If you’re a coffee aficionado, you may have come across the terms “flat white vs cortado” and wondered what the difference is between these two popular coffee drinks.
Both flat whites and cortados are small espresso-based drinks, but with subtle differences in their ratios of coffee to milk.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the history, ingredients, taste, brewing process and key differences between these two coffee favorites.
Whether you’re a seasoned barista or just starting to explore the world of specialty coffee, you’ll gain a better understanding of these drinks and be able to order with confidence the next time you’re at your local café. So grab your coffee cup and let’s get started!
Flat White vs Cortado
A flat white vs cortado are espresso-based drinks, both contain espresso and steamed milk, but the main difference is the amount of milk used.
| Flat White | Cortado |
|---|---|
| A flat white is made by pouring a double shot of espresso into a munificent amount of steamed milk, resulting in a thick layer of foam on top. The foam provides a really smooth and creamy texture that complements the strong espresso flavor, and the drink is typically served in a small cup with a diameter of about 6 ounces. | A Cortado is made by pouring a double shot of espresso over a munificent amount of steamed milk, which is cut with the espresso to create a creamy texture. The result is a drink that is slightly sweeter than an espresso, with a creamy, smooth texture. Cortados are usually served in slightly larger cups with a diameter of around 4 ounces. |
Difference in Calories Between Flat White vs Cortado
The calorie of a flat white vs cortado is dependent on a number of factors such as the size of the drink, the type of milk used and the content of any added flavorings or sweeteners.
On average, a standard 6-ounce flat white made with whole milk contains about 150–200 calories.
A standard 4-ounce cortado made with whole milk contains approximately 100–150 calories. On the other hand, if you use non-fat or low-fat milk instead of milk, the calorie content will be less.
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Difference in Ingredients of Flat White vs Cortado
The main ingredients in a Flat White and a Cortado are espresso and milk.
A Flat White typically consists of:
- A shot or two of espresso
- Steamed milk, usually from whole or 2% milk
- Microfoam, which is created by steaming the milk until it has a smooth and velvety texture
A Cortado typically consists of:
- A shot of espresso
- An equal amount of warm milk, usually from whole or 2% milk
- The milk is not microfoamed but is heated to create a smooth texture
In summary, the main difference between the two drinks lies in the type of milk used and the way it is prepared. A Flat White has steamed microfoam milk, while a Cortado has warm milk that has not been microfoamed.
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Key Differences between Flat White vs Cortado
The most obvious difference between flat whites and cortados is the amount of foam. Flat whites have a thick layer of foam on top, while cortados have only a small amount of creamy milk. This difference in foam creates different textures for each drink, with flat whites being smoother and creamier, and cortados being slightly sweeter and thicker.
Another essential factor between the two drinks is the amount of milk used. Flat white milk and espresso have a higher proportion, while cortados have a lower proportion.
This means that flat whites tend to be less strong than cortados, and are a better choice for who want to prefer a milder coffee flavor. Other side, Cortados are a better choice for who want to prefer a stronger coffee flavor because they contain a higher espresso content.
Finally, the size of the cups used to serve flat white vs cortado is different. Flat whites are typically served in small cups, while cortados are served in slightly larger cups.
Which One Should You Choose
Choosing a coffee between these two drinks (flat white vs cortado) is the most difficult decision. It depends on personal opinion, if you prefer a mild cup of coffee flavor with a smooth and creamy texture, then a flat white is the right choice but If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor with a thicker, sweeter texture, a cortado is the perfect choice for you.
Another multiple holder to consider is which drink you want to serve at what time. Flat whites are a popular choice for morning routine, as they provide a good balance of caffeine and milk to start the day. Cortado are often enjoyed as an afternoon routine, as they provide a quick pick-me-up without being too strong.
In terms of preparation, both flat whites and cortados are relatively simple. A good barista will be able to make a delicious flat white or cortado using freshly ground coffee, high-quality milk, and a well-maintained espresso machine. If you’re making these drinks at home, a good quality espresso machine and a milk frother are essential equipment.
FAQs
Q1. Is a cortado stronger than a Flat White?
A Cortado is typically considered stronger in flavor than a Flat White due to the equal proportion of espresso and warm milk, which results in a more intense coffee flavor.
Q2. Does Flat White require more milk than cortado?
A Flat White requires more milk than a Cortado, resulting in a creamier and sweeter taste. A Cortado has a more equal proportion of espresso to milk, resulting in a stronger and more intense flavor.
Q3. Is cortado double or single shot?
A Cortado is made with a single shot of espresso.
Q4. What is the difference between macchiato and cortado?
The main difference between macchiato and cortado is the amount of milk used. Macchiato contains a small amount of milk, while Cortado contains hot milk equivalent to espresso. This results in a stronger and more intense flavor in the cortado than in the macchiato, which has a more balanced flavor with a subtle sweetness from the milk.
Q5. What is the difference between cortado and cappuccino and Flat White?
Cortado: Espresso with a small amount of warm steamed milk.
Cappuccino: Espresso with equal parts steamed milk and foam.
Flat White: Espresso with velvety steamed milk, less foam than cappuccino. Cortado is small, cappuccino has more foam, flat white is smooth and creamy with a strong espresso flavor.
Conclusion: Flat White vs Cortado
Flat white vs cortado: Both are delicious espresso-based drinks that offer a unique blend of coffee and milk. Whether you looking a milder coffee flavor with a smooth and creamy texture, or a stronger coffee flavor with a thicker, sweeter texture, there’s a drink out there that’s perfect for you. So next time you’re in a coffee shop, consider trying a flat white vs cortado and discover which one is your favorite. Happy sipping!
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