Do you know the difference between a cortado and a flat white? If not, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many coffee drinkers are unaware of the subtle differences between these two coffee drinks. So what’s the difference? And which one is right for you?
Is Cortado Vs flat white? This has been a debate that has raged for many years now. Some people swear by the intense flavor of the Cortado, while others find the creamy consistency of the flat white more to their taste. So, which one should you order when you go out for coffee? Let’s look at each drink and see which comes out on top.
What is Cortado?
A cortado is a Spanish term for a coffee drink made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk. Cortados, in Spanish, means “cut,” are usually served in small glasses or cups and are typically drunk quite quickly. Cortados are sometimes referred to as cafés con Leche, which means coffee with milk.
Cortado is the Spanish word for “cut,” As its name suggests, it’s an espresso that has been cut into pieces. This style of drink was first drunk in Madrid during renovations to old buildings when people needed something hot quickly without wasting time with long cups of coffee or tea.
What does a Cortado taste like?
Welcome to the world of Cortado, a smooth and silky taste of milk that will make your reading experience even more enjoyable. When you first take a sip of Cortado, you’ll notice the milk’s smooth and silky taste. This is thanks to the fact that Cortado is made with whole milk, which gives it a creamy texture. You’ll also find that the coffee has a slightly sweet taste due to the addition of sugar.
If you’re looking for rich and flavorful coffee, then Cortado is a perfect choice. The coffee is perfect for those who want to enjoy a cup without adding any milk or sugar. Cortado is also a great choice for those who are looking for a low-calorie coffee.
So, what does a Cortado taste like? Simply put, it tastes like a smooth and silky cup of coffee with a slightly sweet taste. If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious coffee, then Cortado is a perfect choice.
How to Make Cortado?
A Cortado is A Cortado is usually made up of a 1.5 to 2 ounce Espresso shot and then adding an equal amount of steamed milk. The milk is typically boiled to around 65 degrees Celsius, which results in a creamy and frothy texture. Cortados are generally served without any milk foam on top.
The Flat White is usually served in a 4 – 5 ounce cup with not much milk, so the taste of the Espresso is quite strong.
What is Flat White?
A flat white coffee drink originated in Australia and New Zealand. It is made with Espresso and milk, but the critical difference between a flat white and other coffee drinks is the ratio of Espresso to milk. In a flat white, there is less milk than in drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. This gives the flat white a more robust coffee flavor than other drinks.
Flat whites are similar to Cortados but originated in Australia (not Spain). A flat white is made with Espresso and steamed milk, just like a cortado. However, the critical difference is that flat whites have more foam on top than their Spanish counterparts. The additional foam gives the flat white a creamy texture that many coffee drinkers enjoy.
What does a Flat White taste like?
If you’ve never had a Flat White, you might wonder what the fuss is about. After all, it’s just coffee with milk, right? Wrong! A Flat White has a much stronger taste of coffee than milk, making it the perfect drink for coffee lovers who want something a little different.
So, what does a Flat White taste like? In a word, delicious! The strong coffee flavor is perfectly balanced with the creamy milk, making for a rich and satisfying drink. Flat White is definitely the way to go if you’re looking for a coffee that packs a punch.
How to Make Flat White?
Flat whites are made by pulling a shot of Espresso and then adding steamed milk. The milk is boiled to around 65 degrees Celsius, which results in a creamy and frothy texture. Flat whites are generally served with a small amount of foam on top.
The Flat White is usually served in a 5 – 6 ounce cup, so the coffee flavor will be weaker and not as dense as Cortado.
The Similars of Cortado And Flat White
Made with Espresso and milk
Cortados and flat whites are both coffee drinks made with espresso and milk. The key difference between the two is the ratio of Espresso to milk. In a cortado, there is an equal amount of Espresso and milk; in a flat white, there is less milk than Espresso. This gives the flat white a more robust coffee flavor.
The Differences Between Cortado Vs. Flat White
Both contain espresso and milk, but the ratios set them apart. A cortado has equal parts espresso and steamed milk, while a flat white has a higher ratio of coffee to milk, resulting in a velvety texture. The flat white is typically served in a ceramic cup and has a higher amount of milk foam than a cortado. The cortado is for you if you prefer a more espresso-forward drink with denser milk. But if you like something smoother with more milk, go for the flat white.
Let’s take a closer look.
Originated in Different Countries
Cortados originated in Spain, while flat whites originated in Australia. The Cortado and Flat White are both popular coffee drinks but originated in different countries.
The Spanish variation of the Cortado is a thicker drink with more milk than water to create an espresso-like flavor that can be enjoyed on its own or used as drinking etiquette when invited into someone’s home for dinner. In contrast, Australians enjoy their flat whites sans foam hotel-style – meaning no steaming wand here!
The Milk
Cortados are made with steamed milk, while flat whites are made with foam. Cortados are typically served without foam on top, while flat whites are generally served with a small amount of foam on top. This gives the flat white a creamy texture that many coffee drinkers enjoy.
The calories in a flat white are higher than those of a cortado since it contains more milk.
Cortado vs Flat White: Caffeine Content
Generally, a Flat White will have more caffeine than a Cortado. This is because a Flat White is made with a double ristretto as the coffee base, whereas a Cortado typically only has one shot of espresso. However, this can vary depending on the brand, quantity, and type of additives used. Ultimately, both drinks contain a high amount of caffeine and are a tasty pick-me-up for coffee lovers.
Serving Size
Cortados are made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, while flat whites have more foam on top.
Cortados are typically served in small glasses or cups, while flat whites are usually done in larger cups.
Foam
Cortados are usually served without foam, while flat whites have a small amount of foam on top. So a key difference is that cortado are smooth while flat whites have a creamy texture.
Flavor
Because of the difference in the ratio of Espresso to milk, Cortados have a strong espresso flavor, while flat whites have a creamy texture.
The Flat White is served hotter because the creation of micro-foam necessitates heat.
Cost
Cortados typically cost less than flat whites because they use less milk.
Preparation Method
Flat white is easier to prepare at home than cortado because it requires no special equipment. Cortados, however, need a steaming wand to make the steamed milk.
So, what’s the difference between a cortado and a flat white? The main difference is that cortado is made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, while flat whites have more foam on top. Flat whites also originated in Australia, while cortado originated in Spain.
Brewing Techniques
A cortado is prepared in a ceramic cup with less foam, while a flat white is served in a tumbler glass with a layer of microfoam. The cortado tastes stronger with denser milk, whereas the flat white tastes slightly sweeter due to its milk-to-espresso ratio. The cortado is a great choice for those wanting a small, intense coffee. But for those who enjoy a rich and creamy coffee flavor, a flat white is the way to go.
Ratio Of Milk To Espresso
A cortado is made with equal amounts of espresso and steamed, but not textured, milk. On the other hand, a flat white has a coffee-to-milk ratio of 1:2, resulting in a larger drink.
See more:
What’s healthier, Cortado or Flat White?
A flat white will normally have more calories than a cortado. This is because of the added milk and cream. However, a cortado will have more caffeine. So, if you’re looking for a coffee that will give you a little boost of energy, a cortado is a good choice.
Overall, both coffees are relatively healthy choices. However, a cortado is the better choice if you’re looking to cut back on calories.
Flat White Vs Cortado: How to Order?
When you order a cortado, you can say, “I would like a cortado, please.” If you want to specify the size of the Cortado, you can say, “I would like a small cortado, please,” or “I would like a large cortado, please.”
When you order a flat white, you can say, “I would like a flat white, please.” If you want to specify the size of the flat white, you can say, “I would like a small flat white, please,” or “I would like a large flat white, please.”
See more: What is a Coffee Maker and How do They Work
Why Do People Prefer Flat White?
A reason people love flat whites is that they are very versatile. You can enjoy them hot or cold, and they can be made with different types of milk (including almond milk, soy milk, and even coconut milk). This means that there’s a flat white out there for everyone.
Next, flat whites are just plain delicious. They are rich and creamy, and the espresso gives them a nice kick. Whether you’re looking for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon treat, a flat white is a great choice.
Cortado And Flat White Recipes
Cortado Recipes
Ingredients:
- 1 espresso.
- 4 ounces of steamed milk.
Method:
- Pull a shot of Espresso.
- Steam the milk until it is hot and there is a small amount of foam on top.
- Pour the Espresso and milk into a cup and enjoy!
Flat White Recipes
Ingredients:
- 1 espresso.
- 4 ounces of steamed milk.
- 1 ounce of foam.
Method:
- Pull a shot of Espresso.
- Steam the milk until it is hot and there is a small amount of foam on top.
- Pour the Espresso and milk into a cup and enjoy!
FAQs
Is a Cortado a Flat White?
No, a cortado is not a flat white. Cortados are made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, while flat whites have more foam on top.
Is a Cortado Stronger than a Flat White?
Based on factual data, it can be said that a Cortado tastes stronger than a Flat White. This is due to the espresso-to-milk ratio. A Cortado is prepared with a 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk, while a Flat White has a 1:2 ratio. Although both drinks contain the same amount of double espresso, the Cortado has less milk, making its taste more intense. Additionally, the Cortado is made with equal amounts of espresso and steamed milk, whereas the Flat White has textured milk. So, if you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, the Cortado might be the one for you. But, if you enjoy a velvety smoothness in your coffee, then a Flat White may be a great choice.
Is cortado same as macchiato?
The answer is no.
The difference between a cortado and a macchiato is the milk. Cortado is made with equal parts of espresso and steamed milk, while macchiato is made with a smaller amount of steamed milk and a dollop of foam on top.
The taste of a cortado is more intense than a macchiato because of the higher espresso-to-milk ratio. A macchiato is a way to go if you’re looking for a more mellow coffee drink.
Is a cortado one or two shots?
Technically, a cortado is one shot, but it is made with double the amount of espresso as a single shot. Therefore, many people consider a cortado to be two shots.
If you order a cortado at a coffee shop, they usually make it with a double shot of espresso. However, if you order a single shot, they will make it with a single shot and add more milk to make up the difference.
How many shots are in a flat white?
The answer is two. A flat white is made with espresso and steamed milk. The espresso gives the coffee its intense flavor and caffeine kick, while the steamed milk helps smooth out the taste and make it more drinkable.
Together, these two ingredients create a perfect balance of flavor and body, making for a delicious and refreshing coffee.
Is a Cortado Or a Flat White sweeter?
Cortados are not sweet, while flat whites may be slightly sweet because of the milk foam.
Do you stir a cortado?
No, there is no need to stir anything. The whole point of a cortado is that it is a smooth, evenly balanced coffee drink. If you were to stir it, you would just be making a mess.
You don’t need to stir a cortado because the milk and espresso are thoroughly mixed together when you add them to the cup. If you were to stir it, you would just be creating unnecessary foam.
Should you stir a flat white?
It’s a question that’s been debated among coffee aficionados for years: should you stir a flat white?
On one side of the argument, some say that stirring the milk and microfoam mixture into a shot of espresso is essential in order to get a properly mixed drink. They argue that if you don’t stir, the milk and espresso will separate, resulting in an uneven and unappetizing beverage.
On the other side of the argument, some say that stirring is unnecessary and that a properly made flat white will have a lovely layer of microfoam on top that doesn’t need to be disturbed. They argue that stirring will only break up that beautiful layer of foam, resulting in a less aesthetically pleasing drink.
So, what’s the verdict? Well, we’ll leave that up to you to decide. But we will say this: if you choose to stir, do it gently. Vigorous stirring will only make matters worse.
What is a large cortado called?
A large cortado is called a galão in Portugal. The name galão comes from the Spanish word for milk jug, which is also the name of a similar drink in Spain.
The coffee-to-milk ratio in a galão can vary depending on the person’s preference. Some people like it with more coffee and less milk, while others prefer it the other way around. There is no correct way to make a galão, it is simply a matter of personal preference.
Galão is typically served in a tall glass, similar to a Latte. It can also be served in a mug or cup, depending on the size of the drink.
Is there sugar in cortado?
No. A cortado is made with espresso and milk, so sugar is unnecessary. This makes it a great choice for those who are looking for a coffee that is not too sweet.
Is there sugar in Flat White?
As for the sugar content, it is generally low in sugar. However, if you order a Flat White with flavored syrup, the sugar content will be higher.
Is flat white sweeter than a latte?
The answer may surprise you – the latte is actually sweeter than a flat white! This is because the latte uses more steamed milk than a flat white. As a result, the latte has a higher ratio of milk to coffee, making it a sweeter drink overall.
Why is a cortado served with sparkling water?
The sparkling water helps to cleanse the palate before and after enjoying the cortado. This is an important aspect of enjoying a cortado, as it helps to bring out the flavors of the coffee. When you take a sip of the cortado, the sparkling water will help to cleanse your palate, and then the flavors of the coffee will be more pronounced.
How Many Calories Are in a Cortado?
The answer varies depending on the ingredients and serving size. A typical cortado contains around 45-50 calories, 0.3 grams of fat, 5 milligrams of cholesterol, and 9-10 grams of carbs. However, the calorie count may differ between brands and types of milk used.
For example, a Costa UK Coffee Cortado made with whole milk – a solo drink contains 90 calories, while a Starbucks Cortado with skimmed milk contains only 45 calories. So, suppose you want to enjoy your cortado without adding too many calories to your daily intake. In that case, it’s best to check the nutritional information before you order or make it yourself.
How Many Calories are in a Flat White?
A serving of Flat White typically contains around 170 to 260 calories depending on the milk and size of the drink. However, one can reduce the calorie intake to 93 by choosing skimmed milk.
Why is a Cortado Served in a Glass?
This is from a cafe in San Francisco that wanted to develop a drink that would fit into a Gibraltar glass. Following this method, many coffee shops have started serving cortado in Gibraltar glasses.
How do You Pronounce Cortado?
Cortado is a Spanish word. It’s pronounced “kor-TAH-doh.”
How do You Pronounce Flat White?
Flat white is pronounced “flat wahyt.”
What is a flat white called in Italy?
The term “flat white” is actually a bit of a misnomer. In Italy, a flat white is called a café con Leche. And while a flat white may have originated in Australia, the café con Leche has been around for much longer.
So, what is a café con leche? Simply put, it’s a coffee with milk. But it’s not just any coffee with milk. The milk is steamed and then added to the espresso, resulting in a velvety smooth drink.
Cortado vs Flat White, Which One Should You Order?
So, which coffee drink should you order – a cortado or a flat white? At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a solid and intense coffee flavor, then a cortado is probably the drink for you. However, if you like your coffee to be creamy and smooth, a flat white is perhaps a better choice. Of course, there’s no harm in trying both drinks and seeing which one you like best!
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References:
- https://www.nutritionix.com/food/coffee-flat-white
- https://www.carbmanager.com/food-detail/md:e4be08ef2db806c3d57086f9cca422f1/coffee-cortado-made-with-whole-milk-solo-drink-in
Hey there! I’m Joseph Younan, and I love all things coffee-related. In fact, I work as an admin at Aje Cafe, a local spot that serves up some of the freshest ingredients and tastiest coffee around.
I also like to review home appliances like blenders and juicers – I’ve tried out pretty much every model out there! So if you’re in the market for one of those, be sure to check out my reviews.
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