There is a lot of debate among coffee lovers about which type of coffee drink is better: the macchiato vs cortado? Both have their own unique set of fans, and it can be hard to decide which one to order when you’re at your favorite café. In this article, I will explore the differences between these two drinks and help you decide which one is right for you!
When trying to decide between a cortado vs macchiato, the main difference to consider is the ratio of espresso to milk. In a cortado, this ratio is equal with both ingredients while in a macchiato, there is more espresso than milk.
What Is A Macchiato?
A macchiato is a coffee drink with espresso, a small amount of milk, usually steamed, and served in a small cup. The word “macchiato” means “stained” or “spotted,” referring to the way the milk stains the surface of the coffee.
Macchiatos are typically made with whole milk but skim or soy milk can also be used. The milk is steamed and then poured over the espresso, which has been brewed directly into the cup. A typical macchiato will have about double the amount of espresso as it does milk.
What Is A Cortado?
A cortado is made with espresso and milk and is served in a small glass. The ratio of espresso to milk in a cortado is usually two-to-one, making it a strong but not too overpowering drink. Cortados are typically drunk in the morning or early afternoon, as they provide a quick energy boost that helps get the day started.
Macchiato Vs Cortado: Key Differences
History And Origin
The first recorded use of the word macchiato is from 1683. It comes from the Italian word for “stained” or “spotted.” This refers to the method of making a macchiato, which is to stain or mark the espresso with a small amount of milk.
The cortado, on the other hand, is a Spanish drink that has been around since the 1800s. The name comes from the Spanish verb “cortar,” which means to cut. This refers to the fact that a cortado is made by cutting or diluting espresso with an equal amount of milk.
Flavor Profile And Taste
Macchiatos and cortados are two of the most popular espresso drinks around. But what exactly is the difference between them?
In terms of flavor profile, a macchiato is going to be slightly sweeter and have more milk than a cortado. This is because a cortado is made with an equal parts espresso to milk ratio, while a macchiato has less milk. As for taste, a cortado will be less bitter than a macchiato since there’s more milk to balance out the espresso.
So, which one should you order or make? If you’re looking for something sweet and creamy, go for a macchiato. If you want something a little less sweet and has more of a coffee flavor, go for a cortado.
Caffeine Content
You might be wondering, which one of these two drinks has more caffeine? A macchiato or a cortado? The answer might surprise you.
A cortado has less caffeine than a macchiato. Although both drinks have espresso as their base, a cortado is made with more milk, which dilutes the coffee and reduces the overall caffeine content. So if you’re looking for a stronger coffee drink, go for a macchiato.
But why stop there? If you want to up your caffeine game, try an espresso. An espresso has twice the amount of caffeine as a regular cup of coffee and four times the amount of caffeine as a cortado.
Milk Preparation Styles
The main difference between the two drinks is the amount of milk used. A macchiato uses less milk than a cortado, resulting in a stronger coffee flavor. Cortados are typically served in smaller glasses than macchiatos.
In terms of serving style, a macchiato is usually served in a small cup, while a cortado is served in a slightly larger one. This is because the extra milk in a cortado makes it a more filling drink.
How To Make Macchiato
What You Need
- Espresso- You will need a good quality espresso. Macchiato means “stained” in Italian, so the coffee should be a dark roast. If you do not have an espresso machine, you can use a French press or Moka pot. Milk- Whole milk is best for this recipe, but you can use skim, almond, or soy milk if you prefer.
- Steamed Milk- Use a milk frother to make steamed milk. If you do not have one, you can heat the milk on the stove until it is hot and foamy.
- Coffee Mug- Any type of coffee mug will work for this recipe.
Steps:
- Pour the espresso into the coffee mug.
- Fill the milk frother with milk and froth until it is hot and foamy.
- Pour the steamed milk into the coffee mug.
- Top with foam and serve immediately. Enjoy!
How To Make Cortado
You will need:
- Coffee beans
- A grinder
- A coffee maker
- Milk
- Sugar (optional)
Steps
- Start by grinding your coffee beans. You’ll want to use a coarse grind, as you would for a French press.
- Then, brew your coffee using your preferred method.
- If you like, you can add milk and sugar to taste. Once your coffee is ready, pour it into a small cup or mug, leaving room for milk if you’re using it.
- Finally, add steamed milk to the cup until it’s about ⅔ full. Stir gently and enjoy! Cortados are typically served unsweetened, but feel free to add sugar if that’s your preference.
Final Words
So, which is better – the macchiato or the cortado? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a strong, bold coffee with a little bit of milk, then go for the macchiato. If you’re looking for something a little lighter and more refreshing, then go for the cortado. Whichever one you choose, you can’t go wrong!
Do you have a preference between the two coffees? Let me know in the comments below! And be sure to check out my other blog posts for more great coffee content. Thanks for reading!
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