There are so many espresso-based drinks that it’s easy to get them mixed up, especially when it comes to cocktails like macchiatos and cortados.
Both are popular with coffee lovers, but what makes them different?
I promise that at the conclusion of this piece, you’ll not only know what makes these two coffee drinks different, but you’ll also know how to order like a pro.
We’ll look at the different tastes, where they come from, and even their cultural importance that make each drink special.
Let’s get this party started!
A Quick Look at Cortado and Macchiato
You can have different coffee experiences with cortado and macchiato. Cortado is a pleasant, mellow drink made with a balanced mix of espresso and steamed milk. Macchiato, short and to the point, delivers you a strong espresso hit with a little foam on top. If you want a milder touch, go with cortado. If you want a strong espresso flavor, go with macchiato.
Cortado
You might not always see cortado on the main board, but when you do, it’s a hint that the coffee shop takes its espresso seriously.
The cortado is a simple drink with no extras.
It’s what you get when you want more than a macchiato but don’t want a cappuccino yet.
It’s basically equal parts espresso and steamed milk, with each one being about one and a half to two ounces.
This easy mix makes a drink that has the power of the espresso but is softened by the milk, which lowers the acidity and makes it easy to consume.
The cortado is a drink that people in Spain and Portugal like. It’s for people who like the full flavor of espresso but not the bitterness.
It’s espresso that’s been tamed and toned down, and it’s a great choice for your daily coffee.
Macchiato
The word “macchiato” might be confusing in the coffee world because its meaning changes from location to place.
The original espresso macchiato is really simple: it’s just a shot of espresso with a little bit of steamed milk on top to “stain” it.
If you order a macchiato without any more words, this is what you’ll usually get.
But there are some new things about the classic. Some cafes might provide a double shot, which is a bigger version of the original. It’s called a double or long macchiato.
And then there’s the milk. A real macchiato only includes a little bit of milk, but other variations add extra, making it more like a little latte.
In the latte macchiato, milk is the main flavor and espresso is the accent.
There are layers to it. The heated milk makes up the bottom layer, the properly poured shot of espresso makes up the middle layer, and the foam makes up the top layer.
The Starbucks caramel macchiato is a very sweet drink made with espresso, milk, caramel, and vanilla syrup. The caramel drizzle is what makes it a “macchiato.”
Some Important Differences Between Cortado and Macchiato
1. Where it came from
The cortado is a popular coffee drink in Spain and Portugal, where it has been for years.
The concept behind this drink is to cut through the powerful taste of espresso with just the appropriate amount of warm milk.
The macchiato, on the other hand, comes from Italy.In Italy, “macchiato” means “stained” or “spotted,” which is exactly what the drink is: espresso “stained” with a splash of milk.
Both drinks come from Europe, yet they taste and look different because of their unique cultural backgrounds.
The cortado is all about balance and harmony, while the macchiato is all about giving a delicate touch to a strong espresso.
2. Flavor and Feel
You will notice that a cortado is silky when you drink it. The warm milk makes the espresso less strong.
Not too thick or creamy, just nice and soft. If you try a macchiato, though, it’s a different story.
With just a dot of milk, the espresso is the star. It’s strong, a little sharp, and definitely for people who adore the taste of coffee.
There isn’t much milk in it, therefore the texture is lighter as well.
In short, a cortado is like a soft hug for your taste senses, whereas a macchiato is more like a tap on the shoulder to wake you up.
3. The Size of the Drink
One thing to think about while choosing between a cortado and a macchiato is how big the drink is.
A cortado is normally served in a tiny glass and is made out of equal parts espresso and warm milk.
This makes it a little bigger than a macchiato, which is essentially simply a shot of espresso with a little bit of milk, usually only a teaspoon.
The macchiato is the best choice if you want a quick cup of coffee. The cortado is a better choice if you want something to sip on for a little longer.
4. Caffeine and Strength
A regular cortado has one shot of espresso in it, which usually has about 63 milligrams of caffeine.
The cortado has the same amount of caffeine as the espresso and milk, but the milk makes it less intense.
A typical macchiato, on the other hand, also starts with a single shot of espresso, so it has the same amount of caffeine as a cortado—about 63 milligrams.
But a macchiato has only a small quantity of milk, so the drink is smaller and the caffeine taste is stronger.
If you choose a double shot in either drink, you’ll get twice as much caffeine, which is roughly 126 milligrams.
5. Getting ready and the things you need
To make a cortado:
◯ 1 shot espresso (approximately 1.5 to 2 ounces)
◯ 1.5 to 2 ounces steamed milk
- You pour the same quantity of steamed milk into a shot of espresso. That’s all.
- You get a drink that is half espresso and half milk.
To make a macchiato:
◯ 1 shot espresso
◯ A small bit of milk (approximately 1 teaspoon)
- You just add a small bit of milk to a shot of espresso to make it a little less sharp.
The cortado is made up of two main parts: espresso and milk. The macchiato, on the other hand, is largely strong espresso with a dot of milk on top.
6. Cultural Image
In Spain, where people like their coffee smooth and balanced, the cortado comes from. It’s a drink that you can enjoy at any time of day, but it’s especially good in the morning or afternoon.
The macchiato, on the other hand, is Italian. You love a robust shot of espresso with just a touch of milk.
People generally drink it as a quick pick-me-up that gives them energy and may be enjoyed on the run or after a meal.
The cortado’s image is about taking a moment to pause, while the macchiato’s is about enjoying the boldness of life, one sip at a time.
Questions and Answers
Is a flat white the same as a cortado?
A flat white is not the same as a cortado. A flat white usually contains more milk and is created with microfoam, which makes it seem smooth.
It also comes in a bigger cup, so it’s a greater drink overall than the smaller, stronger cortado, which has a more even mix of espresso and milk.
What is the point of serving a cortado with sparkling water?
Cortados are commonly served with sparkling water since it helps clear your taste receptors.
This makes it simpler to enjoy the strong flavors of the espresso when you drink it. It’s like pushing the reset button on your taste buds between sips.
Is a macchiato the same thing as a piccolo?
No, a piccolo and a macchiato are not the same thing.
A piccolo, which is short for “piccolo latte,” is a little glass of espresso with steamed milk on top.
It has more milk than coffee than a macchiato, which is usually just an espresso with a little milk foam on top.
The Final Decision: The Best Coffee Drink Winner
In short, the main distinctions between a cortado and a macchiato are how much milk is in them and how strong the espresso is.
A cortado is a good choice if you want a less strong coffee with a good mix of milk and espresso.
The macchiato is the drink for you if you like strong espresso with a touch of milk.
Now that you know more, why not go to your local coffee shop and see how well you can use what you’ve learned?
Get a cortado or a macchiato and enjoy the difference!