Cortado vs latte, what’s the difference? This is a question that often confuses coffee drinkers. Both drinks are espresso-based, but they have some key differences. In this article, I will break down the difference between cortados and lattes so you can make the best decision for your taste buds!
The short answer: size. A “cortado” – which means council in Spanish-is smaller, with stronger coffee flavors; while an “arróns” (which could also mean breakfast) will be significantly larger than either one of them because it contains milk for sweetness!
Keep reading as I tell you more about these tasty coffee drinks.
What Is A Cortado?
A cortado is a Spanish term for a coffee drink consisting of espresso and steamed milk. In Spain, a cortado is typically served in a small glass with the espresso shots poured over the milk. The ratio of espresso to milk in a cortado is usually one-to-one, making it a less sweet alternative to drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. Cortados can also be made with different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk.
If you’re looking for a coffee drink that’s not too sweet and has a little bit of creaminess to it, then a cortado might be right up your alley.
What Is A Latte?
A latte is a coffee drink that is made with espresso and steamed milk. The milk is usually foam or steamed to make it creamy. A latte can also be made with flavored syrups, like vanilla or caramel.
There are many different ways to make a latte, but the most important part is the espresso. Espresso is a strong coffee that has been brewed under pressure. It has a rich flavor and a thick consistency. To make a latte, the espresso is combined with steamed milk and served in a tall glass.
Latte’s originated in Italy, and the word “latte” means “milk” in Italian. The latte was originally made with just espresso and milk, but over time, they have become more elaborate. Today, there are many different types of lattes available, including those with flavored syrups and whipped cream.
Cortado vs Latte: What Are The Differences?
Size
Cortado and latte both have espresso as their base, but a cortado is much smaller. A cortado has about four ounces of coffee with an equal amount of steamed milk. A latte, on the other hand, has eight to twelve ounces of steamed milk and only one to two ounces of espresso. This makes the latte much creamier and less strong-tasting than a cortado. The size difference is because a cortado is meant to be drunk quickly while a latte is meant to be savored.
Caffeine Content
Cortado and latte both have around 100mg of caffeine per serving. However, a cortado has less milk than a latte, so the overall caffeine content is higher in a cortado. If you’re looking for an extra boost of energy, go for the cortado. But if you’re trying to cut back on caffeine, stick with the latte.
Which One Is Healthier?
So if you’re looking for a lighter option, go for a cortado. If you’re looking for something heartier, go for a latte.
When it comes to calories and fat content, there is only a slight difference between these two drinks. A cortado has about 100 calories and two grams of fat, while a latte has about 150 calories and five grams of fat. So if you’re watching your calorie intake, a cortado is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a drink with more protein, a latte is the way to go. It has eight grams of protein, compared to the four grams in a cortado.
How To Make Cortado
You will need:
- An espresso machine and portafilter
- A milk frothing pitcher
- Whole milk
Here are the steps:
- First, you need to take a shot of espresso. To do this, Grind your coffee beans and tamp them into the portafilter.
- Then, insert the portafilter into the espresso machine and pull a shot. Next, you need to froth your milk.
- Pour cold milk into the frothing pitcher and hold it at a 45-degree angle. Put the steam wand just below the surface of the milk and turn it on.
- Slowly lower the pitcher until it is almost horizontal. This will create a dense foam.
- Finally, assemble your drink by pouring the espresso into a cup and topping it with milk foam.
How To Make Latte
What You Need:
- Coffee beans
- Espresso machine
- Milk frothing pitcher
- Strainer
- Simple syrup (optional)
- Whisk
Follow these steps
- The first step is to grind your coffee beans. You’ll want to use a medium grind for this recipe. Next, you’ll need to brew your espresso.
- If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a stovetop Moka pot or even a French press.
- Once your espresso is brewed, it’s time to froth the milk. Milk frothing pitchers are designed specifically for this task and will make it much easier than trying to do it in a regular pitcher. If you don’t have a frothing pitcher, you can use a regular pitcher and a whisk.
- Next, you’ll need to strain your espresso into a cup. This will help to remove any grounds that may have made their way into the final product.
- Finally, it’s time to add the milk. If you want to sweeten things up, you can add a little simple syrup at this point. And that’s it! You now know how to make a latte at home. Enjoy!
Final Words
When it comes down to it, both cortados and lattes are delicious. But which one is better? It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a strong coffee with a little bit of milk, go for a cortado. If you’re in the mood for something sweet and creamy, go for a latte. Whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong.
Do you like lattes? What’s your favorite coffee drink? Let me know in the comments below! And be sure to check out my other coffee-related posts for more tips and tricks on making the perfect cup of coffee at home.
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