Starbucks Cortado: Espresso magic, steamed milk – a hidden gem
Amidst the ever-growing menu of Starbucks beverages, there’s a hidden gem that often gets overlooked: the cortado. This Starbucks Cortado Spanish-inspired coffee drink is the perfect balance between the bold richness of espresso and the smoothness of steamed milk.
While it may not be as well-known as the PSL or the Frappuccino, the cortado deserves a spot in the limelight for its unique flavor profile and sophisticated yet accessible appeal.
The Perfect Balance of Espresso and Steamed Milk
The Espresso Base
At the heart of every cortado lies a shot of rich, aromatic espresso. Starbucks takes great pride in its signature espresso blend, carefully roasted to achieve a bold flavor of caramel. This espresso base serves as the foundation for the cortado, providing an intense coffee experience.
The Steamed Milk Component
Starbucks baristas are trained to steam the milk to perfection, creating a smooth, silky microfoam that gently envelops the espresso without overpowering its flavor. This harmonious marriage of espresso and steamed milk is what makes the cortado a true hidden gem.
Cortado vs. Other Coffee Classics
Let’s distinguish the Cortado from some other well-known coffee drinks:
| Coffee Drink | Espresso Shots | Steamed Milk (oz) | Foam | Cup Size (oz) |
| Cortado | 2 | 2 | Minimal | 4 |
| Latte | 1-2 | Varies | Yes | 8-16 |
| Cappuccino | 1-2 | 5 | Yes | 6 |
| Macchiato | 2 | 1-2 | Yes | 3 |
Starbucks Cortado Variations
In the United States, Starbucks doesn’t officially list the Cortado on its menu. Nevertheless, you can enjoy a Cortado-like experience by customizing your order:
| Customization | Espresso Shots | Steamed Milk (oz) | Foam | Cup Size (oz) |
| Double Espresso with Steamed Milk | 2 | 2 | Minimal | 8 |
| Short Flat White | 2 | Varies | Minimal | 8 |
| Short Triple Shot Flat White or Latte | 3 | 4-5 | Minimal | 8 |
| Short Quad Shot Latte | 4 | Varies | Minimal | 8 |
| Doppio Espresso Macchiato Wet | 2 | 2-4 | Yes | 8 |
Starbucks Cortado Nutritional Insights
A short serving of Starbucks Cortado contains approximately;-
In its classic form, the Cortado is free of sugar. Additionally, your choice of milk (whole, skimmed, or semi-skimmed) can alter the nutritional profile.
You can also use our free comprehensive and simple Starbucks Calories Calculator to measure calories in your favorite Starbucks drinks.
Creating Your Cortado
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to recreate the Cortado at home, follow these simple steps:
| Steps | Instructions |
| 1. Pull 2 shots of espresso using an espresso machine. | Ensure the shots are of high quality and robust flavor. |
| 2. Steam 4 ounces of lightly textured milk, the same way you would for a latte. | Maintain a perfect balance of foam and milk texture. |
| 3. Gently pour 2 ounces of milk into your espresso. | Aim for a seamless fusion of espresso and milk. |
Remember, steaming a small quantity of milk (2 ounces) can be challenging, so froth at least 4 ounces to prevent burning the milk.
Starbucks, as a renowned coffeehouse, effortlessly handles this challenge by extracting multiple espressos and steaming ample milk.
Storing Your Homemade Cortado
The typical size of cortados is four or six ounces. Saving some for later is a practical option if you make them in larger quantities.
If you want to store your homemade Cortado, let it cool and then place it in the refrigerator. Despite the milk content, you can make a refreshing iced Cortado by blending it and adding some ice.
Why the Cortado Is a Hidden Gem
One of the reasons the cortado is a hidden gem is its ability to appeal to both coffee enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. The cortado can be described as the “Goldilocks” of coffee drinks – not too strong, not too milky, but just right.
The cortado offers a sophisticated and complex flavor profile that showcases the artistry of espresso-making. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee connoisseur or simply looking for a new and exciting beverage to try, the cortado is sure to delight
Conclusion
In the ever-expanding world of coffee beverages, the Starbucks Cortado stands out as a true hidden gem. With its perfect balance of bold espresso and velvety steamed milk, this Spanish-inspired drink offers a sophisticated yet approachable coffee experience. You might just discover a new favorite that will leave you wondering why you haven’t been savoring the cortado all along.
Hey, I am Barbara!
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