at room temp for best results.

Standard Cortado Measurements

A standard cortado contains 4-5 ounces of liquid. It’s made with two shots of espresso and an equal amount of steamed milk. This 1:1 ratio of coffee to milk gives the cortado its distinct taste.

The drink has 10-37 calories, depending on the milk used. You’ll often find it served in a small glass, perfect for sipping and savouring the balanced flavours.

Baristas prepare cortados with care to maintain the right proportions. The espresso base is key, providing a strong coffee flavour. The milk is steamed lightly, creating a thin layer of microfoam.

This technique keeps the drink smooth without overpowering the espresso. The result is a creamy, robust coffee that highlights the bean’s natural notes.

What Is A Flat White Coffee?

The flat white combines espresso with steamed milk. It’s a favoured choice in Australia and New Zealand, where it first gained popularity.

Australian And New Zealand Origins

The flat white‘s roots trace back to Australia and New Zealand in the 1980s. Both countries claim its birth – Sydney in Australia and Wellington in New Zealand. This drink came about as people wanted milk in their coffee.

It quickly became a staple in cafes across both nations.

Aussies and Kiwis love their coffee culture. The flat white shows this passion. It’s a mix of espresso and steamed milk, but with less foam than a cappuccino. This unique blend caught on fast in local coffee shops.

Soon, it spread beyond its birthplace to become a global favourite.

Classic Flat White Preparation

Flat whites have gained popularity in coffee shops worldwide. Here’s how to make this creamy espresso drink:

1. Pull two ristretto shots into a small cup. Ristrettos are shorter, more concentrated espresso shots.
2. Steam milk to create a velvety microfoam. Aim for a silky texture with tiny bubbles.
3. Pour the steamed milk over the espresso. Use a 2:1 milk-to-espresso ratio.
4. Finish with a thin layer of microfoam on top. This creates a smooth, flat surface.
5. Serve in a 150-180 ml cup. The smaller size highlights the coffee flavour.
6. Drink while hot to enjoy the full taste. The warmth brings out the espresso notes.

Standard Flat White Measurements

A flat white typically comes in a 5–6 ounce cup. It uses double ristretto shots of espresso. The milk-to-espresso ratio ranges from 1:2 to 1:3. This creates a strong coffee taste with a creamy texture.

A flat white has 48–110 calories, depending on the milk used. Baristas serve it in a larger ceramic cup, often with latte art on top.

What Are The Key Differences Between Cortado And Flat White?

Cortados and flat whites have distinct characteristics in terms of size, milk-to-coffee ratio, texture, and temperature. If you’re curious about the details, continue reading!

Size Comparison

Cortados come in smaller glasses, holding 4-5 ounces. Flat whites fill larger ceramic cups, containing 5-6 ounces. This size difference influences how you drink each coffee. You’ll sip a cortado quickly, while a flat white allows you to take your time with your brew.

The size affects the taste as well. A cortado offers a more intense flavour in its small glass. The flat white provides a smoother experience with its extra ounce of milk. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a quick, strong coffee or a longer, more mellow coffee experience.

Milk To Coffee Ratio

The milk-to-coffee ratio sets cortados and flat whites apart. Cortados have a 1:1 mix of espresso and milk. This means you get equal parts of each in your cup. Flat whites, on the other hand, use more milk.

They have a ⅓ espresso to ⅔ steamed milk ratio. This gives flat whites a creamier taste than cortados.

These ratios affect the drinks’ flavours and textures. Cortados offer a stronger coffee taste due to less milk. Flat whites are smoother and milkier. The ratio also impacts the size of each drink.

Cortados are smaller, while flat whites are slightly larger. Both drinks use less milk than lattes, making them good choices for those who want a balanced coffee flavour.

Milk Texture Differences

Milk texture sets cortados and flat whites apart. Cortados use plain steamed milk, giving a smooth feel. Flat whites boast velvety microfoam, often called “liquid velvet”. This microfoam is hotter and more textured than cortado milk.

Flat white milk needs careful steaming to create tiny bubbles. These bubbles mix with the coffee for a rich, creamy drink. Cortado milk is simpler, just warmed without frothing. This keeps the coffee’s taste strong in a cortado.

Temperature Variations

Flat whites and cortados have different serving temperatures. Flat whites are served at higher temperatures, typically 60-65°C. Cortados are served at lower temperatures, usually 50-55°C.

This temperature difference influences the taste and drinking experience. The hotter flat whites are suitable for those who enjoy a warm, lingering sip. The cooler cortados appeal to those who prefer to drink quickly.

These temperature choices are related to each drink’s origins and preparation methods. Flat whites, which originated in Australia and New Zealand, use textured milk that’s steamed for a longer time.

Cortados, which have Spanish origins, use milk that’s just warmed. The way the milk is treated affects the final temperature of each coffee drink.

How Are These Drinks Prepared?

Cortado and flat white need special care. Both drinks start with espresso, but differ in milk prep and serving style.

Espresso Requirements

Espresso forms the base of both cortado and flat white. You need a double shot of espresso for each drink. This means about 60ml of liquid coffee. The espresso must be fresh and hot.

It should have a rich crema on top.

For the best taste, use freshly ground coffee beans. The grind should be fine, like sand. Tamp the grounds firmly in the portafilter. Extract the espresso in 25-30 seconds. This gives you a strong, full-bodied shot with the right balance of flavours.

Milk Steaming Techniques

Milk steaming is key for both cortado and flat white. You’ll need a steam wand on your espresso machine. For a cortado, steam the milk to about 60°C. This creates a velvety texture with tiny bubbles.

Flat whites need hotter milk, around 65°C. The goal is ‘microfoam‘ – a glossy, liquid-velvet feel. Tilt the jug at a slight angle and keep the wand just below the surface. This makes a gentle whirlpool that mixes air evenly through the milk.

Your technique changes the drink’s taste and feel. Cortados have a lighter, smoother milk. Flat whites boast a creamier, more robust texture. The milk’s heat also affects how you taste the coffee’s flavours.

Practice makes perfect – soon you’ll steam milk like a pro barista!

Serving Vessels

Cortados come in small glasses or cups, typically holding about 4-5 ounces. Flat whites are served in larger ceramic cups that fit 5-6 ounces. The size of the vessel influences how you drink and enjoy each coffee.

Glass showcases the cortado’s layers, while ceramic helps keep flat whites warm for a longer period. Your choice of cup can alter how the coffee tastes and feels in your mouth.

Presentation Styles

Cortados are served in small glasses, typically 4 to 5 ounces. Baristas prepare them with a 1:1 ratio of espresso to steamed milk. The milk is lightly textured, resulting in a smooth drink.

Flat whites are served in larger cups, usually 6 to 8 ounces. They contain more milk and have a thin layer of microfoam on top. This makes flat whites ideal for latte art.

Cortados have a stronger coffee taste due to less milk. Flat whites are creamier and smoother. Both drinks highlight the espresso’s flavour. Cafes often serve cortados in clear glasses to show the layers.

Flat whites are served in ceramic cups to maintain their temperature for longer periods.

Which Drink Is More Popular In Different Regions?

Coffee tastes differ across the globe. Cortados rule in Spain, while flat whites are kings in Australia and New Zealand.

European Preferences

Europeans love their coffee. In 24 countries, cappuccino reigns supreme. Espresso takes second place in 14 nations. The Czech Republic and Denmark fancy flat whites. Bulgaria and Portugal prefer their coffee black.

These trends show how diverse coffee tastes are across Europe.

UK coffee shops often serve cortados and flat whites. Yet, many Brits still favour classic espresso-based drinks. In Italy, the birthplace of espresso, short and strong coffees rule.

France enjoys café au lait, while Germans like their coffee with whipped cream. Each country has its unique coffee culture.

Oceania Consumption

Flat whites rule in Oceania. Aussies and Kiwis love this creamy coffee drink. It’s a staple in cafes across Australia and New Zealand. Both countries claim to have invented it. The debate adds spice to coffee culture down under.

High-quality milk is key to Oceania’s flat whites. Aussie cafes often use free-range milk. This gives the drink its signature smoothness. The Italian and Greek immigrant influence shaped Australia’s coffee scene.

This mix of cultures helped create the perfect flat white.

North American Trends

North American coffee shops have noticed increased sales of cortados and flat whites. In the US, flat whites became popular after Starbucks introduced them to menus in 2015. Cortados are now frequently found in independent cafes across major cities.

Both drinks appeal to those who prefer a strong coffee flavour with less milk than a latte.

Patterns indicate a shift towards smaller, stronger coffee drinks in North America. Customers prefer quality over quantity, favouring the balanced flavours of cortados and flat whites.

These drinks align well with the growing craft coffee scene, where baristas focus on refining milk textures and latte art.

Global Availability

Cortados and flat whites have become popular worldwide. You’ll spot them in numerous coffee shops across the globe. Europeans enjoy cortados. Spanish and Portuguese people drink them frequently.

Flat whites are favoured in Australia and New Zealand. They’ve also gained popularity in the UK and USA.

Large coffee chains such as Starbucks offer both beverages. This has increased their availability to more customers. Local cafes in many countries now include these on their menus as well.

The growth of specialty coffee has increased their appeal. You can even prepare them at home if you have the appropriate equipment.

How Do These Drinks Compare To Other Coffee Beverages?

Cortados and flat whites stand out from other coffee drinks. They offer a unique balance of espresso and milk. Want to know more about these tasty brews? Keep reading!

Comparison With Cappuccino

Cappuccino and cortado share espresso as their base but differ in size, milk content, and foam. Here’s a comparison:

Cappuccinos offer a creamier, milder taste. You can find them in most coffee shops. Their thick foam makes them suitable for latte art. Cortados give a stronger coffee hit. They’re less common but becoming more popular. Their small size is good for quick coffee breaks.

Difference From Latte

Lattes and cortados differ in size and milk content. A latte has a 1:3 coffee-to-milk ratio, while a cortado uses equal parts espresso and milk. Lattes are larger, often 240ml, with more steamed milk and a layer of foam.

Cortados are smaller, about 120ml, with less milk and a smoother texture.

Taste sets these drinks apart too. Lattes have a milder coffee flavour due to more milk. Cortados offer a stronger espresso taste with just enough milk to cut the acidity. The milk in lattes is frothier, while cortados use lightly steamed milk for a silky feel.

Relation To Macchiato

Macchiatos and cortados share a close bond in the coffee world. Both drinks start with a shot of espresso, but they differ in milk content. A macchiato has just a splash of milk, while a cortado has equal parts espresso and milk.

This makes the macchiato stronger and bolder in taste.

Cortados offer a middle ground between macchiatos and flat whites. They have more milk than a macchiato, giving a smoother taste. But they’re not as milky as flat whites. If you like your coffee strong but not too intense, a cortado might be your perfect match.

Position In Coffee Menu

Cortados and flat whites frequently appear together on coffee shop menus. You’ll spot them between espressos and cappuccinos. Cortados appeal to those who prefer a strong, small drink.

Flat whites suit people seeking a larger, creamier option. Both drinks provide a middle ground between pure espresso and milky lattes.

Coffee shops include these drinks to showcase their variety. They cater to different preferences and times of day. Early risers might select a cortado for a quick boost. Late morning coffee enthusiasts often opt for a flat white to savour.

Their position on the menu reflects their distinct balance of coffee and milk.

Conclusion

You now know the main differences between cortados and flat whites. These drinks each have their own distinct flavours and textures. Make them at home using your espresso machine. Try different milk types to find the blend you like best.

Sample expert versions at local cafes. Your coffee exploration continues – savour these delightful drinks!

FAQs

1. What’s the main difference between a cortado and a flat white?

A cortado has an equal mix of espresso and steamed milk. A flat white uses more milk, making it creamier. Both are popular coffee drinks, but a cortado is stronger.

2. How big are these drinks usually?

A cortado is smaller, often served in a 4-5 oz glass. A flat white is bigger, usually in a 6-8 oz cup. The size affects the coffee flavour and strength.

3. What kind of milk is used in these drinks?

Both can use various milks. Oat milk is trendy now. The milk in a cortado is just warm. For a flat white, it’s steamed to make a thin layer of foam on top.

4. Where did these coffees come from?

The cortado is from Spain. It means “cut” in Spanish. The flat white likely started in Australia or New Zealand. Both have spread to coffee shops worldwide.

5. How do baristas make these drinks?

For a cortado, they mix equal parts espresso and warm milk. A flat white needs more skill to get the right milk texture. Both need good coffee machines and fresh beans.

6. Which one should I choose?

If you like strong coffee, go for a cortado. It’s like a small latte but with less milk. Choose a flat white if you want a creamy, larger drink. It’s great for sipping slowly.