Cortado VS Macchiato Key Difference You Need To Know 2024

The main difference between Cortado Vs Macchiato is the amount of milk used. Cortado has 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk, while macchiato has 1:3 ratio. This means that cortado is more milk-forward, while macchiato is more espresso-forward.

“Cortado and macchiato are espresso-based drinks with milk, but cortado has equal parts milk and espresso, while macchiato has a dollop of foam and a splash of milk on top of espresso, creating a stronger coffee flavor.”

Cortado VS Macchiato

Here you can find the difference between Cortado VS Macchiato. What is it and its Variations, Ingredients and which one is best for you.

Feature	Cortado	Macchiato
Espresso to milk ratio	1:1	1:3
Milk	Steamed milk	Foamed milk
Volume	4-6 ounces	2-3 ounces
Flavor	Rich, smooth, and chocolaty	Strong, bold, and slightly bitter
Texture	Creamy and velvety	Dense and frothy
Popularity	Spain and Portugal	Italy

What Is A Cortado?

In Cortado Or Macchiato, A cortado is a Spanish coffee beverage that originated in the Basque region. The name “cortado” comes from the Spanish word “cortar,” which means “to cut.”

The drink made by cutting a shot of espresso with a small amount of steamed milk. The ratio of espresso to milk is usually 1:1 or 1:2, making it a strong coffee with a slightly creamy texture.

How Is Cortado Made?

To make a cortado, you’ll need the following:

1. Drop one espresso shot into a little cup.
2. Steam a small amount of milk until it reaches a velvety texture.
3. Pour the steamed milk into the espresso, creating a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio.
4. Serve immediately.

What Is A Macchiato?

A macchiato is an Italian coffee beverage that originated in the northern part of Italy. The word “macchiato” means “stained” or “spotted,” which refers to the small amount of milk added to the espresso.

Unlike a cortado, the macchiato has a higher ratio of espresso to milk, resulting in a stronger coffee flavor. Also check Latte Vs Mocha difference.

How Is Macchiato Made?

To make a macchiato, you’ll need the following:

1. Drop one espresso shot into a little cup.
2. Foam a small amount of milk until it reaches a light, airy texture.
3. Spoon a dollop of the foamed milk onto the espresso shot.
4. Serve immediately.

Cortado Vs Macchiato Differences

Although both cortado and macchiato are espresso-based beverages, they have distinct differences:

• Ratio of espresso to milk: A cortado has a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio of espresso to milk, while a macchiato has a higher ratio of espresso to milk, usually 1:4 or 1:5.
• Milk texture: A cortado has a creamy texture because the milk is steamed, while a macchiato has a frothy texture because the milk is foamed.
• Tasting notes: A cortado has a smooth, creamy taste with a slightly sweet aftertaste, while a macchiato has a bolder, stronger coffee flavor with a hint of sweetness.

Difference	Cortado	Macchiato
Type of Milk	Steamed Milk	Foamed Milk
Texture	Creamy and smooth	Light and airy
Amount Used	1-2 ounces	1-2 teaspoons

As you can see, while both cortados and macchiatos contain espresso as their main ingredient, they differ in the type of milk used and the texture created. A cortado uses steamed milk to create a creamy and smooth texture, while a macchiato uses foamed milk to create a light and airy texture.

The amount of milk used also differs, with a cortado typically containing 1-2 ounces of steamed milk and a macchiato containing only 1-2 teaspoons of foamed milk.

Variations Of Cortado Vs Macchiato

Both cortado and macchiato have variations that add more depth and flavor to the traditional drinks:

Variations Of Cortado

• Gibraltar: Gibraltar is a variation of the cortado that originated in San Francisco. It’s made with a double shot of espresso and steamed milk, creating a richer, creamier taste.
• Cortado Condensada: The Cortado Condensada is a popular variation of the cortado in the Philippines. It’s made with sweetened condensed milk, which adds a caramel-like flavor to the drink.

Variations Of Macchiato

• Caramel Macchiato: The Caramel Macchiato is a popular variation of the macchiato that adds caramel sauce to the foamed milk, creating a sweet, creamy

Certainly, here is a step-by-step guide to the ingredients for cortados and macchiatos, with each drink, explained in its section:

Cortado Vs Macchiato Ingredients

Find the Ingredients both Cortado Or Macchiato in depth information.

Ingredients For A Cortado:

Espresso 

The main ingredient in a cortado is a shot of espresso. Espresso is made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans using an espresso machine, resulting in a strong and bold flavor.

Steamed Milk 

To make a cortado, 1-2 ounces of steamed milk is added to the espresso. Steamed milk is created by heating milk with steam from an espresso machine, which creates a creamy and smooth texture.

The milk is then poured into the espresso, producing a smoother and milder taste. The amount of milk used can vary depending on personal preference and the size of the cup.

Optional Flavors

Some coffee shops offer cortados with additional flavors, such as vanilla or caramel syrups, to add sweetness and flavor.

Serve

Cortados can be served hot or iced, depending on personal preference and the weather.

Ingredients For A Macchiato:

Espresso

 The main ingredient in a macchiato is also a shot of espresso, made the same way as for a cortado.

 Foamed Milk

For macchiato, a small amount of foamed milk added to the espresso. Foamed milk created by heating and aerating milk with steam from an espresso machine, creating a light and airy texture.

The foamed milk is then added to the espresso, creating a layered effect with a darker espresso base and a lighter milk top. The amount of foamed milk used is typically less than that of a cortado and is usually around 1-2 teaspoons.

Optional Flavors

Like cortados, some coffee shops offer macchiatos with additional flavors, such as caramel or hazelnut syrups.

Serve

Macchiatos are traditionally served hot, but can also be served iced if desired.

In summary, the ingredients for cortados and macchiatos are simple and few, consisting of espresso and either steamed milk (for cortados) or foamed milk (for macchiatos). By following these steps, you can easily make your cortados and macchiatos at home or order them at your favorite coffee shop.

Conclusion

Both Cortado Vs Macchiato are delicious espresso-based drinks that enjoyed by coffee lovers all over the world. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences in terms of milk-to-espresso ratio and presentation. Whether you prefer a cortado or a macchiato ultimately comes down to personal preference and taste. So, why not try both and decide for yourself which one you like best?