Cortado vs Flat White: What’s the Real Difference?

When it comes to coffee, countless variations can sometimes make choosing the right one a bit confusing. Among the many types of coffee drinks, cortado and flat white are two popular options that often lead to debates among coffee enthusiasts.

While both drinks involve espresso and milk, their preparation methods and flavor profiles are quite distinct. In this article, we’ll dive into the cortado vs flat white comparison, explore the characteristics of each, and answer some frequently asked questions to clear up any confusion.

What is Cortado?

A cortado is a Spanish-origin coffee drink that combines equal parts espresso and steamed milk, making it a bit stronger than many other espresso-based drinks. Cortado has milk that steamed but not frothy, creating a smooth texture that cuts the intensity of the espresso without overwhelming the flavor.

The key feature of a cortado is the balance between the espresso and the milk, offering a bolder flavor with a rich mouthfeel. Typically, a cortado is served in a small glass (about 4 ounces) to highlight its strong espresso flavor while still mellowing it out with the right amount of milk.

A Cortado is stronger than a flat white, as it contains more espresso relative to milk. The drink’s sharpness comes from the espresso, which retains its bold character but is softened by the equal amount of milk.

Because of its size and milk-to-espresso ratio, a cortado packs a punch in terms of both flavor and caffeine content, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a rich, strong coffee experience without the heaviness of too much milk.

What is Flat White?

The flat white, originating from New Zealand and Australia, has gained global popularity over the years, particularly in coffee chains. Flat white consists of a shot of espresso topped with velvety microfoam—steamed milk with very fine bubbles that create a smooth, creamy texture. A flat white is typically served in a larger cup, around 5 to 6 ounces, which makes it creamier and mellower than the cortado.

Unlike the cortado, the flat white has a higher proportion of milk to espresso, which results in a softer, less intense coffee flavor. The microfoam in a flat white adds to its velvety texture, giving the drink a smooth mouthfeel. Flat whites are often preferred by people who enjoy a more balanced coffee experience with a creamier consistency and a gentler espresso flavor.

Read also: 17 Different Types of Coffee Drinks You Need to Try

Differences Between Cortado and Flat White

While both drinks share a similar base—espresso and milk—the difference between cortado and flat white lies in the milk ratio, texture, and flavor intensity.

1. Milk-to-Espresso Ratio

A cortado uses a 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk, which keeps the flavor of the espresso strong but balanced by the milk. The milk in a cortado is steamed to a silky smooth texture but not frothy, giving it a full-bodied mouthfeel without overpowering the espresso’s sharpness.

A flat white, on the other hand, uses more milk than a cortado, typically around 2:1 or 3:1 (milk to espresso). This creates a much creamier texture and a more subdued coffee flavor. The microfoam adds to the creamy experience, making it less intense compared to a cortado.

2. Texture and Mouthfeel

Cortado has a richer and more robust espresso flavor because of the higher concentration of espresso. The milk’s role is mainly to soften the sharpness without changing the overall flavor too much.

Flat white is known for its velvety texture, thanks to the microfoam. This gives the drink a smoother, creamier consistency, making it less harsh and more mellow in comparison.

3. Size and Presentation

A cortado is generally smaller, served in a 4-ounce glass, allowing the espresso flavor to shine through with a slight touch of milk.

A flat white is typically served in a larger cup (5 to 6 ounces) and has more milk, which results in a creamier, softer experience.

4. Strength and Flavor

A cortado is stronger than a flat white, mainly due to the higher concentration of espresso in relation to the milk. The cortado’s strength makes it ideal for coffee drinkers who prefer a more intense, espresso-forward drink.

A flat white is less intense and is suited for those who enjoy a smoother, creamier texture with a balanced flavor.

Macchiatos, Cortados, and Flat Whites: What’s the Common Thread?

It’s interesting to note that macchiatos, cortados, and flat whites all have unique flavor profiles, mouthfeels, and calorie content even though their ingredients are the same—espresso and milk. The key distinction comes from how the milk is prepared and the ratio of milk to espresso.

• Macchiatos: Typically consist of a shot of espresso “marked” with a small amount of steamed milk, resulting in a much stronger, more concentrated coffee flavor.
• Cortados: Have a 1:1 milk-to-espresso ratio, giving it a stronger flavor than a flat white while still maintaining smoothness.
• Flat Whites: Use more milk and have a velvety microfoam, making the flavor more balanced and creamy.

While each of these drinks shares a common base of espresso and milk, they differ in preparation, texture, and overall drinking experience.

FAQ

1. Is cortado stronger than flat white?

Yes, a cortado is stronger than a flat white due to its higher espresso concentration and lower milk content. This makes it a better option for those who prefer a bolder coffee flavor.

2. Can I get the same flavor profile from a cortado and a flat white?

No, the flavor profiles are different. A cortado has a more intense espresso flavor due to its higher espresso-to-milk ratio, while a flat white is creamier and milder, with a smoother mouthfeel due to the microfoam.

3. Which one has more milk: cortado or flat white?

A flat white has more milk than a cortado. The flat white uses a higher ratio of milk to espresso, resulting in a creamier and less intense coffee flavor.

4. Are cortados and flat whites similar to cappuccinos or lattes?

While both drinks have espresso and milk, cortados and flat whites differ from cappuccinos and lattes in their milk texture and proportions. A cappuccino has more foam than a flat white, and a latte has more milk than both a cortado and a flat white.

Conclusion

In the end, whether you choose a cortado vs flat white depends on your coffee preferences. If you enjoy a bold, strong espresso flavor with just enough milk to balance it out, the cortado is the right choice.

On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, creamier drink with a more balanced flavor, the flat white is your best bet. Understanding the subtle differences between these two drinks will help you make an informed decision the next time you’re in line at your local coffee shop.