What is a Cortado vs Macchiato?

Coffee lovers often find themselves asking, What is a cortado vs. macchiato? These two espresso-based drinks are similar but have distinct differences in flavor, milk content, and serving style. In this guide, we will explore what a cortado vs. macchiato entails, comparing their origins, taste profiles, and the best way to enjoy each.

What is a Cortado?

The cortado is a coffee drink that originated in Spain, where the word “cortar” translates to “cut.” The name reflects how the espresso is “cut” with an equal amount of steamed milk, reducing the bitterness and acidity. The result is a smooth, creamy drink that maintains the bold flavor of espresso without being overpowering.

In the U.S. and other parts of the world, specialty coffee shops often serve cortados, making them a popular choice for those who enjoy a balanced coffee experience.

Size: Typically 4 oz.
Ingredients: Equal parts espresso and steamed milk.
Taste: The milk softens the intensity of the espresso, creating a creamy yet robust flavor.

Origins of the Cortado

The cortado traces its roots back to Spain, where it became a staple in cafés throughout cities like Madrid and Barcelona. It gained popularity across Europe and Latin America, where local variations began to develop. Eventually, the cortado made its way to North America, where it found a home in the growing specialty coffee culture.

Today, cortados are appreciated for their simple but flavorful blend of espresso and milk. Unlike drinks like the latte or cappuccino, which use more milk, the cortado balances espresso’s rich flavors with enough creaminess for those who prefer a less intense coffee.

Coffee culture has evolved globally, and understanding the history of coffee can enhance your appreciation for drinks like the cortado and macchiato. Learn more about the fascinating history of coffee.

Cortado Variations

Though the traditional cortado is a simple drink, variations have evolved based on regional preferences and creative barista experimentation:

Cortadito: A variation that’s popular in Cuban communities, especially in Miami. A cortadito, a smaller version of the cortado, typically uses sugar to create a deliciously balanced blend of bitter and sweet.
Gibraltar: Named after the Libbey Gibraltar glass it’s served in, this drink is essentially a cortado but served in a smaller glass with a slightly larger espresso-to-milk ratio. This variation originated in the San Francisco coffee scene and has since spread to other parts of the world.
Plant-Based Variations: Many coffee shops now offer cortados with almond milk, oat milk, or other plant-based milk options. These alternatives cater to those who are lactose-intolerant or following a plant-based diet.

For more information on the espresso and milk blend that defines cortados, you can visit this cortado guide.

What is a Macchiato?

The macchiato is an Italian coffee drink, and its name means “stained” or “spotted.” In this case, a small amount of milk, usually foam, “stains” or “marks” the espresso. Unlike the cortado, which uses equal parts milk and espresso, the macchiato emphasizes the espresso with just enough milk to soften the coffee’s edge.

The macchiato is perfect for those who love the strong, bold taste of espresso but want a slight touch of creaminess to balance out the flavor.

Size: Typically 1-2 oz for espresso macchiato.
Ingredients: A shot of espresso with a small amount of milk foam or steamed milk.
Taste: Strong and bold, with a hint of milk that softens the sharpness of the espresso.

Types of Macchiato

Though the original macchiato is quite simple, there are two main variations that cater to different preferences:

Espresso Macchiato: This is the traditional version, which consists of a single shot of espresso with a small amount of milk foam. The milk adds a touch of creaminess without diluting the bold flavor of the espresso.
Latte Macchiato: This more modern variation flips the traditional espresso macchiato on its head. Steamed milk takes center stage, with a shot of espresso added to “stain” the milk. This version is more popular in large coffee chains and is often customized with syrups like caramel or vanilla.

Regional Adaptations of Macchiato

Just like the cortado, baristas around the world have adapted the macchiato to suit different tastes. In North America, for example, coffee shops often serve macchiatos with sweet syrups, making them a popular choice for those who enjoy sweeter coffee drinks.

For a more in-depth look at how cortados compare to similar drinks like flat whites, you can check out this guide.

Key Differences Between a Cortado and a Macchiato

Understanding what a cortado vs. macchiato entails means looking closely at their differences. The main distinction lies in the milk-to-espresso ratio. A cortado features equal parts milk and espresso, which creates a smoother, more balanced flavor. In contrast, the macchiato uses only a small amount of milk, allowing the bold espresso taste to shine through.

When comparing what is a cortado vs. macchiato, size is another factor. A cortado is typically served in a 4 oz glass, while the macchiato is smaller, around 1-2 oz. This difference impacts the drinking experience, with the cortado being creamier and the macchiato offering a more intense coffee flavor.

Milk-to-Espresso Ratio: What Makes a Cortado vs. Macchiato Different?

The most obvious difference is the ratio of milk to espresso. The cortado features equal parts milk and espresso, which creates a creamier, smoother drink. The macchiato, on the other hand, uses only a small amount of milk foam, allowing the bold flavor of the espresso to remain dominant.

Size and Serving Style

The cortado is usually served in a 4 oz glass, making it a more substantial drink compared to the espresso macchiato, which is much smaller at around 1-2 oz. If you opt for a latte macchiato, however, you’ll find that the drink is significantly larger due to the increased amount of steamed milk.

Flavor Profiles: Cortado vs. Macchiato Comparison

The cortado gives a balanced flavor, with the creaminess of milk softening the espresso’s bitterness. In contrast, the macchiato is a stronger, more intense drink. The small amount of milk in a macchiato softens the espresso without watering down its flavor, making it a popular choice for those who like strong coffee.

The Role of Milk in Coffee Drinks

Milk plays an essential role in defining the flavor and texture of many coffee drinks. From whole milk to plant-based alternatives, the type of milk you choose can drastically alter the taste and mouthfeel of your coffee.

Types of Milk Used in Cortados and Macchiatos

Whole Milk: Whole milk is the traditional choice for both cortados and macchiatos. It adds richness and a creamy texture to the drink, enhancing the flavor of the espresso.
Skim Milk: For those looking for a lighter option, skim milk provides a similar creamy texture with fewer calories and less fat.
Plant-Based Milk: Plant-based alternatives like oat, almond, and soy milk have become increasingly popular in coffee shops. Each type of plant-based milk offers its own unique flavor and texture, with oat milk being one of the most popular choices for those looking for a creamy but dairy-free option.

For a deeper understanding of how different types of milk affect coffee drinks, check out this milk guide.

Nutritional Breakdown and Caffeine Content: What is a Cortado vs. Macchiato?

Understanding the nutritional content of both cortados and macchiatos can help you make informed decisions about your daily coffee intake. While both drinks are low in calories, their caffeine content remains high due to the espresso base.

Cortado Nutrition

Calories: A cortado made with whole milk contains around 50-100 calories, depending on the size of the serving and the type of milk used.
Caffeine Content: A cortado typically contains about 80-100 mg of caffeine, as it includes a full shot of espresso.
Fat and Protein: The fat and protein content will vary depending on the type of milk. Whole milk adds more fat, while plant-based options tend to be lighter in both fat and calories.

Macchiato Nutrition

Calories: An espresso macchiato is lower in calories, typically ranging from 15-30 depending on the amount of milk used.
Caffeine Content: Macchiatos contain roughly 80 mg of caffeine per shot of espresso, similar to cortados.
Fat and Protein: Due to the minimal amount of milk, macchiatos are low in fat and protein, making them a lighter choice overall.

Popularity in Coffee Shops

Both cortados and macchiatos have their own niche in modern coffee culture. However, their popularity varies depending on location and coffee shop preferences.

Cortado Popularity

You’ll mostly find the cortado in specialty coffee shops and European cafés. Its balanced flavor attracts people who want the strong taste of espresso with a creamier finish. The rise of third-wave coffee, which focuses on quality, flavor, and skill, has made the cortado more popular.

Macchiato Popularity

In contrast, Italian cafés continue to serve espresso macchiatos as a staple, with espresso purists appreciating their bold, intense flavor. Meanwhile, larger coffee chains like Starbucks have significantly popularized the latte macchiato, often customizing it with syrups and flavorings like caramel or vanilla. This sweeter version appeals to a wider audience, particularly those who enjoy milkier, less intense coffee drinks.

Best Pairings for Cortado and Macchiato

Pairing the right snack with your coffee can enhance the overall experience, bringing out the flavors of both the drink and the food.

Cortado Pairings

The smooth and balanced nature of a cortado pairs well with light, flaky pastries and savory snacks.

Pastries: A buttery croissant or pain au chocolat makes the perfect complement to the creamy texture of a cortado.
Savory Snacks: Cheese and charcuterie are also excellent choices, as their rich flavors contrast with the coffee’s boldness.

Macchiato Pairings

Because of its bold flavor, the macchiato pairs best with sweeter, more indulgent treats.

Biscotti: The dry, crunchy texture of biscotti pairs perfectly with the strong flavor of a macchiato, providing a satisfying contrast.
Dark Chocolate: The richness of dark chocolate complements the intensity of the macchiato, making this a popular pairing for those who enjoy bitter-sweet combinations.

Which Coffee Should You Choose: Cortado or Macchiato?

The decision between a cortado and a macchiato often comes down to personal preference and the time of day.

Caffeine Preferences

Cortado: If you’re looking for a more balanced coffee experience with the richness of milk, the cortado is the way to go. It provides a moderate amount of caffeine with a smooth, creamy texture.
Macchiato: If you prefer a stronger, more intense espresso flavor, the macchiato is the perfect choice. It delivers a quick caffeine boost without too much milk to dilute the coffee’s boldness.

Time of Day

Morning Choice: The cortado is a great way to start the day, offering a balanced flavor that’s not too heavy on the milk.
Afternoon Boost: The macchiato is ideal for an afternoon pick-me-up when you need a quick shot of caffeine to get through the rest of the day.

FAQs: Common Questions About Cortado and Macchiato

What is stronger, cortado or macchiato?

The macchiato is generally considered the stronger of the two drinks due to its smaller milk content. The boldness of the espresso shines through more in a macchiato, while the cortado offers a smoother, less intense experience thanks to the equal parts milk.

Which has more milk, cortado or macchiato?

The cortado contains significantly more milk, as it is made with equal parts steamed milk and espresso. The macchiato, on the other hand, only uses a small amount of milk foam to “stain” the espresso.

Is a cortado sweet?

A cortado is not inherently sweet, but its creamy texture can balance the bitterness of the espresso. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add sugar or choose a variation like the cortadito, which is usually sweetened.

Conclusion:

what is a cortado vs. macchiato? Both drinks offer unique coffee experiences depending on your preferences. The cortado, with its equal balance of milk and espresso, is perfect for those who enjoy a smooth and creamy coffee. Meanwhile, the macchiato is ideal for espresso lovers who want a bold, strong flavor with just a hint of milk. Now that you know what a cortado vs. macchiato is, you can confidently choose the one that suits your taste best.

For more insights into pairing ideas or exploring other delicious recipes, check out this brisket sandwich recipe that complements your coffee perfectly.