What is Cortado Recipe? How to make Cortado? There are occasions when the aftermath of a restless night prompts a desperate search for any available trace of coffee. In such moments, the primary concern tends to be quantity. However, not every coffee-drinking encounter should be governed by this primal “survival” mentality. Coffee, after all, possesses the potential to be an elegant and refined beverage.
While the Italians are rightfully recognized for their contributions to the realm of coffee, the Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin Americans have introduced their own delightful and well-balanced creation: the cortado. Although it may not be ubiquitous in every coffee establishment, its popularity is steadily increasing. This is precisely why we’re here—to guide you through the process of crafting it yourself. Continue reading for the fundamental steps and an especially unique and effortlessly prepared variation.
Ingredients for Cortado
- 2 shots of espresso
- 60 ml of steamed milk
- 7 ml of vanilla syrup
- 7 ml of honey syrup
What is Cortado?
The term “cortado” hails from the Spanish language, translating to “cut.” In essence, a cortado constitutes an espresso that has been “cut” with an equal measure of steamed milk. The standard recipe involves two ounces of espresso and two ounces of warm milk. Its introduction to the United States occurred through San Francisco, quickly gaining popularity from coast to coast.
“My introduction to the Cortado happened a couple of years ago when a barista at my local coffee shop recommended it. What started as an occasional cup evolved into an exploration and documentation of cortados across New York City.”
Originating in the Basque region of Spain and extending through Galicia to the northern part of Portugal, the cortado distinguishes itself by utilizing a moderate amount of milk, unlike the ‘cafe con leche’ (the Spanish equivalent of the French café au lait or the Italian caffe latte). The objective is to strike a balance between the robusta espresso and the velvety warmth of milk.
While the milk has a slight frothiness, it doesn’t consist entirely of foam. The Cortado deviates from the emphasis on latte art; instead, it prioritizes the pleasure derived from a pure and well-balanced flavor. This coffee variant is tailored for individuals who appreciate espresso-based drinks with a bold coffee essence.
How To Make Cortado?
If you’ve opted for the cortado but desire a touch of sweetness and an additional layer of flavor—perhaps creamy, slightly floral, and rich—then the honey bee cortado recipe is a must-try. This variation incorporates vanilla and honey syrups, imparting a distinctive twist to the traditional cortado.
The quality of your Cortado is greatly influenced by the excellence of your espresso machine and beans.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Step 1: Brew a double shot of espresso.
- Step 2: Steam the milk.
- Step 3: Introduce vanilla and honey syrups to the coffee, ensuring thorough mixing.
- Step 4: Blend equal portions of milk into the coffee and syrup concoction, allowing for a thin layer of foam to crown the beverage.
If you’ve reached this point, you should now be savoring a wonderfully sweet cortado. Well done! Take your time to sip it slowly, as the essence of this experience lies in savoring the taste, texture, and overall enjoyment—not in hurriedly inhaling it at lightning speed.
This is far from the oversized cup of drive-through mediocrity! It embodies coffee at its finest. If you feel inclined to share, we would be grateful! Additionally, please feel free to leave a comment and tell us about your personal experience.
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