Ratio & Matter
- Espresso machine
- Coffee grinder
- Milk pitcher
- Tamper
- Small glass (120–150 ml / 4–5 oz)
Apparatus
- Moka pot or AeroPress for strong coffee
- Microwave or stovetop for heating milk
- French press or jar for frothing milk
- You can still achieve a good cortado without professional café tools.
Learn how to make a smooth cortado at home using simple ingredients, basic tools, and easy step-by-step instructions for one perfect serving.
The Process
Prepare the Espresso: Grind coffee beans using a fine espresso grind. Add 18–20 g of coffee into the portafilter and tamp evenly. Brew a double shot espresso with a yield of 30–35 ml and an extraction time of 25–30 seconds. Pour directly into your serving glass.
Heat and Texture the Milk: Heat milk to 55–65°C, which is hot but not boiling. Create a smooth texture with very small bubbles. The milk should look glossy, not foamy. If you do not have a steamer, heat milk and shake it in a jar or pump it in a French press.
Combine Espresso and Milk: Pour the warm milk slowly into the espresso using a 1:1 ratio. Use equal parts milk and espresso to keep the drink balanced. Avoid creating thick foam because a cortado focuses on smooth texture.