If you are a coffee lover, you must have tried different types of coffee drinks. Two of the most popular coffee drinks are cortado and cappuccino. Both are espresso-based drinks, but they have different ingredients and preparation methods. In this article, we will discuss the differences between cortado and cappuccino. Cortado coffee VS Cappuccino.
Cortado VS Cappuccino – Best Guide For 2023
Cortado is a Spanish coffee drink that literally means “cut” or “shortened.” It is made by adding a small amount of steamed milk to a shot of espresso.
The ratio of espresso to milk is approximately 1:1 or 1:2. Cortado is typically served in a small glass or ceramic cup. The purpose of adding milk to the espresso is to reduce its acidity and bitterness while retaining the intensity of the espresso.
Understanding Cappuccino:
The barista makes cappuccino by combining espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. The ratio of espresso to milk to foam is approximately 1:2:1. Cappuccino is typically served in a ceramic cup.
The purpose of adding milk and foam to the espresso is to create a balance between the intensity of the espresso and the sweetness of the milk. The foam on top of the cappuccino serves as a barrier to retain the heat of the drink and also adds a decorative element to the drink.
Ingredients Used in Cortado:
To make a cortado, you need the following ingredients:
- Espresso
- Steamed milk
You can use any type of espresso for a cortado. However, it is recommended to use a single-origin or blend espresso that has a medium to a high level of acidity. For steamed milk, you can use any type of milk, such as whole milk, skim milk, or almond milk. However, whole milk is the most commonly used milk for cortado as it creates a creamy texture and a sweet taste.
Ingredients Used in Cappuccino:
To make a cappuccino, you need the following ingredients:
- Espresso
- Steamed milk
- Milk foam
You can use any type of espresso for a cappuccino. However, it is recommended to use a blended espresso that has a medium level of acidity. For steamed milk, you can use any type of milk, such as whole milk, skim milk, or almond milk. Cappuccino makers commonly use whole milk because it creates a creamy texture and a sweet taste. For the milk foam, you can use the same type of milk that you used for the steamed milk.
Preparation Method of Cortado:
To prepare a cortado, you need to follow the following steps:
- Start by pulling a shot of espresso into a small glass or ceramic cup.
- Steam the milk until it reaches a temperature of 150-155°F.
- Pour the steamed milk over the espresso in a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2, depending on your preference.
- Use a spoon to hold back the milk foam and pour only the steamed milk over the espresso.
- Serve immediately.
Preparation Method of Cappuccino:
To prepare a cappuccino, you need to follow the following steps:
- Start by pulling a shot of espresso into a ceramic cup.
- Steam the milk until it reaches a temperature of 150-155°F.
- Hold back the milk foam with a spoon and pour the steamed milk over the espresso in a ratio of 1:2.
- Use a spoon to scoop the milk foam on top of the steamed milk.
Flavor and Texture of Cortado:
Cortado has a bold and intense flavor with a smooth and creamy texture. The steamed milk adds sweetness and creaminess to the espresso while reducing its acidity and bitterness. Cortado has a balanced flavor profile that highlights the complexity of the espresso.
Flavor and Texture of Cappuccino:
Cappuccino has a rich and creamy flavor with a velvety texture. The steamed milk adds sweetness and creaminess to the espresso, while the milk foam adds a light and airy texture to the drink. Cappuccino has a sweet and mellow flavor profile that complements the intensity of the espresso.
Serving Size of Cortado:
The typical serving size for cortado is a small glass or ceramic cup that holds approximately 4-6 ounces of liquid. The small serving size of cortado allows you to enjoy the intense flavor and aroma of the espresso without diluting it with too much milk.
Serving Size of Cappuccino:
Cappuccino is typically served in a ceramic cup that holds approximately 6-8 ounces of liquid. The larger serving size of the cappuccino allows you to enjoy the rich and creamy texture of the drink while still maintaining the balance between the espresso and the milk.
When to Drink Cortado?
Cortado is best enjoyed in the morning or mid-afternoon when you need a quick pick-me-up. The small serving size and intense flavor of cortado make it an ideal drink for those who prefer a strong and bold coffee.
When to Drink Cappuccino?
Enjoying cappuccino is the best choice in the morning or after a meal when you can sit down and savour the rich and creamy texture of the drink. The larger serving size and sweet flavor of cappuccino make it an ideal drink for those who prefer a mellow and smooth coffee.
FAQs
What is the difference between cortado and cappuccino?
The main difference between cortado and cappuccino is the amount and type of milk used. Cortado has a smaller amount of milk and is typically made with warm milk, while cappuccino has a larger amount of milk and includes steamed milk and milk foam. Cortado is also usually served in a smaller cup than a cappuccino.
Which is stronger, cortado or cappuccino?
Cortado is typically stronger than a cappuccino because it has less milk and a higher concentration of espresso.
Which is sweeter, cortado or cappuccino?
Neither cortado nor cappuccino is inherently sweet as they both contain espresso, which is bitter. However, some cafes may add sweeteners to either drink upon request.
Which is better, cortado or cappuccino?
This is subjective and depends on personal preference. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, you may prefer a cortado, while if you prefer a creamier, frothier drink, you may prefer a cappuccino.
Conclusion:
Both delicious espresso-based coffee drinks, cortado and cappuccino, have unique flavors and textures. To make a cortado, you add a small amount of steamed milk to a shot of espresso, which creates a Spanish coffee drink. To make a cappuccino, you combine espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, which creates an Italian coffee drink.
These drinks are best enjoyed at different times of the day and come in different serving sizes. Whether you prefer a strong and bold coffee or a mellow and smooth coffee, both cortado and cappuccino have something to offer.
