How to Make a Cortado at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide to This Espresso Favorite

The cortado is a beloved espresso drink that strikes a perfect balance between bold coffee and silky milk. Originating from Spain, it’s typically made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, resulting in a small but satisfying beverage that highlights the coffee’s flavor without being overwhelmed by milk. If you’ve ever wondered how to make a cortado at home, you’re in the right place.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll cover everything from the ideal espresso milk ratio to brewing methods—even if you don’t own an espresso machine. We’ll also compare cortado vs flat white so you can appreciate what makes this drink unique. Let’s get started.

What Is a Cortado?

A cortado is a small coffee drink made with one part espresso and one part steamed milk. The name comes from the Spanish verb “cortar,” meaning “to cut,” because the milk cuts through the intensity of the espresso. Unlike a latte or cappuccino, a cortado has very little foam—just a thin layer of microfoam on top. This makes it a great choice for those who want a creamy texture without losing the coffee’s character.

The typical cortado size is around 4 to 5 ounces, served in a small glass or ceramic cup. Because of its small volume, the cortado highlights the quality of the espresso beans you use. For the best results, choose a fresh, well-roasted single origin or blend that you enjoy on its own. At RAVE Coffee, our Burundi Izuba No 334 or Indian Monsoon Malabar Coffee No 53 are excellent choices for a cortado due to their balanced acidity and sweetness.

Cortado vs Flat White: What’s the Difference?

People often confuse cortado with flat white, but they are distinct drinks. A flat white typically uses a double shot of espresso with steamed milk and a thin layer of microfoam, but the milk-to-coffee ratio is higher—around 1:2 or 1:3. A cortado, on the other hand, uses a 1:1 ratio, making it stronger and smaller. The flat white originated in Australia or New Zealand, while the cortado is Spanish.

Another key difference: a flat white is usually served in a 6-ounce cup, while a cortado is often in a 4-ounce glass. The cortado’s equal parts milk and espresso create a more intense coffee flavor, whereas the flat white is milkier. If you prefer a bolder taste with a creamy mouthfeel, go for a cortado. If you want a slightly larger, milkier drink, try a flat white.

• Cortado: 1:1 espresso to milk, 4-5 oz, strong coffee flavor.
• Flat white: 1:2 or 1:3 espresso to milk, 6 oz, more milk-forward.

The Perfect Espresso Milk Ratio for a Cortado

The classic cortado recipe calls for a 1:1 ratio of espresso to steamed milk. That means if you pull a double shot (about 2 ounces), you’ll add about 2 ounces of steamed milk. This ratio ensures the milk softens the espresso’s acidity and bitterness without diluting its intensity. The milk should be steamed to around 140°F (60°C) with minimal foam—just enough to create a thin, velvety layer on top.

For the best texture, use whole milk, but oat or almond milk can work if steamed carefully. If you’re using a scale, aim for 18 grams of coffee for a double shot and 36 grams of liquid espresso. Then add 36 grams of steamed milk. This precision is easy with a quality scale like the Fellow Tally Pro Precision Scales, which helps you dial in your shot and milk weight consistently.

How to Make a Cortado Without an Espresso Machine

Don’t have an espresso machine? You can still enjoy a cortado at home using a Moka pot or an AeroPress with a metal filter. A Moka pot produces a strong, concentrated coffee similar to espresso. Use a Bialetti Moka Induction Stove Top Coffee Maker to brew about 2 ounces of strong coffee. Meanwhile, heat and froth a small amount of milk using a handheld frother or by shaking it in a jar.

For an AeroPress method, use a fine grind and a longer steep time (e.g., 2 minutes) to extract a concentrated brew. Then combine equal parts coffee and steamed milk. While not identical to espresso, these methods produce a delicious cortado-like drink. The key is to keep the ratio consistent and use fresh, high-quality beans. Our Colombia El Carmen DECAF Green Coffee Beans can also be roasted at home for a decaf version.

• Moka pot: Brew 2 oz strong coffee, then add 2 oz steamed milk.
• AeroPress: Use fine grind, 1:5 coffee-to-water ratio, steep 2 min.
• Heat milk to 140°F and froth lightly for best texture.

Step-by-Step Cortado Brewing Guide

1. Start with fresh coffee beans. Grind 18 grams of beans to a fine espresso grind. For a cortado, a medium-dark roast works well. 2. Pull a double shot of espresso (about 2 ounces) using your espresso machine or alternative method. Aim for a 25-30 second extraction. 3. Steam 2 ounces of milk until it reaches 140°F with a thin layer of microfoam. Avoid thick foam—just a silky texture.

4. Pour the steamed milk into the espresso gently, holding back the foam with a spoon if needed. The final drink should have a small amount of foam on top. 5. Serve immediately in a 4-5 ounce glass or ceramic cup. Enjoy the balanced flavor and creamy texture. If you want to experiment, try different beans like the Indian Monsoon Malabar Coffee No 53 for a unique taste.

• Use 18g coffee for a double shot (36g espresso).
• Steam milk to 140°F with minimal foam.
• Pour milk gently into espresso; serve in small cup.

Tips for the Best Cortado at Home

To make a cortado that rivals your favorite café, focus on freshness and precision. Use beans roasted within the last 2-4 weeks for optimal flavor. Store them properly in an airtight container like the Black Airscape Coffee Storage Container to maintain freshness. Also, ensure your espresso machine is clean and properly heated before pulling the shot.

If you struggle with milk texture, practice steaming with a thermometer. The goal is a smooth, glossy microfoam without large bubbles. Pour the milk from a height to integrate it with the espresso. Finally, don’t be afraid to adjust the ratio slightly—some prefer a 1.5:1 milk-to-espresso ratio for a slightly milkier cortado. The beauty of making cortado at home is you can tailor it to your taste.

• Use fresh beans stored in an Airscape container.
• Practice milk steaming for silky microfoam.
• Adjust ratio to your preference (1:1 to 1.5:1).

Making a cortado at home is simple once you understand the espresso milk ratio and technique. Whether you have an espresso machine or use a Moka pot, the key is balancing equal parts strong coffee and steamed milk. Experiment with different beans, like our Burundi Izuba No 334 or Indian Monsoon Malabar Coffee No 53, to find your favorite. With a little practice, you’ll be pulling perfect cortados in no time.