Cortado vs Piccolo: Comparing Two Popular Espresso Drinks
In the world of coffee, small drinks often pack the biggest punch. Enter the cortado and the piccolo – two espresso-based beverages that are loved by coffee enthusiasts worldwide. Despite their similar appearance, these mini coffee marvels have distinct flavors, origins, and preparation methods.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Which one should I try – cortado or piccolo?” you’re in the right place! In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences, explore their unique characteristics, and help you decide which one suits your coffee preference best. Whether you love bold espresso flavors or prefer a creamier sip, this comparison will give you everything you need to know.
Ready to explore? Let’s dive into the details of cortado vs piccolo and find your perfect coffee match! ☕✨
What is a Cortado?
A cortado is a balanced espresso drink that blends equal parts of espresso and steamed milk. The word cortado comes from Spanish, meaning “cut,” referring to how the milk “cuts” the espresso’s acidity.
Key Features of a Cortado
- Origin: Spain
- Ingredients: Espresso + steamed milk (1:1 ratio)
- Serving Size: 4-6 oz
- Flavor Profile: Smooth, bold, and balanced
- Texture: Less foamy than a latte, with a velvety consistency
How is a Cortado Served?
A cortado is traditionally served in a small glass or cup (4-6 oz), making it larger than a straight espresso shot but smaller than a latte. Since it has equal parts milk and espresso, the milk softens the espresso’s intensity without overpowering it.
Why Choose a Cortado?
- If you love a strong espresso flavor with just a hint of creaminess
- If you prefer a less foamy texture than a cappuccino or latte
- If you want a quick, satisfying coffee without too much milk
What is a Piccolo?
A piccolo latte is a small but flavorful coffee drink made with a single ristretto shot and topped with steamed milk. The word piccolo means “small” in Italian, and this drink is often called a “baby latte” due to its size and creamy texture.
Key Features of a Piccolo
- Origin: Australia
- Ingredients: Ristretto shot + steamed milk (1:2 or 1:3 ratio)
- Serving Size: 3-4 oz
- Flavor Profile: Creamy, slightly sweet, and smooth
- Texture: Silky microfoam with a balanced taste
How is a Piccolo Served?
A piccolo is typically served in a small 3-4 oz glass, making it smaller than a cortado. The ristretto shot (a more concentrated and less bitter espresso) creates a naturally sweeter taste, making this drink an excellent choice for those who love a smoother, milky coffee without the bitterness.
Why Choose a Piccolo?
- If you enjoy a creamier, milk-forward espresso drink
- If you prefer a slightly sweeter and less intense coffee
- If you want a quick, velvety coffee sip that isn’t too strong
Now that we’ve covered both drinks, let’s break down their key differences in a simple comparison table. 👇
Key Differences Between Cortado and Piccolo
While both cortado and piccolo are small espresso drinks with milk, their differences lie in their espresso base, milk ratio, and overall flavor.
| Feature | Cortado | Piccolo |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso Base | Standard espresso shot | Ristretto shot |
| Milk Ratio | 1:1 (equal parts espresso and milk) | 1:2 or 1:3 (more milk, less coffee) |
| Serving Size | 4-6 oz | 3-4 oz |
| Flavor | Stronger, balanced | Creamier, slightly sweeter |
| Texture | Smooth, velvety | Silky microfoam |
| Cultural Roots | Spain | Australia |
| Best for | Espresso lovers who enjoy a strong coffee | Milk lovers who prefer a smooth, mild coffee |
Which One is Stronger?
A cortado has a stronger coffee flavor because of the equal espresso-to-milk ratio. A piccolo, on the other hand, is smoother and slightly sweeter due to the ristretto base and higher milk content.
If you prefer a bolder coffee, go for a cortado. If you like a milky, velvety coffee experience, a piccolo is your best bet!
Now, let’s help you choose the perfect drink based on your preference! 👇
How to Choose: Cortado or Piccolo?
Not sure which one to order? Here’s a quick guide to choosing the right drink based on your taste preferences!
- Choose a Cortado if:
✅ You love a strong espresso taste
✅ You prefer less milk in your coffee
✅ You enjoy a smooth but bold coffee experience - Choose a Piccolo if:
✅ You prefer a creamy, milk-forward coffee
✅ You like a slightly sweeter, smoother espresso
✅ You want a quick, small, but flavorful coffee sip
Both drinks are fantastic options for coffee lovers, so it ultimately comes down to whether you want more espresso intensity (cortado) or a smoother, milkier taste (piccolo).
Want to try making them at home? Here’s how! 👇
How to Make a Cortado and Piccolo at Home
Making a cortado or piccolo at home is easier than you think! All you need is a good espresso machine and some fresh milk.
How to Make a Cortado
1️⃣ Pull a double shot of espresso (around 2 oz).
2️⃣ Steam 2 oz of milk until smooth (no foam).
3️⃣ Pour the milk into the espresso, keeping a 1:1 ratio.
4️⃣ Serve in a 4-6 oz glass and enjoy!
How to Make a Piccolo
1️⃣ Pull a single ristretto shot (about 1-1.5 oz).
2️⃣ Steam 2-3 oz of milk, creating a thin layer of microfoam.
3️⃣ Pour the milk over the ristretto shot.
4️⃣ Serve in a 3-4 oz glass and enjoy!
Both drinks require perfectly extracted espresso and well-steamed milk for the best flavor! Now, let’s look at some fun variations you can try. 👇
Popular Variations and Customizations
Want to experiment with your cortado or piccolo? Try these fun customizations to make them even more delicious!
Cortado Variations
✅ Flavored Cortado: Add vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut syrup for a twist.
✅ Iced Cortado: Pour over ice for a refreshing summer drink.
✅ Alternative Milk Cortado: Use oat, almond, or soy milk for a dairy-free version.
Piccolo Variations
✅ Long Piccolo: Use a double ristretto shot for a stronger coffee kick.
✅ Piccolo Mocha: Add a small amount of chocolate syrup for a sweet touch.
✅ Iced Piccolo: Shake it with ice for a refreshing cold coffee.
Now, where can you find the best cortado and piccolo near you? Let’s find out! 👇
Where to Find the Best Cortado and Piccolo
If you want to experience an authentic cortado or piccolo, here are the best places to look:
☕ Specialty Coffee Shops: These drinks are commonly found in third-wave coffee shops that focus on high-quality espresso.
🌎 Regional Preferences:
- Cortados are popular in Spain, the US, and Latin America.
- Piccolos are a favorite in Australia, New Zealand, and specialty cafes worldwide.
Next time you visit a coffee shop, ask if they serve cortado or piccolo, and give them a try!
Conclusion
Both cortado and piccolo are fantastic espresso-based drinks, but they cater to different coffee preferences.
- A cortado is bold, strong, and balanced, perfect for those who love a full-bodied espresso taste.
- A piccolo is creamy, smooth, and slightly sweet, ideal for milk lovers who enjoy a mild yet flavorful coffee experience.
So, which one should you try?
👉 If you love strong espresso, go for a cortado.
👉 If you prefer a creamier coffee, try a piccolo.
💬 What’s your favorite – cortado or piccolo? Let us know in the comments! 👇
FAQ – Your Coffee Questions Answered
💡 Q: Is a piccolo just a small latte?
🔹 No, a piccolo is made with a ristretto shot, giving it a richer and sweeter taste than a regular latte.
💡 Q: Can I make these drinks without an espresso machine?
🔹 Yes! You can use a Moka pot or AeroPress to create a strong espresso-style base.
💡 Q: Which drink has more caffeine?
🔹 A cortado typically has more caffeine since it uses a double espresso shot, while a piccolo has less caffeine due to its single ristretto shot.
