What Is a Cortado? The Smoothest Way to Drink Espresso

If you love the bold flavor of espresso but want a smoother, less intense experience, the cortado might be your perfect brew. This sleek, balanced drink has earned a cult following for delivering espresso’s power without the punch.

At Overclock Coffee Co., we’re all about coffee with character, and the cortado fits right in. In this guide, we’ll break down what a cortado is, how it compares to other drinks, and how to make one at home with your favorite Overclock roast.

What Is a Cortado?

A cortado is an espresso-based drink made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, typically in a 1:1 ratio. The milk is lightly steamed, not foamy, so it blends smoothly with the espresso, cutting the acidity without overwhelming the flavor.

The word cortado comes from the Spanish verb cortar, meaning “to cut.” In this case, the milk “cuts” the intensity of the espresso without diluting its taste.

It’s traditionally served in a small 4 oz glass, making it a short, strong, creamy drink ideal for sipping slowly or fueling deep focus.

Cortado vs. Other Espresso Drinks

So how does it stack up against its closest cousins? Here’s a breakdown:

The cortado is ideal for those who like espresso flavor but want it rounded out, not buried in milk.

A Quick Look at the Origin of the Cortado

The cortado originated in Spain, where small, strong coffee drinks are the norm. It later spread to Portugal, Latin America, and eventually North America, where it became a favorite among baristas and third-wave coffee shops.

In Spain, cortados are part of daily life, offered at cafés in the afternoon, often without syrup or flavorings. Its simplicity is the point: just coffee and milk, in harmony.

According to The World Atlas of Coffee, the cortado’s rise in popularity in North America coincided with the growth of craft espresso bars in the late 2000s (Hoffmann, 2018).

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How to Make a Cortado at Home

Want to create one in your kitchen? Here's how to do it right:

What You’ll Need:

• Espresso machine or a strong moka pot
• Whole milk (or oat milk for a non-dairy option)
• 4 oz glass or demitasse cup
• A great espresso roast (see our picks below)

Step-by-Step:

1. Pull a double shot of espresso (about 2 oz).
2. Steam or heat 2 oz of milk until warm, not bubbly.
3. Pour the milk over the espresso gently.
4. No foam, no syrups, just clean flavor.

Cortado tip: Whole milk works best for texture, but if you’re using oat milk, opt for a barista-grade version for better consistency.

Best Overclock Blends for a Cortado

Since cortados are bold and short, they shine with strong, well-balanced roasts. We recommend:

• Zombie Espresso Antidote
  A bold, high-caffeine dark roast with earthy depth, perfect for a punchy cortado.
• Dragon’s Breath Roast
  Rich chocolate and nutty undertones that soften beautifully with a touch of milk.
• Expedition: Colombia
  For a lighter take: smooth, fruity single-origin roast that shines in short milk drinks.

Final Thoughts: The Cortado Is the Coffee Purist’s Secret Weapon

Minimalist. Strong. Smooth. The cortado is the drink of choice for those who love balance without compromise. It’s the perfect intersection between flavor clarity and texture, a “coffee first” beverage without the fluff.

If you’re new to espresso, the cortado is a perfect starting point. If you’re a long-time drinker, it’s your no-nonsense fallback. And with Overclock Coffee Co. roasts, it might just become your daily caffeine ritual.

🛒 Browse our roasts and make your next cortado bold, geeky, and unforgettable.

References

1. Hoffmann, J. (2018). The World Atlas of Coffee (2nd ed.). Firefly Books. https://www.worldatlasofcoffee.com
2. Perfect Daily Grind. (2021). What is a cortado, and where did it come from? https://perfectdailygrind.com/2021/10/what-is-a-cortado-and-where-did-it-come-from/
3. Clive Coffee. (2023). What is a Cortado? https://clivecoffee.com/blogs/learn/what-is-a-cortado