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Coffee Basics | The Cortado vs The Flat White

Photo By Vladimir Yelizarov
Photo By: Lex Sirikiat
Photo By: Toa Heftiba

The Cortado vs. The Flat White
Many people ask me the difference between a Cortado and a Flat White. They are both well-known in different places worldwide. At first glance, they seem similar, but they are different for a few reasons. Both are great options for anyone who does not want all the milk a latte offers. This post will explore the difference between a cortado and a flat white.

Cortado
The cortado is one of the most unknown espresso drinks of all time. Once people try it, the cortado gains a large following. Originally from Spain and popular globally in Brazil, the cortado is a double shot of espresso with an equal amount of milk. The word cortado means to cut, and thus the idea is that the milk cuts the acidity of the espresso. A notable difference is how the milk is steamed. There is not a lot of frothing or foam in the milk, yet warm and slightly silky for the texture. Do not think lightly of this tiny 4oz drink. It delivers a fantastic coffee experience full of flavor in a well-balanced, compact cup and brings simplicity and sophistication together for anyone willing to try it. It is perfect for traveling or a nice enjoyable cup of coffee where you don’t have to worry about the coffee changing temperature too quickly before enjoying it.  

Flat White
The Flat White is primarily unknown to most of the Americas yet has a name for itself in parts of Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. Although the origins of the flat white are disputed by the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia, this espresso drink to some is called a mini latte. Around 6oz, the flat white features espresso with about twice as much milk as a cortado, depending on a single or double shot (you know me, life’s too short for a single shot). The key to a lovely flat white is the milk. Frothing the milk to produce an amazing micro foam that is poured gently over the espresso so that it mixes well with the espresso and helps create a nice white dot at the top, which is the signature of a flat white. Dark roast espresso pairs amazingly well with the flat white, and there is just enough milk to enjoy it. 

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