What is the Difference Between Cortado vs Macchiato?

So far, I have presented the differences between cortado vs latte and cortado vs flat white. Today it is time to look at the difference between cortado and macchiato.

All of these drinks are espresso-based and contain milk. Some of the differences are in the ratio of these two ingredients and the preparation method.

So, let`s see if there is any surprise.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1. What is a Cortado Coffee?
2. What is a Macchiato Coffee?
3. Cortado vs Macchiato: The differences
4. How to prepare Macchiato at home: Few simple steps
5. What is the Difference between Foamed Vs Steamed Milk?

What is a Cortado Coffee?

So, what is cortado coffee? Cortado is an espresso-based coffee drink that originated in Spain. It is prepared with the help of two main ingredients – an espresso shot and steamed milk. The ratio is 1: 1 (50% coffee and 50% steamed milk).

Two layers should form in the cup. At the bottom is the espresso shot. At the top is the steamed milk. The steamed milk has very thin microfoam on top. There is no presence of the third layer of foam, as in the latte. 

Cortado is most often served in glasses between 4oz and 6oz.

For example, the Starbucks Cortado comes in a 6oz cup.

What is a Macchiato Coffee?

There are two types of Macchiato:

1. Espresso Macchiato
2. Latte Macchiato

As a coffee drink, Macchiato has Italian roots. Translated from Italian, the name means “stained” or “marked”.

In both variations of Macchiato, a “stained” of an element is obtained when mixing an espresso shot with milk. This does not mean that they must be really mixed, but different layers are obtained as if separated by a dash.

ESPRESSO MACCHIATO

The espresso macchiato drink, commonly known as Caffe macchiato in Italy, is the original Macchiato. In this instance, the milk is a stain on the espresso.

The idea behind this drink is that it contains an espresso subdued or tempered with a splash of milk. As opposed to other espresso-based drinks, Macchiato is the one that tips the scale between milk and espresso the most toward espresso.

The drink is made by first consuming an espresso shot like you usually do. After that, about 1-2 teaspoons of steaming milk and a little foam are added over the top.

Espresso macchiatos are served in ceramic or glass cups.

LATTE MACCHIATO

The macchiato latte is slightly more complex than its sibling. In this instance, the steamed milk is stained by the espresso shot. 

The macchiato latte is different from a traditional latte because it has more milk and less espresso and is a multi-layered drink. It is different from espresso macchiato because it focuses on milk instead of espresso.

The barista’s first task is to prepare the largest glass, 12 oz in size (it must be clear to allow you to see the layers). The glass is pre-heated and can range between 1/3-1/2 full of steaming milk.

The next thing to consider is that the essential aspect is the speed with which espresso is served. The espresso shot (sometimes more or less) is carefully poured on top of the steaming milk. Some baristas may employ the spoon’s back to disperse and slow the pouring process. However, most will pour directly into the middle of the cup for a unique spot (“stain”) inside the milk.

This method results in the unique layered look of the macchiato latte. If the pour is done correctly, you should see an obvious gradient between the thicker steaming milk in the bottom of the cup to the espresso and then to the foam layer over it.

Cortado vs Macchiato: The differences

Macchiato and Cortado don’t look quite alike. The distinctions are based on the amount of milk used and the method by which drinks are made. Espresso and milk are the main ingredients in many coffee drinks.

Macchiatos were first introduced in Italy and are very well-loved for their early morning drink. The Macchiato is one shot of espresso with a splash of milk that has been foamed. The little bit of milk takes the edge off the espresso but doesn’t take away all the taste.

The Cortado is the name of a double shot of espresso cut in half using steamed milk. Cortados originate originated from Spain, and the word literally is cut in. Cortados are usually half milk; however, some baristas add even more milk to make more creamy and smooth drinks.

How to prepare Macchiato at home: Few simple steps

In a Macchiato glass, you will have an espresso shot topped off with a hint of milk.
You’ll taste the full flavor of coffee in this drink; therefore, make sure you select beans you enjoy. Macchiatos are usually connected with dark, rich roasts full of flavor. However, light roasts could be equally tasty.
Even if you’re using only a tiny amount of milk, you should still froth the entire one ounce of milk. This will provide you with more liquid and will make foaming much easier.

INGREDIENTS

1. Espresso shot (2 oz)
2. Milk (1 oz)

PREPARATION

1. Prepare the Espresso Shot. For 2 oz you will need around 16.5 grams of ground coffee.
2. Heat the Milk. The milk has to be warm before start frothing it. You can either heat it over a stove. But if you have a steamer wand on your Espresso Machine, it will warm and steam the milk simultaneously. 
3. Make the milk foam. You can obtain milk foam by adding air bubbles to warm milk. This is done by holding the frother right below the surface of the milk.
4. Take a scoop of Milk Foam. 
5. Pour the Espresso. Pour the Espresso shot over the milk and put the scoop of Milk Foam on top.

What is the Difference between Foamed Vs Steamed Milk?

The primary difference between macchiatos and cortado is in the quantity of milk used. However, a second difference significantly impacts the flavor and milk’s production.

Macchiatos are made using foam milk. Foamed milk can be prepared using either a milk frother or steam wand. The tool draws air on the milk surface and creates tiny bubbles. This produces an airy and light beverage that tastes great in cappuccinos, lattes, and other coffee drinks that warm up.

Cortados use steamed milk. Steamed milk is heated, but there are no air bubbles added. It is a smooth thick, and creamy texture. If you don’t own the steam wand, it is possible to make steamed milk on the stove and heat it until it’s boiling.

The foamed and steamed milk are frequently combined to make famous coffee beverages. 

For instance, a cappuccino is made up of 1/3 espresso and 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 milk that has been foamed. 

If you are skilled in frothing milk, you can make drinks using the same equipment and ingredients.