As coffee lovers, choosing the perfect drink from a coffee shop menu can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. This article is part of a series written to help navigate the world of espresso-based beverages and understand their differences and similarities. This time we'll delve into the origins, ingredients, and flavor profiles of two popular options in every coffee shop menu: Cortado and Macchiato.
A cortado is a coffee drink made by adding a small amount of steamed milk to an espresso shot, creating a harmony between the sweetness of the milk and the bitter flavors of coffee. Making a cortado is very straightforward; we'll need an espresso shot and the same amount of steamed milk combined in a little 3oz (90ml) cup. This beverage originates in Spain, and the name cortado comes from the Spanish word "cortar," which means "to cut," referring to the way the espresso is "cut" with the addition of milk.
A macchiato is a coffee drink conceived in Italy shortly after espresso was invented. And a traditional macchiato is made by adding a small amount of steamed milk to an espresso shot and a spoonful of milk foam. The milk foam on top of the espresso effectively stains its crema with a white dot which, in busy coffee shops, was a way for a barista to tell the serving waiter that a particular cup of espresso has a little milk added. That white mark gave the beverage its signature look and its name, "macchiato," which means "marked" or "stained" in Italian.
While macchiato and cortado are similar in that they both incorporate espresso and milk, they are distinct drinks with unique flavors and textures. The amount of milk, the cup in which they are served, their taste profile, and the excellent mouthfeel of both beverages have some critical differences that set them apart and create a remarkable experience for those who enjoy them.
The espresso-to-milk ratio
One of the primary and most obvious differences between a macchiato and a cortado is the ratio of espresso to milk.
In a cortado, the balance between the two is about 1:1, with an equal amount of espresso and milk. This proportion of milk to espresso creates a balanced beverage with a smooth, slightly sweet flavor, with the astringency of the espresso being tempered by the milk.
In a macchiato, on the other hand, the ratio of espresso to milk is closer to 1:2, with more espresso than milk. For example, to a 1oz (28ml) espresso, we will add only 0.3oz (10ml) milk to make a macchiato. Combining milk and espresso at that ratio only slightly dilutes the syrupy consistency of the espresso, which gives the macchiato a stronger coffee flavor that is more intense and assertive than a cortado's taste.
The Milk, Milk alternatives, and Calorie content
The milk in both drinks is typically steamed, which gives the drinks a creamy, silky texture with air incorporated into the liquid, creating a frothy microfoam on top of the glass or cup. The type of milk used in a macchiato or cortado can vary, but whole milk is most commonly used. However, besides dairy, other types of milk, such as oat or almond milk, can also be used to make these drinks.
The calorie content of a macchiato or cortado depends on the drink's size and the type of milk used. However, a macchiato generally has fewer calories than a cortado because it contains less milk. A single-shot macchiato of about 1.3oz (40ml) made with whole milk and no added sweeteners typically has around 7-9 calories. In contrast, a single-shot cortado made with whole milk and no added sweeteners usually contains about 34 calories. We can reduce the calorie content of these drinks by using skim milk or non-dairy milk alternatives and avoiding added sweeteners such as sugar.
Cups, Cup sizes, and Appearance
One of the main differences is the size of the two drinks. Cortados are typically served in a small glass with a volume of around 3 ounces (90ml). That is because a cortado's ratio of espresso to milk is relatively equal, so a little 3oz glass is perfect for a cortado, whether we make it with a single or double espresso.
On the other hand, a macchiato is served either in a small cup called a demitasse. A demitasse cup is a small cup traditionally used to serve espresso init. It is typically smaller than a regular coffee cup, and its capacity varies between 2-4 ounces, depending on its design. The name demitasse comes from the French phrase "demi-tasse," which means "half cup." Demitasse cups are often made of porcelain or ceramic. Their thickness can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific design. However, some demitasse cups designed to serve espresso or macchiato are purposely made with thicker walls to retain the espresso's hit for extended periods.
Another difference between a macchiato and a cortado is how the drinks are served. Traditional macchiato and cortado are served plain, without additional toppings or sauces. Only sugar may be offered as an extra sweetener to both beverages. That is because the drink's flavor is well-rounded and does not need other elements to enhance it.
Visually both glasses differ from each other. The white stain of milk foam on top of the macchiato is the drink's only decoration, while a cortado is done with a decorative pattern made from the milk's microfoam. That can be a simple latte art design, such as a heart or a leaf. This decorative element adds visual interest to the drink and can help to make it more appealing to the eye.
Strength and Flavor
A macchiato generally has a more potent coffee flavor than a cortado, as it is made with a single espresso and a small amount of milk. In contrast, a cortado is made with equal parts espresso and milk. That means that the espresso inside the macchiato is less diluted and highly concentrated, so a macchiato has a more robust and intense coffee flavor than a cortado. However, the strength of each drink is primarily determent by the size and the strength of the espresso used. A larger macchiato or cortado will have more caffeine, and a stronger espresso will also have a higher caffeine content.
Despite these differences, cortado and macchiato have a few things in common. Both are espresso-based drinks, using steamed milk to add a creamy, smooth texture. They are also served in small cups, making them perfect for those who want a quick, intense caffeine fix without committing to a full-sized cup of coffee.
Whether to order a macchiato or a cortado ultimately depends on personal preference. Both drinks have a strong coffee flavor, and the best way to decide which beverage suits you is to try both and see which one you prefer.