Key Takeaway
- Cortado vs Flat White: A cortado balances equal parts espresso and steamed (but not frothed) milk for a strong, clean cup, while a flat white uses more textured microfoam for a richer, creamier experience.
After waking up in the morning, you decided you need a coffee. You leave your house and walk to your local coffee shop. But when you get there, you don’t feel like getting your usual coffee. You want to try something different today. But what?
But sometimes, even a regular espresso is not enough to cheer your gloomy soul. When you want to enjoy a delicious, creamy cup of coffee other than a macchiato, you have two options – cortado and flat white. Although both coffees are similar in appearance and texture, some key differences set them apart.
So, what’s the difference between a cortado and a flat white? And what exactly is a cortado coffee?
Origins & History
The cortado hails from mid-20th-century Spain, where “cortar” (to cut) meant softening espresso’s intensity with milk. Flat whites emerged in 1980s Australia/New Zealand coffee scenes, prized for their velvety microfoam and strong espresso base.
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Say Hello to the Cortado Coffee
A cortado is a Spanish term that means “to cut.” It’s an espresso ‘cut’ with an equal amount of steamed milk, resulting in a strong but balanced cup of coffee. The beverage has a 1:1 ratio of coffee to milk, making it less creamy and sweet than a latte.
Baristas usually serve cortado in a small glass, which allows you to appreciate the intense flavor of the coffee. The milk used in a cortado is usually steamed but not frothed, so it’s less creamy than a latte.
A classic cortado packs about 50–60 ml of espresso with the same volume of milk, delivering concentrated flavor without overwhelming sweetness.
What Is a Flat White?
Flat white is an espresso ‘cut’ with textured milk, resulting in a rich and creamy cup of coffee. The beverage has a 1:2 ratio of coffee to milk, making it creamier and sweeter.
The term “flat white” originated in Australia. It is one of the most popular coffee drinks in this part of the globe. The popularity of flat white has since spread to other countries, particularly in Europe and North America.
Baristas use textured or frothed milk in flat whites. Since you are steaming milk for longer, you get to create microfoam. This results in a richer and more velvety texture.
A standard flat white combines a double shot (~60 ml) with 120 ml of microfoamed milk, yielding a smooth mouthfeel and sweet-cream finish.
You can enjoy flat whites served in a small ceramic cup, which helps retain the heat of the coffee.
Key Differences between Cortados and Flat Whites
Here are the key differences between flat whites and cortado coffee.
- The ratio of coffee to milk in a cortado is 1:1, while the ratio in a flat white is 1:2.
- The milk used in a cortado is steamed but not frothed, while the milk in a flat white is textured or frothed.
- Cortados are less creamy and less sweet than flat whites.
- Cortados are stronger, while flat whites are smoother.
- You enjoy cortados in a small glass and flat whites in a small ceramic cup.
- Flat whites are hotter since the act of creating micro-foam requires heat. Since these come in a ceramic cup, making flat whites served hotter.
So there you have it! The next time you order coffee, you know exactly what to ask for. Whether you want a strong and balanced cortado or a rich and creamy flat white, you can never go wrong with these drinks.
| Feature | Cortado (1:1) | Flat White (1:2) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk Texture | Steamed, no microfoam | Textured microfoam |
| Creaminess & Sweetness | Less creamy, balanced | Richer, sweeter |
| Strength | Stronger espresso punch | Smoother, milder espresso flavor |
| Typical Vessel | Small glass | Small ceramic cup |
| Serving Temperature | Slightly cooler | Hotter (due to extended steaming) |
| Calories (approx.) | Lower (≈ 70 kcal) | Higher (≈ 120 kcal) |
| Caffeine Content | Similar—depends on espresso type; cortado can edge out if paired with ristretto | Similar to cortado; varies by shot volume |
Counting Calories: Cortados vs. Flat Whites
If you’re counting calories, a cortado is a better option than a flat white. A cortado has fewer calories because it has less milk. On the other hand, a flat white has more calories because it has more milk.
Caffeine Count: Which Coffee Has More Caffeine?
Generally speaking, when it comes to caffeine, both cortados and flat whites have the same amount. Since both beverages have espresso as their base, they also have the same amount of caffeine.
If you compare cortados with an espresso shot and flat whites with a ristretto, the cortado will have more caffeine. Caffeine levels will also vary depending on where you’re buying your coffee.
Taste Test: Cortado vs Flat White
It’s time to decide which coffee drink is better. The answer depends on your personal preferences.
If you can’t decide between the 2 drinks, asking yourself the following questions can help you make a decision:
- How strong do you want your coffee?
- Do you know how smooth your coffee is, and does mouth feel matter?
If you want a strong but balanced cup of coffee, go for a cortado. If you prefer a rich and creamy cup of coffee that is more luxurious and velvety, go for a flat white.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Now that you can identify the key differences between these two drinks, you can order confidently the next time you’re at a café. So, what will it be? A cortado or a flat white?
