Cortado vs Latte: Which One Should You Order?

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Two of the most popular coffee drinks are cortados and lattes, but what is the difference between them? Both drinks are made with espresso and milk, but there are a few key differences when you compare cortado vs latte.

A cortado is a Spanish coffee drink that has gained popularity in recent years. It is made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, and it is typically served in a small glass. The milk in a cortado is less foamy than in a latte, and it may or may not contain a small amount of microfoam. The result is a strong coffee flavor with a smooth, velvety texture.

A latte is made with espresso and steamed milk too. But unlike a cortado, a latte has more steamed milk and is almost always topped with a layer of microfoam. It is a larger drink than a cortado and is typically served in a tall glass. The result is a creamy, smooth coffee drink with a milder coffee flavor than a cortado.

latte vs cortado

Cortado vs Latte: The Differences

Milk to Espresso Ratio

The biggest difference between a cortado and a latte is the milk-to-espresso ratio.

  • A cortado is made with equal parts steamed milk and espresso
  • A latte has quite a bit more steamed milk and is almost always topped with a solid layer of microfoam.

This means that a cortado is espresso-forward, while a latte is milk-heavy.

Texture and Consistency

Another difference between a cortado and a latte is the texture and consistency.

  • Cortados have a thick and velvety texture with a small amount of steamed milk.
  • Lattes are creamy and have a lot of steamed milk and are also topped with a layer of microfoam, which gives them a smooth and creamy consistency.

Flavor Profile

The flavor profile of cortados and lattes is also different.

  • Cortados have a strong espresso flavor with a hint of sweetness from the steamed milk.
  • Lattes have a more balanced flavor with a creamy and sweet taste from the steamed milk. Lattes can also be made with flavored syrups, such as caramel or peppermint, which can add an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.

Which One Should You Choose?

When it comes to choosing between a cortado and a latte, it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

If you prefer a stronger, more espresso-forward taste, the cortado is the way to go. But if you prefer a creamier, milkier taste with a hint of espresso, the latte is the better choice.

If you’re watching your calorie intake, the cortado is the healthier option with only 50-70 calories per serving compared to the 150-180 calories in a small latte. However, keep in mind that this is mainly due to the smaller size of a cortado.

Another factor to consider is the size of the drink. Lattes are typically larger than cortados, so if you’re looking for a bigger drink to sip on, the latte is the way to go.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can always try both and see which one you prefer. Or, if you’re feeling creative, you can even experiment with adding different syrups or flavors to your drink to make it your own.

What is a Cortado?

what is a cortado

A cortado is a coffee beverage that originated in Spain and is now enjoyed all over the world. It is made with equal parts of espresso and steamed milk, and it usually doesn’t contain any foam. The word “cortado” is Spanish for “cut,” which refers to the way the espresso is “cut” with steamed milk.

One of the key differences between a cortado and other espresso-based drinks is the ratio of milk to espresso. A cortado has a higher concentration of espresso than a latte or cappuccino, which are both milk-heavy drinks. This makes the cortado a great option for those who want a strong coffee flavor without the bitterness of a straight espresso shot.

Another unique aspect of the cortado is its size. Unlike a latte or cappuccino, which are typically served in large mugs, a cortado is served in a smaller glass or cup. This allows the drinker to fully appreciate the rich, complex flavors of the espresso and milk without being overwhelmed by the volume of the beverage.

What is a Latte?

latte

A latte is a popular espresso-based drink that originated in Italy. It is made by combining a shot of espresso with steamed milk and topped with a layer of frothed milk. The word “latte” is derived from the Italian word “caffè latte,” which means “milk coffee.”

There is a higher milk to coffee ratio in a latte to most other forms of coffee.

Summary

The ratio of espresso to milk in a latte is typically 1:3 or 1:4, with the amount of milk used being much greater than that of a cortado. The steamed milk in a latte gives it a creamy texture and a milder flavor than a cortado. Lattes are often served in larger cups than cortados and can be customized with flavored syrups such as vanilla or caramel.

One of the most significant differences between a latte and a cortado is the amount of milk used. Lattes have quite a bit more steamed milk and are almost always topped with a solid layer of microfoam, while cortados are made with equal parts steamed milk and espresso and may contain no foam or a small amount of microfoam. As a result, lattes are milk-heavy, while cortados are espresso-forward.

In terms of calorie count, a small latte has 150-180 calories, while a cortado has 50-70 calories in a serving. The main reason that a latte has more calories is because of the higher quantity of creamy milk. However, the calorie count will increase if you add flavorings or syrups to your latte.

Find out about all the different types of coffee drinks in our complete guide.

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