Americano vs Cortado: What’s the Difference?
Have you ever been at your local coffee shop, looking at the menu, and had trouble deciding between a Cortado and an Americano?
You’re not the only one for sure.
In the big world of coffee, these two are fan favorites, and each one adds its own twist to the coffee game.
But what’s the real difference between Americano and Cortado?
We’re going to talk about the main differences in flavor and how these drinks are made.
Americano and Cortado both have different tastes and amounts of caffeine, but they are not the same. The more you know about the differences between the two, the easier it will be to choose the next coffee drink that is just right for you.
Americano
Americano: Espresso with 100 to 120 ml of hot water added. American soldiers made it during World War II to make espresso taste like the coffee they were used to.
When you want the strong flavor of espresso without all the strength, Americano is the coffee to get.
It’s easy: just add 100 to 120ml of hot water to a shot of espresso. This mix keeps the espresso’s depth but makes it less strong.
You’d be surprised if you couldn’t find it in a cafe. And yes, some people do get it confused with regular black coffee.
- Espresso, 1 shot
- Hot water, 100 to 120ml
How to make an Americano:
- Start with a shot of espresso.
- Add 100 to 120ml of hot water.
- You can make the drink stronger or bigger by changing how much water you use.
Here’s a fun fact: American soldiers in Italy during World War II were the first to drink the Americano. They added hot water to their espresso to make it taste like the black coffee they were used to.
What makes the Americano special? The beans are what make it all happen. Roasting them longer and grinding them finer than regular coffee beans.
And even though it might not seem like it, a regular cup of black coffee has more caffeine than an Americano.
The iced Americano is the same thing, but with ice and cold water if you like cold drinks. Some people like it plain, but it’s not unusual to add a little milk or sugar.
Have you ever heard of a “white Americano”? It’s just an Americano with some milk, like a latte but lighter.
An Americano is a great choice if you want the taste of espresso without going all out.
Cortado
Cortado is a small cup of espresso and steamed milk mixed together. “Cut” in Spanish means “cortado,” which shows how milk softens the espresso’s strength.
If you want a quick espresso hit without the bitterness, the Cortado, or Piccolo, is the way to go.
It’s a simple drink: one shot of espresso with a little bit of foamed milk on top, served in a small glass cup.
The drink is pretty small, usually between 100 and 120ml, which makes it a compact and easy-to-enjoy coffee choice.
A Cortado is all about balance; the coffee and milk are about the same amount. The Cortado is different from a latte, which has a lot of milk and foam, or a macchiato, which has just a little bit of milk.
The milk is there, but it doesn’t take over; it just makes the espresso less sharp.
The word “cortado” means “cut” in Spanish, and that’s exactly what this drink does: it cuts the espresso with the right amount of milk.
- Espresso, 1 shot
- Steamed milk, about the same amount
How to make a Cortado:
- Add about the same amount of steamed milk to one shot of espresso.
- Serve in a small glass cup.
No extra flavors and no sugar overload. Just plain old coffee goodness.
If you’re in a cafe and want something simple with a little kick, the Cortado is a great choice.
It wakes you up without going overboard and has a rich, smooth taste that is just right.
Differences Between Cortado and Americano
Cortado is stronger and smaller, and it focuses on espresso. Americano is bigger, less strong, and has more water in it.
Cafes in Europe love cortado because it adds a little milk to espresso. Americano is a popular choice in the US for people who like their espresso to be less strong.
Key Differences Between Cortado and Americano
- Where it came from:
Cortado: This drink comes from Spain and Portugal. The word “cortado” means that the espresso is “cut” with a little bit of milk.
Americano: American soldiers in Italy made a drink that was like their usual brew by mixing espresso with hot water. - Flavor and Texture:
Cortado: A simple blend of espresso and a little milk. It’s smooth, but the espresso is still in charge.
Americano: Espresso with water added. It’s like a laid-back cousin of espresso. The taste is the same, but it’s not as strong. - The size of the drink:
Cortado: Usually between 100 and 120 ml. Served in a small glass cup. It’s a quick shot of espresso.
An Americano is usually bigger than a Cortado and comes in a cappuccino cup. It’s a drink that takes longer and is more relaxing. - Caffeine and Strength:
Cortado: Stronger because it has less milk. It’s espresso with a little bit of smoothness.
Americano: It’s not as strong as a straight espresso because it’s been watered down. It gives you a milder caffeine high. - Ingredients and getting ready:
Cortado: Add about the same amount of steamed milk to one shot of espresso. This makes a drink with a coffee-to-milk ratio of about 1:1.
Americano: Start with a shot of espresso and then add hot water. You can make the drink stronger or bigger by changing how much water you use. - Cultural Image
Cortado: A more unique choice that is popular in European cafes. For people who like milk with their espresso but don’t want it to taste like milk.
Americano: Very popular, especially in the US. It’s the familiar choice for those who want something closer to traditional coffee but with an espresso base.
FAQ
Is Cortado always double shot?
No, a Cortado isn’t typically made with a double shot of espresso. The classic Cortado recipe calls for a single shot of espresso, which is then balanced with an approximately equal amount of steamed milk.
This 1:1 ratio is what gives the Cortado its distinctive character: a strong espresso flavor that’s softened just enough by the milk, but not diluted.
So, while it’s a strong drink, it’s not because of a double shot of espresso, but rather due to the minimal amount of milk that’s added.
Is a Cortado stronger than a Latte?
Yes, a Cortado is generally stronger than a Latte. The strength we’re talking about here isn’t just in terms of caffeine content, but also in the flavor and texture of the coffee.
In a Cortado, the espresso-to-milk ratio is about 1:1, meaning the espresso is ‘cut’ with a smaller amount of milk compared to a Latte. This results in a more pronounced espresso flavor and a less diluted coffee experience.
On the other hand, a Latte has a larger proportion of milk-to-coffee.
Typically, a Latte contains one shot of espresso (just like a Cortado) but is topped with much more steamed milk and usually some foam.
This higher milk content in a Latte creates a milder, creamier beverage, where the taste of espresso is more subtle and the overall drink is larger, usually served in 240ml (8 oz) or larger cups.
The Final Verdict: The Ultimate Coffee Drink Winner
Picking a winner between Cortado and Americano? It really depends on how you feel about coffee.
Americano wins if you want a milder espresso flavor that you can sip on slowly.
Cortado is the drink for you if you want a strong espresso flavor with a little bit of milk to smooth it out.
So, who’s the winner? It’s all about what you’re in the mood for – a milder, leisurely Americano, or a quick, robust Cortado.
Each has its own charm and die-hard fans.