What is a cortado?
A cortado is an espresso-based drink made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, creating a balanced strength between a full-strength shot and a milk-forward drink.
The cortado starts with a single or double shot of espresso cut with approximately the same volume of warm milk. The name comes from the Spanish word "cortar," meaning "to cut," referring to how the milk cuts through the intensity of the espresso. Unlike a flat white, which combines espresso with velvety microfoam and serves in a larger cup (typically 8-10 oz), a cortado remains smaller and more concentrated, usually 4-5 oz total. The milk in a cortado is heated but not textured as finely as flat white microfoam, creating a straightforward, balanced drink.
The cortado sits between other specialty coffee drinks in strength and volume. It is noticeably stronger and smaller than a cappuccino (which uses more milk) and less intensely espresso-forward than a macchiato. The drink appeals to customers in Kuala Lumpur cafes who want the flavor of espresso without the sharpness of a straight shot, but prefer something bolder and more compact than the larger flat white. Its middle ground makes it useful for the afternoon service, when drinkers often seek a coffee that energizes without overwhelming the palate.