Cortado and Flat White Recipe: How to Make Both at Home
The cortado and the flat white are two of the most misunderstood drinks in coffee. They’re often confused, occasionally listed as the same thing, and wildly inconsistent from café to café. Here’s the definitive breakdown — including exactly how to make both at home. Cortado vs. Flat White: The Key Differences Let’s get this straight before anything else: Cortado Flat White Origin Spain Australia/New Zealand Size 4–5 oz 5–6 oz Espresso Double shot (2 oz) Double ristretto (1.5 oz) Milk 2–3 oz steamed (small amount) 3–4 oz microfoam (velvety) Foam Minimal or none Thin, dense microfoam Ratio ~1:1 espresso to milk ~1:2 espresso to milk Cup Small glass or Gibraltar Small tulip cup Character Bold, coffee-forward Smooth, creamy, intense The one-sentence summary: A cortado is about cutting (literally — “cortar” in Spanish means “to cut”) the espresso’s intensity with a small amount of milk. A flat white is about surrounding espresso with silky microfoam for a smoother, creamier experience. ...