What is a cortado?
A cortado is equal parts espresso and warm steamed milk, creating a drink stronger than a flat white but milder than a macchiato.
The cortado brings espresso and warm milk to a 1:1 ratio, making it a middle ground in the milk-based espresso range. The name comes from the Spanish word "cortar," meaning to cut or dilute, since the milk cuts the intensity of the espresso without drowning it.
What sets a cortado apart is its balance. A macchiato uses just a shot of espresso with a small dollop of foam, keeping the espresso dominant. A flat white, by contrast, combines espresso with a larger volume of velvety steamed milk, softening the coffee flavor considerably. The cortado sits between these two: the espresso remains present and distinct, while the milk creates warmth and texture without flattening the shot's character. The drink typically uses one or two shots in a smaller cup (around 3 to 4 ounces), so the ratio stays honest.
In Puchong's specialty coffee shops, the cortado appeals to drinkers who want their espresso to shine but prefer some milk integration over drinking it straight. It suits those who find macchiatos too strong or flat whites too milky. The cortado's smaller size also makes it a good choice for an afternoon coffee when a full latte feels too much.