Cortado vs Macchiato: 7 Major Differences to Know

In the espresso drink difference series, today, I have come up with Cortado vs Macchiato.

Both these drinks are very well known worldwide.

In this article, I will discuss the difference between these two coffees. So without any further delay, let’s start.

Overview of Cortado Coffee

What is Cortado?

The Cortado, also pronounced as “kaw-taa-doe” is a coffee beverage originating in Spain. It derives its name from the Spanish verb “cortar,” meaning “to cut” or “to shorten.”

This drink, popularized in regions such as the Basque Country and Catalonia, has found its way into diverse coffee cultures worldwide.

Comprising equal parts espresso and steamed milk, the Cortado achieves a delicate balance by “cutting” the intensity of pure espresso with a modest amount of warm milk.

The ratio of espresso to milk, approximately 1:1, ensures a bold coffee flavor while imparting a smoother, creamier texture. Served in small glasses, the Cortado invites drinkers to appreciate the layers of espresso and milk, emphasizing quality over quantity.

The result is a harmonious fusion of the robust and intense character of espresso with the mellow, slightly sweet attributes of steamed milk, creating a coffee experience that is both strong and approachable.

How to Make Cortado?

Step 1: Grind the Coffee

Begin by grinding your espresso beans to a fine consistency. For a classic Cortado, you’ll need approximately 1.5 to 2 ounces of espresso, which typically translates to a double shot.

Step 2: Prepare the Espresso

Use your espresso machine to pull a double shot of espresso. Pay attention to the extraction process to ensure a strong and flavorful base for your Cortado.

Step 3: Steam the Milk

Heat about equal parts (1.5 to 2 ounces) of whole milk using the steam wand or milk frother on your espresso machine. The aim is to create creamy, velvety microfoam that will complement the espresso.

Step 4: Texturize the Milk

Be mindful of the milk’s texture during the steaming process. Aim for velvety microfoam rather than overly frothy milk. This step is crucial for achieving the smooth and balanced texture characteristic of a Cortado.

Step 5: Combine Espresso and Milk

Pour the steamed milk directly into the espresso, maintaining an equal ratio of espresso to steamed milk. This balance is key to achieving the Cortado’s characteristic taste and mouthfeel.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Cortados are best enjoyed fresh. Serve the drink immediately to appreciate the harmonious combination of flavors and temperatures.

Step 7: Optional Garnish (if desired)

For a personalized touch, consider optional garnishes such as a sprinkle of cinnamon or a twist of orange zest. These additions can add subtle nuances to the Cortado’s flavor profile.

Overview of Macchiato Coffee

What is Macchiato?

First, let me introduce you to its pronunciation. It is pronounced as “mah-key-AH-toe”.

The Macchiato is a coffee beverage with Italian origins. It holds a distinct place in the realm of espresso-based drinks. The term “macchiato” translates to “stained” or “spotted,” capturing the essence of this beverage’s preparation.

Originating in Italy, the Macchiato is characterized by a shot of espresso “stained” or “marked” with a small amount of steamed milk or foam. This minimalist composition highlights the boldness and intensity of the espresso which allows for a pure coffee experience with just a hint of creaminess.

It has evolved to include variations such as the Latte Macchiato and Caramel Macchiato, each offering a unique interplay of espresso and milk.

The flavor profile of the classic Macchiato emphasizes the rich and robust qualities of espresso, making it a preferred choice for those who appreciate the strength of coffee unadulterated.

This espresso-based drink is served in various sizes of cups. This presentation ranges from simple to artistic, depending on regional and cultural preferences.

How to Make Macchiato?

Step 1: Choose Your Espresso Beans

Begin by selecting high-quality espresso beans suited to your taste preferences. The richness of the espresso is fundamental to a well-balanced Macchiato.

Step 2: Grind the Espresso Beans

Grind the espresso beans to a fine consistency. Aim for a grind that suits espresso extraction methods, ensuring a strong and concentrated coffee base.

Step 3: Prepare the Espresso Shot

Use your espresso machine to pull a single or double shot of espresso, depending on your preference. Ensure a robust and flavorful extraction to serve as the foundation for your Macchiato.

Step 4: Steam the Milk or Prepare Foam

For a classic Macchiato, you only need a small amount of steamed milk or foam. Heat the milk using the steam wand or milk frother, creating a small amount of velvety microfoam.

Step 5: Add the Steamed Milk or Foam

Gently pour a small amount of the steamed milk or foam onto the espresso. The goal is to “stain” or “mark” the espresso, adding a touch of creaminess while preserving the coffee’s bold flavor.

Step 6: Experiment with Variations (Optional)

Feel free to experiment with variations like the Latte Macchiato or Caramel Macchiato by introducing flavored syrups or different milk types. These variations offer unique twists to the classic Macchiato.

Step 7: Presentation

Serve the Macchiato in a small espresso cup or glass, highlighting the simplicity of the drink. The presentation can be minimalist or include artistic touches, depending on personal or regional preferences.

Cortado vs Macchiato: Indepth Comparison

1) Espresso-to-Milk Ratio

In a Cortado, the espresso-to-milk ratio is approximately 1:1. This balanced proportion ensures that the boldness of the espresso is tempered by an equal amount of steamed milk, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture.

Macchiatos, on the other hand, feature a higher espresso-to-milk ratio. The emphasis is on the espresso, with just a small amount of steamed milk or foam “marking” the coffee. This gives the Macchiato a bolder and more intense flavor.

2) Milk Texture

The milk in a Cortado is typically steamed to create velvety microfoam, contributing to the drink’s smooth and well-integrated texture.

Whereas Macchiatos often have a thinner layer of foam or steamed milk, allowing the boldness of the espresso to shine through while providing a subtle creaminess.

3) Flavor Profile

The Cortado coffee achieves a harmonious balance between the rich, robust flavor of espresso and the creaminess of steamed milk. The result is a coffee with a strong yet approachable taste.

On the other hand, Macchiatos highlight the pure, intense flavor of espresso, with just a hint of milk to take the edge off. This creates a drink that is bold, strong, and retains the distinctive characteristics of the coffee.

4) Cultural Origins

Originating in Spain, the Cortado reflects European coffee culture, where a preference for strong coffee is complemented by a desire for a smoother drinking experience.

With Italian origins, the Macchiato is deeply rooted in the espresso tradition, where the focus is on showcasing the strength and richness of the coffee itself.

5) Presentation

Cortado is often served in small glasses, allowing drinkers to appreciate the layers of espresso and milk. The presentation emphasizes quality over quantity.

In contrast, Macchiato coffee can be presented in various cup sizes, but they generally maintain a minimalist aesthetic, underscoring the simplicity of the drink.

6) Variations

While the classic Cortado remains popular, there may be regional variations in preparation and presentation.

Macchiato has evolved to include variations such as the Latte Macchiato and Caramel Macchiato, introducing additional elements like flavored syrups and different milk types.

7) Serving Time

The Cortado coffee is often enjoyed in the evening, offering a mellow and indulgent way to unwind after a busy day.

Macchiato coffee is popular in the early morning to get a quick, strong kick of caffeine to jumpstart the day.

When to Choose Cortado or Macchiato?

If you are confused about whether you should go for Macchiato coffee or cortado, consider the below points.

1) Flavor Intensity

• Choose a Cortado if you desire a well-balanced coffee experience.
• Opt for a Macchiato if you prefer a more intense and pronounced coffee flavor.

2) Sweetness Level

• If you appreciate a coffee that leans towards the sweeter side, the Cortado is an excellent choice.
• For those who prefer a coffee with a minimal sweet hint, the Macchiato is the way to go.

3) Time of Day

• Consider choosing a Cortado in the evening or during moments when you want to savor a more indulgent and mellow coffee experience.
• Go for a Macchiato in the early morning or when you need a quick, strong kick of caffeine to jumpstart your day.

4) Occasions

• Select a Cortado when you have time to sit back and enjoy your coffee slowly. The smaller serving size and balanced flavors make it a great choice for a leisurely coffee break.
• Choose a Macchiato when you’re on the go or need a quick pick-me-up. The compact size and intense coffee flavor make it a convenient and energizing option for busy mornings.

Wrapping Up

Here, I have informed you about the points that set Cortado and Macchiato apart from each other.

Since the Cortado comes with equal parts of espresso and steamed milk, it becomes a harmonious blend of boldness and creaminess. On the flip side, Macchiato comes with an intense coffee flavor with just a whisper of creaminess.

I hope now, whenever you come across these two espresso-based drinks, you will be able to understand the difference between them and order any of these two based on these factors.