The Cortadito is a popular coffee drink that originated in Cuba. It’s a perfect balance of bold espresso and sweet milk that is enjoyed by coffee lovers around the world.

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What is Cortadito Coffee?

A Cortadito is a type of espresso-based drink that is made by adding sweetened milk to a shot of bold espresso or coffee which has been sweetened with a whipped sugary mixture called espuma. The ratio of coffee to milk is usually 1:1 for this drink. It’s traditionally served in a small glass, and it’s the perfect size for a quick pick-me-up, or to accompany your dessert. Some describe it as similar to the more widely known café con leche, just smaller and a little stronger. It’s very easy to make, so if you enjoy strong, sweet coffee flavors, than I recommend you give this drink a try.

The History of Cortadito

Cortadito coffee has a rich history in Cuba, where it’s been enjoyed for over a century. The drink was first created as a way to make strong Cuban espresso more palatable for those who found it too bitter. The name “Cortadito” comes from the Spanish word “cortado,” which means “cut.” This refers to the way the espresso shot is “cut” with milk.

Cortadito Variations

There are many variations of the Cortadito that you can try at home. One popular variation is Cortadito with condensed milk, which adds a richer, creamier flavor to the drink. Another variation is Cortadito with cinnamon, which adds a warm, spicy kick to the coffee. Experiment with different variations to find your favorite!

Cortadito

Recipe by Coffee NerdCourse: Drinks, DessertCuisine: CubanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

serving

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

kcal

This strong and sweet coffee drink is made with a shot of Cuban espresso and steamed or warm milk, with a touch of sugar added to give it a nice sweet, caramelized flavor. If you don't have an espresso machine, it can be made with strong coffee from a Moka pot as well. It is the perfect drink to start your day or as a tasty dessert beverage. Our recipe is simple to follow and will allow you to enjoy the flavors of Cuba right in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients

2 tsp sugar
2 oz of milk (regular milk or use condensed milk for a more traditional drink)
double shot of espresso ( roughly 2 oz)

Directions

Add the sugar to your serving cup and set that aside
Pull your double shot of espresso
Steam the milk if using regular milk, or heat the condensed milk on the stove
Create your espuma by adding a small amount of espresso gradually to the sugar, just wet it enough to make a paste and begin to stir. Keep stirring as the sugar dissolves so that you have a thick syrup.
Add the remaining espresso to the cup and stir to combine with the espuma
Top with the hot or steamed milk at a 1:1 ratio with the coffee

Notes

If you would like to make more than one serving, multiply the recipie but to save time, mix up the coffee in sugar for all of the drinks in the same container, and then distribute to your serving cups