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Cortado hails from the Spanish verb ‘cortar,’ which means ‘to cut’ — a nod to how the drink’s bold espresso is ‘cut’ with the perfect splash of steamed milk. In true coffee aficionado fashion, the emergence of the Starbucks Cortado on the global coffee giant’s menu is a testament to the ever-evolving tastes and preferences of its discerning patrons.
Table of Contents
How to make Starbucks Cortado
A Starbucks Cortado is a coffee drink that typically consists of equal parts espresso and steamed milk. The milk is usually steamed to a velvety texture but not as frothy as in a cappuccino or latte. This balance of espresso and milk creates a smoother, more balanced flavor profile, which is less intense than a straight espresso but still rich in coffee flavor.
Ingredients:
- Espresso Beans: A good quality, freshly roasted bean is crucial. Starbucks uses its Blonde Espresso for Cortados, which is lighter and slightly sweeter, but feel free to choose your favorite espresso blend.
- Whole Milk: For the closest texture to what is served at Starbucks, whole milk is recommended due to its fat content which produces silky, rich foam.
Equipment:
- Espresso Machine: Any machine that can pull a good shot of espresso will work.
- Milk Frother/Pitcher: Needed for steaming and frothing the milk to get that creamy consistency.
- Coffee Grinder: Freshly ground beans make the best espresso.
- Scale or Measuring Spoon: For precise measurement of coffee beans.
- Cup: An 8-ounce cup works well, reflecting the traditional serving size of a Cortado.
Instructions:
- Grind the Coffee: Measure out about 18-20 grams of your espresso beans and grind them fine, about the consistency of table salt. This is key for extracting full flavor.
- Pull the Espresso: Load the finely-ground coffee into your espresso machine’s portafilter. Tamp it down firmly and evenly. Pull three ristretto shots directly into your 8-ounce cup. Ristretto shots are pulled short, using less water for a richer, more concentrated espresso.
- Steam the Milk: While your espresso is being pulled, start steaming your milk. Use about 2-3 ounces of whole milk. The goal is to aim for steamed milk that is not too frothy or airy – it should have the consistency of wet paint, which blends seamlessly with the espresso.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the steamed milk over the espresso in the cup, allowing the milk to mix well with the espresso while retaining a small amount of foam on top.
- Enjoy: Savor your homemade Cortado right away for the best experience.
Tips for Perfection:
- Espresso Quality: The espresso shot is the hero in a Cortado. For the best shot quality, ensure your espresso machine is clean and well-maintained.
- Milk Temperature: Be cautious not to overheat the milk. Aim for steaming until it reaches about 140-150°F (60-65°C). Overheating can burn the milk, altering its sweetness.
- Bean Choice: While Starbucks uses Blonde Espresso for a lighter, sweeter cortado, experimenting with different espresso roasts can help you customize your cortado to your taste palette.
- Practice Your Pour: The pour can influence the final texture and temperature of the Cortado. Practice pouring the milk from a low height and with a steady hand to integrate it smoothly with the espresso.
What to serve with
Enjoying a Starbucks Cortado can be a delightful experience, especially when paired with the perfect accompaniment.
Sweet Pairings:
- Croissants: A classic choice, the buttery layers of a croissant can contrast pleasantly with the rich, bold flavors of a Cortado. Whether plain, chocolate-filled, or almond-topped, croissants are a foolproof companion to your coffee.
- Biscotti: These Italian biscuits are made for coffee dipping. Their crunchy texture and nutty flavor, often with hints of almond or chocolate, complement the smooth and intense espresso.
- Coffee Cake: A slice of moist coffee cake with a cinnamon crumble topping is an excellent match for the creamy Cortado. The subtle spice brings out the espresso’s richness.
Savory Pairings:
- Quiche: A small slice of quiche, whether Lorraine or filled with spinach and feta, offers a savory balance that goes wonderfully with the mild sweetness of the Cortado’s milk.
- Ham and Cheese Croissant: This warm, savory pastry adds a satisfying, hearty element to your coffee break, making it a more substantial meal.
- Avocado Toast: For a healthier pairing, try toast topped with a poached egg. The creaminess of the avocado and the richness of the egg yolk enhance the Cortado’s flavors.
Sweet and Savory Fusion:
- Dark Chocolate Orange Scones: Combining both sweet and tangy elements, these scones offer a zest that can cut through the creamy Cortado, creating a refreshing palate experience.
- Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tartlets: The sweetness of the onions and the tanginess of the goat cheese provide a complex flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the straightforward gusto of the Cortado.
Ingredients Substitutes
A Starbucks Cortado is a balanced, intense coffee experience. It combines equal parts espresso with steamed milk to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Suppose you aim to replicate this coffee at home but find yourself missing some ingredients or needing alternatives due to dietary restrictions or taste preferences. In that case, there are numerous substitutes you can use to create a delicious beverage still.
Espresso
- Strong-Brewed Coffee: If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can substitute very strong-brewed coffee. Consider using a French press or a Moka pot to achieve a concentrated flavor similar to espresso.
- Instant Espresso Powder: Another quick alternative is instant espresso powder. While not quite the same, it can give you the needed concentrated coffee flavor.
Milk
- Lactose-Free Milk: For lactose intolerant people, lactose-free milk offers the same creamy texture and flavor without the digestive discomfort.
- Oat Milk: Starbucks offers oat milk as an alternative, which is a great option for vegans or those with dairy allergies. Oat milk steams well and creates a creamy texture similar to cow’s milk.
- Almond Milk: Another dairy-free option is almond milk, though it’s slightly less creamy than oat milk. It can add a subtle nutty flavor that pairs well with the bitterness of espresso.
- Soy Milk: Soy milk is a classic dairy substitute that steams fairly well, making it a good option for a Cortado. It adds a slight sweetness and creaminess to the drink.
- Coconut Milk: For a tropical twist, coconut milk can be used. Its unique flavor profile adds an interesting dimension to the Cortado, though it may not steam like other milk alternatives.
Sweeteners (Optional)
While a traditional Starbucks Cortado does not include sweeteners, adding a touch of sweetness can help balance the intense espresso for those with a sweeter palate.
- Agave Syrup: It’s a natural sweetener that dissolves easily in both hot and cold beverages, making it an excellent substitute for sugar.
- Honey: Honey is another great natural sweetener, though its distinct flavor might slightly alter the taste of the Cortado.
- Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a low-calorie option, Stevia or monk fruit sweeteners are ideal. They are much sweeter than sugar, so a little goes a long way.
Flavor Add-Ins (Optional)
While not traditional in a Cortado, some may enjoy adding flavors to mimic Starbucks’ seasonal or flavored offerings.
- Vanilla Extract: A drop or two of vanilla extract can add a subtle sweetness and flavor complexity.
- Cocoa Powder: For a hint of chocolate, mix a small amount of cocoa powder with the espresso before adding the milk.
- Cinnamon or Nutmeg: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of your Cortado can add a warm, spiced note that’s especially enjoyable in colder months.
Final Thoughts
By following these steps and tips, you can enjoy a Starbucks Cortado without ever needing to leave your home. It’s all about the balance of strong espresso cut with just the right amount of creamy milk.
More Starbucks Recipes:
- Copycat Starbucks Caffè Misto Recipe
- Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino Recipe
- Starbucks Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte Recipe
- Copycat Starbucks Toffee Nut Latte Recipe
- How to make Starbucks Veranda Blend
Ingredients
- Espresso Beans
- Whole Milk
Instructions
- Grind the Coffee: Measure out about 18-20 grams of your espresso beans and grind them fine, about the consistency of table salt. This is key for extracting full flavor.
- Pull the Espresso: Load the finely-ground coffee into your espresso machine’s portafilter. Tamp it down firmly and evenly. Pull three ristretto shots directly into your 8-ounce cup. Ristretto shots are pulled short, using less water for a richer, more concentrated espresso.
- Steam the Milk: While your espresso is being pulled, start steaming your milk. Use about 2-3 ounces of whole milk. The goal is to aim for steamed milk that is not too frothy or airy – it should have the consistency of wet paint, which blends seamlessly with the espresso.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the steamed milk over the espresso in the cup, allowing the milk to mix well with the espresso while retaining a small amount of foam on top.
- Enjoy: Savor your homemade Cortado right away for the best experience.
