Cortado vs Cappuccino: 19 Major Differences to Know…!!!

Cortado and Cappuccino are almost the same in appearance and ingredients. Both contain espresso and milk.

This can definitely confuse you to understand the nuanced distinctions between them and make it challenging to choose the most suitable drink for you.

In this article, I will compare cortado and cappuccino and will let you know what factors make these two drinks different from each other.

Let’s start.

Overview of Cortado

What is Cortado coffee?

A Cortado is a coffee beverage that originated in Spain and is popular in various parts of the world, especially in Spanish-speaking countries.

The word “cortado” means “cut” or “shortened” in Spanish, which alludes to the way this coffee is prepared.

A Cortado generally consists of equal parts of espresso and steamed milk. It’s known for its balanced flavor, combining the richness and intensity of espresso with the creaminess of milk.

 

More information about Cortado

The base of a Cortado is a shot of espresso, which is a concentrated coffee brewed by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans. This provides a strong, bold coffee flavor.

To “cut” the espresso and mellow its intensity, an equal amount of steamed milk is added. The milk is generally not frothed as much as in a cappuccino or latte, so it has a silkier texture and doesn’t create a thick layer of foam.

This espresso drink is traditionally served in small glasses or cups, generally 4 to 6 ounces in size. This smaller portion allows the drinker to savor the coffee’s flavor without being overwhelmed by a large volume.

It is known for its strong coffee flavor, but the milk tempers the bitterness of the espresso, resulting in a well-balanced and smooth beverage.

Also, the cortado is usually enjoyed without added sugar or flavorings to allow the natural coffee and milk flavors to shine.

Overview of Cappuccino

What is Cappuccino coffee?

A cappuccino is a popular espresso-based coffee beverage that originated in Italy. It is known for its distinct composition, which consists of three key components espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam.

“Cappuccino” got its name from the Capuchin friars due to the color similarity between their brown robes and the coffee with milk foam.

Like the Cortado, a cappuccino starts with a shot of espresso. This forms the strong and flavorful foundation of the drink.

It includes a portion of steamed milk, but the milk is frothed to create a thick, creamy foam. The combination of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam gives the cappuccino its signature layered appearance.

 

More information about cappuccino

Traditionally, a cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. This 1:1:1 ratio ensures a well-balanced and visually appealing coffee.

This drink is typically served in smaller cups, usually ranging from 5 to 6 ounces. The compact size allows for concentrated flavor and maintains the proper balance of coffee and milk.

It is known for its strong and bold coffee flavor, balanced by the velvety texture of the milk foam. The espresso’s robustness is still present, and the milk foam contributes a creamy sweetness.

You can customize it with various flavorings and toppings, such as chocolate powder, cinnamon, or flavored syrups. These variations are often found in specialty coffee shops.

Cappuccino is often adorned with intricate latte art, created by pouring the milk foam in a specific way to form designs on the surface of the drink.

When I went to Italy, I noted that people usually consume cappuccino in the morning. However, this tradition has not been held in other parts of the world, where cappuccinos are enjoyed at any time of the day.

Cortado vs Cappuccino: Quick Comparison

1) Ratio of Ingredients

Cortado: It generally consists of equal parts espresso and steamed milk, resulting in a 1:1 ratio. The milk is not heavily frothed, and the coffee flavor is more pronounced.

Cappuccino: On the other hand, a classic Cappuccino follows a traditional ratio of one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third milk foam, which results in a 1:1:1 ratio. The milk in a Cappuccino is usually frothed to create a thick foam layer.

2) Texture

Cortado: It has a relatively smooth and silky texture because of the steamed milk, but it lacks the thick, velvety foam present in a Cappuccino.

Cappuccino: It is known for its luxurious and creamy texture due to the abundant milk foam. This foam provides a distinct mouthfeel and adds to the overall richness of the beverage.

3) Coffee Intensity

Cortado: It retains a strong coffee flavor as the milk is meant to complement the espresso, not overpower it. The coffee’s boldness is still very apparent.

Cappuccino: It balances the strong espresso with the steamed milk and milk foam, resulting in a rich but milder coffee flavor. The foam provides a subtle sweetness and creamy taste.

4) Size

Cortado: It is traditionally served in smaller glasses or cups, typically ranging from 4 to 6 ounces in size.

Cappuccino: It is also served in relatively small cups, typically around 5 to 6 ounces.

5) Presentation

Cortado: It is usually served in a small glass or cup with the espresso and steamed milk visibly combined.

Cappuccino: It is well-known for its visual appeal. It features a layered presentation with espresso at the bottom, steamed milk in the middle, and a thick layer of milk foam on top.

6) Flavor Customization

Cortado: It is often enjoyed without additional flavorings or syrups, allowing the natural coffee and milk flavors to shine.

Cappuccino: It can be customized with various flavorings, such as chocolate powder, cinnamon, or flavored syrups, offering more versatility in terms of taste.

7) Origin and Tradition

Cortado: It has its origins in Spain and is particularly popular in Spanish-speaking countries. It’s often consumed in the afternoon as a way to enjoy coffee without excessive milk.

Cappuccino: It is an Italian creation and is deeply rooted in Italian coffee culture. It’s often enjoyed in the morning and is considered a breakfast beverage.

8) Milk Frothing Style

Cortado: The milk in a Cortado is steamed, but it’s not typically frothed extensively. It’s primarily meant to provide a creamy texture and reduce the espresso’s intensity.

Cappuccino: Cappuccinos are known for their well-frothed milk foam. Baristas often aim to create a dense, creamy layer of foam that sits atop the espresso.

9) Versatility

Cortado: It is generally served in a straightforward manner, with fewer variations and customizations. It focuses on simplicity and highlighting the coffee itself.

Cappuccino: It is more versatile in terms of customization. You can add various flavorings, spices, or even alcohol to create different versions, such as flavored cappuccinos or spiked cappuccinos.

10) Serving Temperature

Cortado: It is typically served at a slightly higher temperature than Cappuccinos, as the milk in a Cortado is steamed and not as hot as the frothed milk in a Cappuccino.

Cappuccino: It is traditionally served at a slightly lower temperature to maintain the quality of the milk foam, which can be sensitive to overheating.

11) Occasion and Time of Day

Cortado: It is often enjoyed in the afternoon as a way to have a coffee pick-me-up without the heaviness of a larger milk-based beverage.

Cappuccino: It is generally consumed with breakfast or in the morning hours in Italy, and they are considered less common later in the day.

12) Foam Art Complexity

Cortado: While you can find some latte art in Cortados, it’s generally less elaborate and complex compared to the intricate designs often created on Cappuccinos.

Cappuccino: It is known for its decorative and detailed foam art, often shaped into intricate designs, patterns, or images.

13) Food Pairings

Cortado: You can pair light snacks or pastries like croissants, biscotti, or plain butter cookies. Its balanced and bold coffee flavor complements the simplicity of these treats.

Cappuccino: It is commonly enjoyed with breakfast items such as muffins, scones, or breakfast sandwiches. The creamy texture of a cappuccino pairs well with baked goods.

14) Ease of Preparation

Cortado: It is relatively easy to make at home with minimal equipment. The simplicity of the drink, with only two main components, makes it accessible to coffee enthusiasts and home baristas.

Cappuccino: Making a proper cappuccino can be more challenging, especially achieving the perfect milk foam consistency. It often requires more practice, skill, and specialized equipment, such as a steam wand and a grinder.

15) Strength

Cortado: It tends to be stronger in coffee flavor compared to Cappuccinos. The balanced coffee-to-milk ratio in a Cortado ensures that the espresso’s boldness remains prominent.

Cappuccino: While still robust, the presence of steamed milk and dense milk foam in a cappuccino creates a milder coffee flavor compared to a Cortado.

16) Appearance

Cortado: It has a straightforward and elegant appearance, with the espresso and steamed milk visibly blended. It may have a slight crema layer, but it’s not as prominent as in other espresso drinks.

Cappuccino: It is known for its striking presentation. The layered look, with distinct espresso, steamed milk, and rich milk foam, often features intricate latte art on top, making it visually appealing.

17) Texture

Cortado: It has a relatively smooth and silky texture. The milk in a Cortado is steamed but not heavily frothed, which results in a creamy, velvety consistency.

Cappuccino: It is known for its luxurious and creamy texture due to the abundant milk foam. The foam contributes a light and airy quality, making it distinctively different from a Cortado.

18) Taste

Cortado: It maintains a strong coffee flavor with the milk serving to complement, not overpower, the espresso. The coffee’s boldness is still very apparent, making it ideal for those who enjoy the pure taste of coffee.

The balance in a Cortado comes from the harmony between espresso’s intensity and the mild sweetness and creaminess of steamed milk.

Cappuccino: This drink is all about balance. It melds the strong espresso with the creaminess of steamed milk and the mild sweetness of milk foam. This results in a milder coffee flavor compared to a Cortado.

19) Flavor Profile

Cortado: Its flavor profile is characterized by a robust coffee flavor with a slightly mellowed edge. The milk adds a hint of creaminess without significantly altering the espresso’s taste.

You can expect to taste the natural notes and nuances of the coffee beans used to make the espresso.

Cappuccino: It offers a more balanced and well-rounded flavor profile. The espresso’s intensity is complemented by the creamy sweetness of the milk foam and the smoothness of steamed milk.

The flavor complexity in a cappuccino arises from the intermingling of espresso’s boldness with the rich, frothy milk elements.

Cortado or Cappuccino: Which one to choose?

The choice between a Cortado and a Cappuccino ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the coffee experience you want.

Choose a Cortado if you prefer:

• A strong coffee flavor with a balanced milk touch.
• A silky and straightforward coffee texture.
• Less milk and foam, highlighting the coffee’s natural notes.
• Simplicity and a smaller serving size for a quick, bold pick-me-up.

Choose a Cappuccino if you prefer:

• A milder coffee flavor with a creamy and indulgent mouthfeel.
• A visually appealing coffee with distinct layers and intricate foam art.
• The richness of frothy milk foam complements the espresso.
• A more versatile canvas for flavor additions or food pairings.

Wrapping up

Here, I have got you covered with all the differences between cortado and cappuccino.

In the world of coffee, choosing between a Cortado and a Cappuccino is like choosing a favorite flavor.

If you like your coffee strong and simple, go for a Cortado. It’s like a small but mighty espresso with a gentle milk touch. But if you want a creamy, fancy coffee with layers and art, a Cappuccino is the way to go.

Your taste buds, mood, and the moment will help you decide which one is just right for you. Enjoy your coffee adventure!

FAQs

1) Why is cortado sometimes served with water?

Cortado is sometimes served with water to cleanse the palate and enhance the coffee’s flavors. The water is typically at room temperature and helps coffee enthusiasts fully appreciate the taste of the Cortado.

2) What kind of person drinks cortado?

Cortado is often enjoyed by those who appreciate a bold coffee flavor with a balanced milk touch. It’s favored by people who like their coffee strong but with a silky texture.

3) Are there regional variations of Cortado and Cappuccino recipes>

Yes, there are. For example, in the United States, you might find variations like the “Gibraltar” for Cortado and “Viennese Cappuccino” in Austria. These regional adaptations reflect local preferences and traditions.