Cortado vs Latte: What’s the Real Difference?

If you’ve ever stood in line at your local coffee shop feeling overwhelmed by the menu, you’re not alone. Among the fancy drink names and customizations, two classic espresso drinks tend to cause confusion: the cortado and the latte. At first glance, they both include espresso and milk. But what really sets them apart? And which one should you order?

Today, let’s dive deep into the cortado vs latte debate, and uncover their rich histories, unique flavor profiles, and ideal uses — with some expert insights from the team at Zulay Kitchen, where we develop and rigorously test coffee products to help you brew the perfect cup at home. Now, let's get into it!

What Is a Cortado

A cortado is a small but strong espresso drink originating from Spain, particularly from the Basque Country. The name comes from the Spanish word cortar, which means "to cut" — fitting because in this drink, warm milk is used to cut the acidity of a double shot of espresso.

• • Cortado ratio: 1:1 (equal parts espresso and steamed milk)
  • Texture: Smooth, velvety, not overly foamy
  • Serving size: 4–6 oz

Cortados are typically served in small glass cups with little to no milk foam. They strike a perfect balance between espresso's bold intensity and milk's creaminess.

What Is a Latte

A latte, short for caffè latte (Italian for "milk coffee"), is a creamy, comforting coffee drink that originated in Italy but became wildly popular in the U.S. and worldwide. Lattes are espresso-based but heavy on steamed milk, making them smooth and mellow.

• • Latte ratio: 1:3 (1 shot espresso to 3 parts steamed milk, plus milk foam)
  • Texture: Creamy, light, frothy top layer
  • Serving size: 8–16 oz

Lattes are often served in larger ceramic mugs and are ideal canvases for flavored syrups (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut) or creative latte art.

Why Trust Us? We’re Coffee Product Experts

Here at Zulay Kitchen, we don’t just drink coffee—we live and breathe it. Our team has tested thousands of espresso drinks while designing and refining our line of coffee tools, including various types of milk frothers (like triple-whisk frothers and rechargeable milk frothers), espresso machines, and even traditional espresso makers.

We believe your at-home coffee should taste just as good as—if not better than—your favorite café. Every product we create goes through rigorous real-world testing, including side-by-side comparisons of drinks like cortados and lattes. So when we say we know the difference? We mean it.

Key Differences Between Cortado and Latte

Ratio of Espresso to Milk

The espresso-to-milk ratio is arguably the most defining characteristic between a cortado and a latte. A cortado uses a 1:1 ratio—equal parts espresso and steamed milk. This creates a strong, bold coffee flavor that’s softened slightly by the milk without diluting the intensity of the espresso. It’s the drink of choice for someone who wants their espresso to shine with just a hint of creaminess.

A latte, on the other hand, is more milk-forward. The typical ratio is 1:3 to 1:5, depending on how it’s prepared. One shot (or double shot) of espresso is combined with significantly more steamed milk, resulting in a milder coffee flavor. The latte is smooth, mellow, and comforting—perfect for those who enjoy a gentler, milkier experience.

Milk Texture

Milk texture is another key differentiator. A cortado uses lightly steamed milk with little to no microfoam. The goal isn’t to create froth but to slightly warm the milk to blend smoothly with the espresso. The texture is thin, almost velvety, and the milk is simply there to tame the espresso’s acidity and boldness.

Lattes, by contrast, feature microfoamed milk, which means the milk is steamed to create a silky, frothy layer. This foam plays a starring role—it creates that luxurious mouthfeel and is often used for latte art. The texture is thicker and creamier, creating a more indulgent drink that coats the palate and enhances the perception of sweetness.

Serving Size

Cortados are small but powerful. Typically served in a 4-ounce (120 ml) glass (often a Gibraltar glass), the small size is intentional—it’s all about balance. You're not sipping on a long drink here; you're getting a quick, refined coffee experience that’s punchy and precise.

Lattes are much larger, ranging from 8 to 16 ounces (240–480 ml) depending on whether it’s served in a café or at home. The size accommodates the extra milk and foam, making it perfect for slow sipping. It's a full-bodied drink meant to be enjoyed leisurely—sometimes with a flavor shot or two.

Taste & Flavor

In terms of flavor, cortados are bold and espresso-forward. The milk softens the edges but doesn’t mask the bean’s flavor. You’ll taste the roast profile, acidity, and nuanced notes of the espresso more clearly. It’s smooth and slightly sweet due to the milk, but not overwhelming. If you love to truly taste your coffee, this is your drink.

Lattes are much smoother and creamier, thanks to the higher milk content. The coffee flavor is still present, but it takes a backseat to the milk's richness. It’s an approachable, cozy drink that’s often used as a base for flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut. The taste is sweeter and more rounded, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler introduction to espresso drinks.

Origin: Where Did These Drinks Come From?

The Cortado has roots in Spain, particularly in the Basque region. It became popular across Portugal and Latin America, with variations like the cortadito in Cuba (which often includes sugar). The Latte, on the other hand, evolved from traditional Italian espresso drinks. Italians have long added milk to espresso, but the latte became an art form (and a global trend) when it hit American coffee culture in the late 20th century. With its larger size and customizability, it’s the perfect drink to sip slowly.

Health Comparison

The cortado is lower in calories and sugar because of its small size and minimal milk. Lattes, while creamier, can become sugar bombs if loaded with syrup.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose a Cortado if: You want a strong, rich coffee flavor with just a touch of milk to cut the acidity. Ideal for quick coffee breaks.
• Choose a Latte if: You prefer a mellow, milk-forward drink that can be customized with flavors. Perfect for a cozy sipping experience.

How to Make a Cortado at Home

Ingredients:

• • 2 shots of espresso 
  • 2 oz steamed milk
  • Optional: Insulated Tumbler with Lid

Instructions:

1. 1. Brew a double shot of espresso using your favorite method.
   2. Steam milk using a milk frother or steam wand until warm (not too frothy).
   3. Pour milk directly into the espresso in a 1:1 ratio.
   4. Serve immediately and enjoy the balance of strength and creaminess.

How to Make a Latte at Home

Ingredients:

• • 1 shot of espresso (or 2 if you like it stronger)
  • 6–8 oz of steamed milk
  • 1 oz of milk foam
  • Optional: Syrup, Plastic Stencils for Latte Art

Instructions:

1. 1. Brew your espresso.
   2. Steam milk with a milk frother. For best results, use our electric milk frother with a steamer to create a creamy milk with a frothy top.
   3. Pour steamed milk slowly over espresso.
   4. Spoon foam on top and add art or syrup if desired.

Final Thoughts: Cortado vs Latte

The cortado and the latte are both delicious in their own right, but they serve very different moods and moments. Whether you’re team bold-and-balanced (cortado) or smooth-and-milky (latte), the most important thing is finding the brew that brings you #kitchenhappiness.

And remember — you don’t need to be a barista to make amazing coffee. With the right tools and a little know-how, you can turn your kitchen into your favorite café.

Coffee Tools to Elevate Your Brew

Looking to recreate these drinks at home? Here are some essentials from Zulay Kitchen, designed to elevate your coffee experience:

• • Zulay Milk Frother – For silky microfoam or whipped perfection in seconds
  • Automatic Espresso Machine or Moka Pot – Choose your brew style, bold and authentic.
  • Frothing Pitcher – For precision pouring and flawless control
  • Premium Latte Art Kit – Turn your drinks into masterpieces

Shop now and bring your coffee game to the next level!

FAQs About Cortado vs Latte

Is a cortado stronger than a latte?

Yes, a cortado is typically stronger. It has a 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk, so the coffee flavor is more concentrated. A latte contains more milk, which mellows out the espresso, making it smoother and creamier with less of that bold, coffee-forward intensity.

Can I make a cortado without an espresso machine?

Absolutely. While espresso machines deliver ideal results, a Moka pot or Aeropress can create a strong coffee base. Heat your milk separately and use a frother to achieve that light, warm consistency.

What milk works best for cortados and lattes?

Whole milk is a barista's favorite—it froths beautifully and adds rich texture. For dairy-free options, oat milk is creamy and froths well, while almond milk has a lighter body. Cortados use lightly steamed milk, while lattes benefit from silky, microfoamed milk for the best texture and flavor.

Is a cortado the same as a flat white?

They’re similar but not the same. A cortado has a 1:1 espresso-to-milk ratio, while a flat white has more milk and a slightly different foam texture. Think of the flat white as a smaller, milkier latte, whereas the cortado leans bolder with a strong espresso presence.

Are lattes healthier than cortados?

Cortados typically have fewer calories and less sugar due to their smaller size. Lattes can be high in calories, especially with added syrups.

Can I add flavors to cortados like I do with lattes?

You can, but it’s less common. Cortados are meant to highlight espresso flavor. A tiny dash of vanilla or cinnamon can work nicely.

Which drink is better for latte art?

The latte wins here. Its larger size and milk foam make it perfect for creative latte art.

Have a favorite between cortado vs. latte? Tell us in the comments and tag us on social @zulay_kitchen with your creations! #kitchenhappiness #CoffeeTime