Espresso Macchiato vs Cortado: What Is The Difference?

If you're a coffee lover, you've probably heard of espresso macchiato and cortado. These two espresso-based drinks are popular choices in many coffee shops around the world. But what exactly is the difference between them? In this blog post, we'll dive deeper into these two drinks and explore their origins, ingredients, and taste profiles.

Origins of Espresso Macchiato and Cortado

To understand the difference between espresso macchiato and cortado, we must first look at their origins. Espresso macchiato is an Italian coffee drink that dates back to the early 1960s. The word macchiato comes from the Italian verb "macchiare," which means "to mark" or "to stain." In traditional macchiato, a single shot of espresso is "stained" with a small amount of steamed milk or milk foam on top.

On the other hand, cortado has Spanish origins. The word cortado comes from the Spanish word "cortar," which means "to cut." This drink originated in Spain and is still a popular choice in many coffee houses in Spain and other Latin American countries. In a traditional cortado, a single shot of espresso is "cut" with an equal amount of warm milk.

Ingredients and Preparation

The main difference between espresso macchiato and cortado lies in the amount of milk used. In an espresso macchiato, a single shot of espresso is topped with a small amount of steamed milk or milk foam, usually about a tablespoon. This is then served in a demitasse cup, which is a small cup specifically designed for espresso-based drinks.

On the other hand, a cortado has equal parts espresso and steamed milk. A double shot of espresso is "cut" with an equal amount of warm milk, creating a drink with a higher ratio of milk to espresso compared to an espresso macchiato. Cortado is often served in a small glass, similar to a shot glass or a traditional cortado cup.

Milk Options

As with any coffee beverage, you can customize your espresso macchiato or cortado by choosing different types of milk. In recent years, many coffee shops have started offering alternative milk options such as almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, and more. These milk options are perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a non-dairy option.

However, traditionalists argue that cow's milk is the best option for espresso-based drinks as it creates the perfect balance between the acidity of the espresso and the sweetness of the milk. Whole milk is the most commonly used milk in espresso macchiato and cortado, but you can always opt for a different type of milk to suit your taste preferences.

Taste Profile

The biggest difference between espresso macchiato and cortado lies in their taste profiles. Espresso macchiato has a higher ratio of espresso to milk, which results in a stronger and more intense coffee taste. The small amount of milk or milk foam on top adds a touch of sweetness and a smooth texture to the drink. This makes it a popular choice for those who prefer a stronger and bolder coffee taste.

On the other hand, cortado has a higher ratio of milk to espresso, resulting in a milder and less intense coffee taste. The warm milk "cuts" the bitterness of the espresso, creating a smoother and sweeter taste. This makes it a popular choice for those who want a milky coffee beverage without sacrificing the taste of espresso.

Caffeine Content

Another difference between espresso macchiato and cortado is their caffeine content. As mentioned earlier, espresso macchiato has a higher ratio of espresso to milk, resulting in a stronger coffee taste. This also means that it has a higher caffeine content compared to cortado. If you need a caffeine boost, then espresso macchiato is the perfect drink for you.

On the other hand, cortado has a higher ratio of milk to espresso, which means it has a lower caffeine content compared to espresso macchiato. If you're looking for a less intense coffee beverage or are sensitive to caffeine, then cortado is a better option for you.

Similar Drinks

Espresso macchiato and cortado are often confused with other espresso-based drinks such as latte macchiato and caffè macchiato. While these drinks may seem similar, they have subtle differences that set them apart.

Latte macchiato is an espresso-based drink that is made with a higher ratio of steamed milk to espresso. This results in a sweeter and milkier taste compared to cortado and espresso macchiato. It is usually served in a tall glass, and the milk and espresso are layered to create a beautiful latte art.

Caffè macchiato, also known as espresso macchiato, is an espresso-based drink that is made with a single espresso shot and a dollop of milk foam on top. This is different from the traditional macchiato, which has a small amount of steamed milk on top. Caffè macchiato is often served in a demitasse cup, just like an espresso macchiato.

Cortado vs Macchiato: What's the Big Difference?

The biggest difference between cortado and macchiato lies in the amount of milk used. Cortado has equal parts espresso and steamed milk, while macchiato has a small amount of steamed milk or milk foam on top of a single espresso shot.

Another difference is the size of the drink. Cortado is usually served in a small glass, while macchiato is served in a demitasse cup. This difference in size also affects the espresso-to-milk ratio, resulting in different taste profiles for each drink.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between espresso macchiato and cortado ultimately depends on your personal preference. If you prefer a stronger and more intense coffee taste, then espresso macchiato is the perfect drink for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder and creamier coffee taste, then cortado is the way to go.

Both drinks are perfect for those who want a touch of milk in their espresso without it overpowering the taste of coffee. So next time you visit your local coffee shop, why not try both and see which one suits your taste buds better?

Espresso macchiato and cortado are two popular espresso-based drinks with a Spanish and Italian origin, respectively. The main difference between them lies in the amount of milk used, resulting in different taste profiles. While espresso macchiato has a higher ratio of espresso to milk, cortado has equal parts espresso and milk.

Both drinks are perfect for coffee enthusiasts who want a touch of milk in their espresso without sacrificing the taste of coffee. Whether you prefer a stronger and bolder coffee taste or a milder and creamier one, there's always an espresso-based drink for you. So the next time you visit a coffee shop, why not try an espresso macchiato or cortado and see which one becomes your new favorite?