Cortado
Caffeine
128 mg
per 4 fl oz
per 120 ml
60-90
0-1 g
Moderate
A standard cortado offers a moderate caffeine level, providing a steady and sustained boost from its two shots of espresso.
A cortado is a Spanish-style coffee drink. It has equal parts espresso and steamed milk. The milk is steamed – not frothed – to balance the coffee’s acidity.
The espresso used in a cortado is strong and concentrated. The steamed milk reduces the bitterness and acidity without making the drink too creamy. This makes the cortado ideal for people who want a coffee with bold flavor but less sharpness.
Espresso: Usually one or two shots, about 1 to 2 ounces.
Steamed milk: The same amount as espresso, gently heated and poured without foam.
The milk in a cortado is steamed carefully. It is heated just enough to mix well with the espresso. Unlike cappuccinos or lattes, cortados do not have thick foam on top.
Caffeine Content By Size
A standard cortado has about 128 mg of caffeine. This comes from 2 shots of espresso. Each shot of espresso has about 64 mg of caffeine. The total caffeine increases with more shots, not by the milk amount.
Here is how caffeine content changes with the number of shots:
| Number of Espresso Shots | Caffeine Content (mg) |
|---|---|
| 1 shot | 64 mg |
| 2 shots (standard cortado) | 128 mg |
| 3 shots | 192 mg |
Some cafes may offer cortados with 3 shots. This increases caffeine but keeps the milk ratio steady.
Core Ingredients Of A Cortado
The espresso and milk ratio is the heart of the cortado. Traditionally a 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk creates the ideal harmony. This means equal parts espresso and steamed milk combine to form a smooth, balanced drink.
Espresso: The base of the drink – providing the rich, bold flavor and a concentrated caffeine kick. It is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans, extracting intense flavors and oils.
Steamed Milk: Added to cut the espresso’s acidity and create a smooth texture. The milk is warmed and slightly frothed but not as thick or foamy as in a cappuccino.
The 1:1 ratio keeps the cortado strong but smooth. Milk reduces the sharpness of espresso without hiding its flavor.
Nutritional Facts At A Glance
A cortado is a great option for those who want a coffee with fewer calories and fat. It combines espresso with a small amount of milk, which keeps calories low but adds a creamy texture. The calorie content varies depending on the type of milk used.
- Calories: A cortado made with whole milk typically has 60-90 calories.
- Fat: It contains about 4 grams of fat.
- Carbohydrates: Usually around 4 grams.
- Protein: Provides approximately 3 grams of protein.
Choosing 2% or skim milk lowers the calorie count significantly. A cortado made with 2% or skim milk can have 30-50 calories, making it a lighter choice.