A cortado is a Spanish espresso-based coffee drink made by mixing equal parts of espresso and warm, steamed milk. The milk is steamed but not frothy or heavily textured, which helps to reduce the acidity of the espresso while maintaining a strong coffee flavor. Typically, a cortado is served in a small glass, about 4 ounces in total volume, with a 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk

. The name "cortado" comes from the Spanish verb cortar , meaning "to cut," referring to how the milk "cuts" the intensity of the espresso. It originated in Spain’s Basque Country in the mid-20th century and has since become popular worldwide

. Compared to similar drinks:

• It has more milk than a macchiato, which only has a small "stain" of milk, but less milk than a latte or flat white

• Unlike cappuccinos, cortados do not have foam or froth on top; the milk is simply steamed and warm, giving a smooth and velvety texture without separating from the espresso

• The cortado is smaller and more intense than a flat white, which has more milk and foam

In summary, a cortado offers a balanced coffee experience that tempers espresso’s acidity with warm milk, making it a smooth, strong, and quick coffee drink popular in Spain and beyond