Cortado vs Cappuccino: What’s the Difference?
If you love coffee, you’ve probably seen both Cortado and Cappuccino on café menus—but what’s the difference? At first glance, they look similar: both are espresso-based, both contain milk, and both come in small cups. But once you take a sip, the contrasts become clear.
A Cortado is smooth, balanced, and espresso-forward, while a Cappuccino is creamy, frothy, and milk-dominated. Choosing between Cortado vs Cappuccino depends on your taste—do you want a strong coffee kick or a velvety, indulgent sip?
In this guide, we’ll break down:
✔ What makes each drink unique (origin, ingredients, taste)
✔ Key differences (milk ratio, foam, strength, size)
✔ When to choose one over the other
✔ How to make them at home
By the end, you’ll know exactly which one suits your coffee cravings. Let’s dive in!
What Is a Cortado? (The Smooth, Bold Espresso Drink)
Origin & History
The Cortado (meaning “cut” in Spanish) comes from Spain, specifically the Basque Country. It was designed to “cut” the intensity of espresso with just enough steamed milk for balance—no excess foam, no sugar needed.
Ingredients & Preparation
- Espresso: 1 shot (about 2 oz)
- Steamed Milk: Equal part (2 oz), lightly textured (almost no foam)
- Serving Size: 4–5 oz, usually in a small glass (sometimes called a Gibraltar)
Taste & Texture
- Flavor: Strong espresso with a touch of creamy sweetness.
- Mouthfeel: Silky-smooth, not frothy.
- Best For: Coffee lovers who want espresso strength without bitterness.
Fun Fact
In some U.S. coffee shops, a Cortado is called a “Gibraltar”—named after the glass it’s traditionally served in!
What Is a Cappuccino? (The Classic Frothy Favorite)
Origin & History
The Cappuccino traces back to Italy, where it became famous for its luxurious foam. The name comes from Capuchin monks, whose brown robes matched the drink’s color.
Ingredients & Preparation
- Espresso: 1 shot (1.5 oz)
- Steamed Milk: 1.5 oz (creamy texture)
- Milk Foam: 1.5 oz (thick, velvety layer)
- Serving Size: 5–6 oz, in a ceramic cup
Taste & Texture
- Flavor: Milder, milk-forward with a light coffee taste.
- Mouthfeel: Ultra-creamy, frothy, and airy.
- Best For: Those who love a milky, comforting coffee experience.
Barista Tip
A perfect cappuccino has microfoam—tiny, silky bubbles—not big, stiff foam.
Key Differences: Cortado vs Cappuccino
| Feature | Cortado | Cappuccino |
|---|---|---|
| Milk Ratio | 1:1 (espresso to milk) | 1:1:1 (espresso:milk:foam) |
| Foam Level | Minimal (almost none) | Thick, pillowy layer |
| Strength | Strong espresso flavor | Milder, milkier taste |
| Size | Smaller (4–5 oz) | Slightly larger (5–6 oz) |
| Origin | Spain | Italy |
Which Is Stronger?
- Cortado = More espresso punch (less milk dilution).
- Cappuccino = Softer, milk-balanced flavor.
Which Has More Milk?
- Cappuccino (more milk + foam).
- Cortado (just enough milk to smooth the espresso).
Which One Should You Choose?
Pick a Cortado If You…
✅ Love a strong, pure espresso taste.
✅ Prefer a smooth, non-frothy texture.
✅ Want a quick, no-fuss coffee.
Pick a Cappuccino If You…
✅ Enjoy a creamy, frothy experience.
✅ Like milk-heavy coffee drinks.
✅ Want a traditional Italian-style coffee.
Still Undecided? Try Both!
- Morning: Cappuccino (creamy start).
- Afternoon: Cortado (espresso pick-me-up).
How to Make Cortado & Cappuccino at Home
Cortado Recipe
- Brew 2 oz espresso.
- Steam 2 oz milk (lightly, no foam).
- Pour milk into espresso. Serve in a small glass.
Cappuccino Recipe
- Brew 1.5 oz espresso.
- Steam 1.5 oz milk + 1.5 oz foam.
- Layer milk, then foam. Dust with cocoa if desired.
Need an espresso machine? Try a Moka Pot for a strong base!
Popular Variations to Try
Cortado Variations
- Gibraltar: Same drink, different glass.
- Leche y Leche: Adds sweetened condensed milk.
Cappuccino Variations
- Iced Cappuccino: Chilled with cold foam.
- Flavored Cappuccino: Vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon.
Conclusion: Which Will You Choose?
Now that you know the differences:
- Cortado = Strong, smooth, espresso-focused.
- Cappuccino = Frothy, creamy, milk-forward.
Final Tip: Try both and see which one fits your coffee mood!
💬 Let’s chat! Do you prefer Cortado or Cappuccino? Comment below!
FAQ’s
Is a cortado stronger than a cappuccino?
Yes, a cortado is stronger than a cappuccino because it has a higher coffee-to-milk ratio and less foam, allowing the espresso flavor to stand out more. A cappuccino is creamier and lighter due to its thick layer of milk foam.
Is a cortado just a small latte?
No, a cortado is not just a small latte. While both contain espresso and milk, a cortado has an equal ratio of espresso to steamed milk, making it stronger and less frothy than a latte.
Is a cortado the same as a flat white?
No, a cortado has an equal ratio of espresso to steamed milk, making it smooth and balanced. A flat white has more milk with a velvety microfoam, resulting in a creamier texture and milder taste.
What drink is closest to a flat white?
The cortado is the closest drink to a flat white, as both have a similar espresso-to-milk ratio and a smooth texture. However, a flat white has slightly more milk with a velvety microfoam, while a cortado is more balanced and less frothy.
