Cortado recipe. How do you make a Cortado?

A cortado is a Spanish coffee drink based on a precise balance of equal parts espresso and warm milk. At Monteriva, we have developed a cortado recipe that makes it easy to succeed at home. Our best tip for a great result is to use a medium-dark or dark espresso blend. A stronger roast cuts through the milk nicely and highlights the coffee's natural character.

Café cortado – recipe

Follow these three simple steps to brew a perfect cortado coffee with 50/50 proportions.

How to make it:

1. Brew a single espresso of approximately 25 ml in a small, preheated glass.
2. Froth about 25 ml of milk while the espresso is brewing.
3. Pour the milk over the espresso and serve immediately.

Tips for succeeding with your café cortado

A traditional cortado should not have a thick, fluffy foam. Avoid incorporating too much air when heating; the milk should be steamed rather than frothed. The result is smooth, warm milk that cuts through the coffee. If you want a stronger drink, brew a double espresso instead. Then heat an equivalent amount of milk (50 ml) to exactly 65 degrees. You maintain the 50/50 ratio but get a larger and stronger coffee.

If you prefer a sweeter and creamier cortado, you can replace standard milk with condensed milk. This completely changes the character of the coffee and balances out the espresso's natural bitterness for a true dessert experience.

See how it's done