We Tried Starbucks' New Cortado, And It's An Authentic Must-Have

What is a cortado?

A cortado is a unique and technically demanding espresso beverage that hails from Spain's Basque Country. When prepared correctly, it boasts a creamy, smooth, and delightful flavor. The term "cortado" is derived from the Spanish word for "cut," reflecting how the strong espresso is softened with steamed milk, achieving a harmonious balance. This drink occupies a space between an espresso macchiato and a cappuccino, yet it doesn't fully align with either. A cortado features a 1-to-1 ratio of milk to espresso, unlike many other espresso beverages that typically have a greater proportion of one ingredient over the other.

Additionally, it is served in a smaller size without any froth on top and traditionally uses whole milk. While it is often associated with various customizations, Starbucks offers cortados exclusively in an 8-ounce hot version to preserve the drink's authenticity. The beverage should fill the entire cup, and in some coffee shops, it may even be presented in a Gibraltar glass, which is sometimes simply called a "Gibraltar."

What do the Starbucks cortados taste like?

Starbucks is launching two new cortados: a classic version made with whole milk and a Brown Sugar Oat Milk variant. I had the opportunity to sample both during a tasting event. Each drink features three ristretto shots of Starbucks' Blonde Espresso, which uses less water and results in a sweeter flavor profile. The traditional cortado is made with whole milk, while the Brown Sugar Oat Milk Cortado substitutes the whole milk for its namesake non-dairy alternative.

I found the traditional cortado to be bold yet subtly sweet. It was well-balanced and easy to enjoy, with just a hint of espresso bitterness. As someone who typically prefers a higher milk-to-coffee ratio, I was pleasantly surprised by how the cortado still delivered the warmth of freshly brewed coffee along with the creaminess of the milk.

That said, I must highlight how much I loved the Brown Sugar Oat Milk version — it truly resonated with my inner Caramel Brulee Latte enthusiast. While definitely sweeter, it felt like a delightful treat, reminiscent of a Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tart in liquid form. This version includes brown sugar syrup and cinnamon, topped off with a sprinkle of cinnamon. While I savored the traditional cortado, I found myself eagerly gulping down the Brown Sugar variant. As a regular oat milk drinker, I appreciated Starbucks' consideration for its non-dairy customers.

How are Starbucks cortados made?

The simplest way to prepare a cortado is by using an espresso machine, which is the method employed in Starbucks locations nationwide. This guarantees that the espresso is brewed fresh at the ideal temperature, while the milk is steamed correctly (between 130 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit) without scorching. During a tasting at Starbucks, I noticed that the milk was generously tapped and swirled in the pitcher before being added to the espresso, helping to remove any large air bubbles. While it is possible to make a cortado without specialized equipment, having the right tools certainly makes the process easier. The espresso is poured into the cup first, followed by the milk on top.

From my personal experience, the Starbucks cortado closely resembles the traditional version served internationally. Of course, the Brown Sugar Oat Milk variant has a different flavor profile, but it still somewhat resembles a cortadito, which is a cortado sweetened with condensed milk or sugar, often with a hint of cinnamon or vanilla.

Starbucks cortado availability and nutritional information

Starting January 3, 2025, both the classic cortado and the Brown Sugar Oat Milk Cortado will be available on Starbucks' new winter menu. Alongside these offerings, customers can look forward to the certified vegan Spicy Falafel Pocket and Single Origin Ethiopia Whole Bean Coffee. Additionally, patrons will soon have the option to customize the sweetness level of their matcha drinks, while the Pistachio Latte and Pistachio Cream Cold Brew will make a limited-time return.

The traditional cortado, made with whole milk, contains roughly 70 calories, 3.5 grams of fat (including 2.2 grams of saturated fat), 5.9 grams of carbohydrates, and 3.8 grams of protein. When opting for the Brown Sugar Oat Milk Cortado, the calorie count increases to 94, while the fat content decreases to 2.5 grams (with only 0.3 grams of saturated fat). This version also has 16.5 grams of carbohydrates and a reduced protein content of 1.1 grams.

Final thoughts on Starbucks cortados

In general, I found both versions of the cortado enjoyable, though I have a particular fondness for the Brown Sugar Oat Milk Cortado, as I mentioned earlier. This drink serves as a pleasant midday boost, striking a balance between the bitter strength of an Americano and the creaminess of a full latte. I would definitely order either option again when I'm in the mood for something different from a cappuccino. During the fall and winter, I also tend to indulge in my usual holiday favorites, like the Pumpkin Spice Latte, and the Brown Sugar Oat Milk Cortado makes a fantastic addition to that lineup. It offers a similar flavor profile but feels a bit more distinctive, and it’s lighter without the heaviness of the milk I typically enjoy.

I believe that hearing from Starbucks baristas about the consistent requests for cortados from international and tourist customers strongly supports their inclusion on the menu. For me, coffee is all about comfort, and in many cultures, it represents community and family. If a drink can broaden the horizons of coffee enthusiasts or evoke feelings of home while providing a moment of solace, especially during the coldest months, it’s definitely worth having. Starbucks set out to recreate a classic, along with a sweet twist, and they succeeded beautifully.