The origin of the cortado explained
Like much of food history, the precise beginnings of the cortado can be somewhat unclear. This beverage first emerged in Spain's Basque region and gradually spread throughout the Iberian Peninsula, into Latin America, and eventually gained traction in the United States. The Spanish verb "cortar," meaning "to cut," reflects the essence of the cortado; the added milk softens the espresso's bitterness and acidity while preserving the coffee's rich flavors and subtle tasting notes.
The cortado's origins are further complicated by its history in the United States. Although it has been enjoyed in Spain since the early 20th century, it only began to gain popularity in the U.S. in the early 21st century. It is widely believed that the drink made its way to San Francisco, where a coffee roaster named Steve Ford crafted a beverage strikingly similar to a cortado, served in a distinctive 4 ½ ounce glass. This glass, produced by the Libbey brand, was known as a Gibraltar. As a result, the drink became commonly referred to as a Gibraltar, and today, in many parts of the United States, the two terms are used interchangeably.
What makes a cortado unique
The majority of espresso beverages revolve around specific ratios, the method of heating milk, and the resulting texture. Many drinks require milk to be steamed and aerated. During this process, steam mixes with the milk, creating warm milk with a smooth, silky texture and a layer of milk foam. In a cappuccino, both steamed milk and foam are utilized, with the steamed milk forming the base and the foam providing a classic finish. While these techniques are standard in espresso drinks, the cortado distinguishes itself by not following this approach.
The size of a cortado can vary depending on the location, but it typically consists of one or two shots of espresso combined with a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio of coffee to milk. However, the milk is not steamed to the point of altering its texture; it is simply warmed gently. This warm milk can be added to the espresso without cooling it down, enhancing the natural flavors of the coffee. Milk contains a slight natural sweetness due to its lactose content, and when steamed, that lactose breaks down into simpler sugars, resulting in a sweeter taste. The absence of additional sweetness or foam is what makes a cortado unique, setting it apart from similar drinks like the cortadito, which includes sugar or sweetened condensed milk.
How to drink a cortado, and what to pair it with
A cortado is best enjoyed while it's still warm. This can be tricky, as its large surface area and small volume mean it cools quickly. It's not meant to be consumed in one gulp, but you also won't be waiting half an hour or for all your friends to arrive before you take a sip.
While it may be tempting to pair a cortado with a sweet treat—many espresso drinks complement desserts like cake, flan, or biscotti beautifully—it's advisable to skip the sugary sides with a cortado. Since the milk is only gently heated and designed to keep the espresso from becoming overly sweet, having a sweet snack alongside can make the drink taste bitter in comparison. A savory accompaniment works much better, making it an excellent choice for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up with a quick snack.
Can you order a cortado at Starbucks?
Most local coffee shops are usually happy to prepare a cortado for you, even if you need to explain what it is. However, there are times when you're out and about, craving that caffeine boost, and the only option you find is a Starbucks. Given the confusion surrounding the macchiato at independent coffee shops due to Starbucks' version, it's understandable to be uncertain about the availability of specialty espresso drinks there.
If you're in the United Kingdom, you can order a cortado at Starbucks, as it is part of their menu. However, it may not be a popular choice, so baristas might not be familiar with it. It's worth mentioning that Starbucks' cortado consists of two shots of espresso and has a 1:2 coffee-to-milk ratio, resulting in a longer six-ounce drink. In the United States, the cortado is not included on the Starbucks menu. A barista might be willing to make it for you as a special request if the line isn't too long, but unfortunately, there's no guarantee.
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