Cortado

Jul 16, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Drinks Drinks beverages Easy

Cortado in a ceramic mug on an oak patio table

A Cortado is an espresso cut with an equal amount of steamed whole milk to soften its intensity while maintaining espresso's bold flavor.

Prep 5 min

Cook 1 min

Total 6 min

Servings 1

Diet —

Ingredients

Adjust yield

servings

18.0 g (18.0 g)finely ground espresso
36.0 g (36.0 g)espresso yield
2.0 fl oz (60.0 ml)whole milk

Make it at home

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Instructions

Extract 18 g of finely ground espresso to yield about 36 g of espresso.
Steam the whole milk until textured and about 160°F (71°C).
Pour the steamed milk gently over the espresso to combine and serve immediately.

Tips

Use whole milk for a creamy texture, or substitute with oat milk for a dairy-free option. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of espresso and milk.

Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make cortado?

Plan on 5 minutes of prep and 1 minutes of cooking. The recipe makes 1 serving.

Can I make cortado ahead?

Best fresh. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days and rewarm gently on the stove; don't let it boil.

How do I make cortado dairy-free?

Use oat or almond milk in place of dairy milk, and dairy-free ice cream, yogurt or whipped topping where the recipe calls for them. Check packaged toppings and sauces for milk.

A Cortado is an espresso cut with an equal amount of steamed whole milk to soften its intensity while maintaining espresso's bold flavor.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 1 serving this recipe makes.

38 Calories / serving

2.0g Fat

3.1g Carbs

2.0g Protein

3.2g Sugar

Whole recipe (1 serving): ~38 cal · 2g fat · 3g carbs · 2g protein · 3g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.

Per serving · 38 calories

What it takes to burn one serving

Brisk walking 7 min·0.4 mi·~800 steps
Walking uphill or incline treadmill 5 min·0.3 mi·~500 steps
Moderate cycling 4 min·0.8 mi
Swimming laps 5 min
Jogging 4 min·0.3 mi·~650 steps
Stair climbing 4 min·~350 steps
Dancing 6 min
Bodyweight circuit training 4 min
Cleaning, errands, or playing with the dog 9 min

Rough estimates for one serving, based on standard MET values at about 155 lb. Your own burn depends on body size, effort, and fitness. Shown for context only — food is not something you have to earn.