A cortado is a small, strong drink — espresso "cut" with just enough warm milk to soften its edge, without turning it into a latte. One ZIPURE capsule and two to three ounces of milk is the entire recipe.
What Makes a Cortado Different
The name comes from the Spanish word cortar, "to cut," referring to how the milk cuts the espresso's intensity rather than diluting it the way a latte's larger milk ratio does. Because the milk ratio here is so much lower than a latte's, the coffee itself carries most of the flavor in the finished drink — there's simply less milk to hide behind. That makes the capsule's own character the deciding factor: Always Smooth Black keeps it bright, Never Bitter Shot keeps it bold, and both hold up in a drink this concentrated.
How to Make a Cortado at Home
Ingredients
— 1 ZIPURE capsule (Always Smooth Black or Never Bitter Shot)
— 2–3 oz milk or milk alternative
Steps
1. Warm the milk until just hot, not boiling.
2. Drop the capsule in.
3. Stir gently until dissolved.
Three steps and a small glass — the entire point of a cortado is that it doesn't need to be more complicated than that.
Tips for a Balanced Cortado
— Keep the milk ratio low. Two to three ounces is the range that keeps it a cortado rather than drifting into small-latte territory.
— Warm gently. The milk should be hot, not boiling or frothed to a latte-style microfoam — a cortado is meant to be flat and smooth.
— Serve it small. A cortado is traditionally served in a small glass, which keeps the ratio visually honest as well as in taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "cortado" mean?
It comes from the Spanish word cortar, meaning "to cut" — referring to the milk cutting the espresso's sharpness.
How is a cortado different from a latte?
A cortado uses roughly equal parts espresso and milk, while a latte uses far more milk relative to coffee — making the cortado smaller and considerably stronger.
Should the milk be frothed for a cortado?
No — a cortado is traditionally flat, warmed milk rather than the steamed, frothy microfoam used in a latte or cappuccino.
Can I make a cortado with a milk alternative?
A: Yes — oat or soy milk both work, though the ratio stays the same regardless of which milk you use.
