Coffee is much more than a simple drink: it represents a daily ritual, a moment of pause and an occasion for conviviality that unites different cultures.
Although it probably originated in the fertile lands of Ethiopia, this aromatic brew has found a home and heart in every corner of the world, taking on different nuances according to place and tradition. In Latin America, in particular, coffee is a cultural symbol and one of the most characteristic ways to enjoy it is the cortado, a ristretto coffee, delicately softened with a splash of milk.
Below we take a closer look at what cortado is and how it differs from our beloved macchiato.
What is caffè cortado?
Coffee cortado is a variation of espresso characterised by the addition of milk, intended to attenuate the acidity without altering the intensity of the flavour. The term ‘cortado’ comes from the Spanish verb ‘cortar’, meaning ‘to cut’, and refers precisely to the action of ‘cutting’ the espresso with a small amount of milk to obtain a softer, more balanced drink.
Although it originated in Argentina, cortado is now widespread in Europe, particularly in Spain and Portugal, and appreciated in other Latin American countries, such as Chile, where it is often enjoyed in the evening as a pleasant end to the day.
Traditionally, coffee cortado is served in a glass, often with a coaster and metal handle, so as to maintain its intensity and allow the aroma to be fully savoured.
Remember that if you want to drink good coffee, you should do it with the right machine: discover the right coffee machine for you.
Variants of café cortado
When an idea is successful, new interpretations are often born, adapted to local cultures. Coffee cortado is no exception: its popularity has given rise to several variations, each with its own unique twist. In Cuba, for instance, you will find the cortadito, while in Catalonia you will have to order a tallat to enjoy the cortado in its Catalan version.
Some variations slightly modify the original recipe: there is condensed cortado, made with condensed milk instead of fresh milk, and leche y leche, which combines fresh and condensed milk for a creamier texture.
Finally, for those who prefer a milder, less intense drink, there is lágrima, a cortado with inverted proportions, where the coffee is just a hint in a glass filled with hot milk.
What is the difference between café cortado and café macchiato?
At first glance, café cortado and Italian macchiato might seem similar: both combine coffee and milk. However, there are some notable differences that make each drink unique.
Cortado, often served in a 120 ml glass and accompanied by the typical Argentine medialunas, is prepared with a generous dose of milk, which sweetens the taste and reduces the acidity of the coffee. This makes it similar to a cappuccino, but with a more delicate balance between coffee and milk.
The Italian macchiato, on the other hand, is an espresso ‘macchiato’ with a small amount of milk, often served with a light foam. This ‘stain’ of milk, which originated as a sign to distinguish cups for customers, has become one of the most popular variants in Italy. In contrast to the cortado, where milk is an essential part, in the macchiato it serves more to slightly fade the intensity of the coffee, keeping the strong flavour of the espresso as the protagonist.
Coffee in Argentina: a cultural ritual
In Argentina, coffee is much more than a simple drink: it represents a real social ritual, deeply rooted in the country’s culture. Thanks also to Italian influence, coffee is a moment of pause and conviviality that persists despite the growth of international chains.
In traditional Argentine bars, one can choose from a wide variety of preparations, from café solo to cortado, coffee with cream or lágrima, each served in a cup or glass according to preference. You cannot miss the classic accompaniment of medialunas, the Argentinean croissants, to complete the experience, especially when enjoyed in iconic locations such as Café Tortoni in Buenos Aires, where coffee history and culture blend perfectly.
Discover the art of authentic coffee
Now that you have had a chance to understand the peculiarities of cortado coffee and its differences from macchiato, remember that to best appreciate every nuance, it is essential to have the right equipment.
Pontevecchio lever machines are ideal for enhancing the authenticity of coffee, providing a unique experience that is true to tradition.
Are you ready to live the coffee ritual directly at home? Discover Pontevecchio machines, perfect for transforming every sip into a moment of authentic pleasure.
