The Hidden Gem of Starbucks Menu: The Starbucks Cortado

“Coffee is my love language.” This simple phrase adorns countless mugs and social media bios, but for Starbucks cortado enthusiasts, it’s practically a sacred confession. While most Starbucks regulars navigate familiar territory of lattes and cold brews, a perfectly balanced espresso experience sits quietly on the menu, waiting to transform your coffee routine.

Cortado

$6.15

90 Cal

Cortado

The Starbucks Cortado is a small but bold espresso-based drink designed for those who love a strong coffee flavor with just a touch of milk to soften the intensity. Traditionally made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, the Cortado at Starbucks typically features two shots of rich, full-bodied espresso balanced with a small amount of warm milk. The result is a smooth, velvety drink that keeps the strong espresso flavor at the forefront while reducing its acidity and bitterness.

Unlike milk-heavy drinks like the latte or cappuccino, the Cortado is served in a small glass, usually around 4 to 5 ounces, making it a more concentrated and satisfying experience. It’s perfect for someone who wants more than a straight espresso shot but doesn’t want the milk to overpower the coffee.

At Starbucks, you may need to ask the barista directly for a Cortado, as it’s not always listed on the main menu—it’s considered part of their “barista menu” or a custom order. It’s a favorite among coffee enthusiasts who appreciate simplicity, balance, and a quick, flavorful sip.

Whether you’re taking a break or need a mid-day boost, the Cortado offers a rich, smooth, and sophisticated coffee experience.

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Ingredients

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Milk, Brewed Espresso

Available Sizes

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Short (8 Oz)

Nutrition

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Calories 90	Calories from Fat 40
Total Fat 4.5 g	9%
Saturated Fat 2.5g	12%
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 15 mg	5%
Sodium  60 mg	2%
Total Carbohydrates 8 g	2%
Dietary Fiber 0g	0%
Sugars 6 g
Protein  5 g
Caffeine 230mg

Allergens

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Milk

What Exactly Is a Starbucks Cortado?

A cortado is magic in a small glass. Simple as that.

It consists of equal parts espresso and steamed milk, typically served in a 4-ounce glass. The name comes from the Spanish word “cortar” meaning “to cut,” as the milk cuts through the intensity of the espresso without overwhelming it.

Unlike its milkier cousins, the cortado maintains the espresso’s integrity while softening its edges. The milk isn’t frothy or foamy—it’s silky smooth with minimal microfoam, creating a velvety texture that lets the coffee shine.

What is the difference between a Starbucks Cortado and a Latte?

The key differences between a cortado and a latte come down to size, milk-to-espresso ratio, and texture:

Feature	Starbucks Cortado	Starbucks Latte

A Starbucks Cortado uses their signature espresso roast but maintains these traditional proportions, while their lattes follow the standard larger format with significantly more milk.

Why Starbucks Cortado Version Stands Out

I’ve tried cortados around the world, and Starbucks’ Cortado has its own distinct character. Their cortado uses a double shot of their signature espresso roast, giving it a bold foundation with caramel-like sweetness. The baristas steam the milk to a lower temperature than their standard drinks, preserving more natural sweetness.

What’s remarkable is how this drink bridges worlds. It’s simultaneously:

• Rich enough for espresso purists
• Approachable for those intimidated by straight espresso
• Portable but meant to be savored
• Sophisticated yet unpretentious

What is the difference between a Normal Cortado and a Starbucks Cortado?

The main difference between a Starbucks cortado and a traditional (normal) cortado comes down to size, milk type, and customization—but here’s a quick breakdown:

🔹 Traditional Cortado

• Origin: Spain/Portugal/Latin America
• Ingredients: Equal parts espresso and steamed milk (1:1 ratio)
• Size: Small – usually about 4 oz (120 ml)
• Milk: Lightly steamed, little to no foam
• Flavor: Strong espresso flavor, slightly softened by the milk

🔸 Starbucks Cortado (typically called “Espresso Macchiato” or part of their Reserve menu)

Starbucks doesn’t always have a drink explicitly called “Cortado” on their standard menu, but when they do offer it (especially at Starbucks Reserve locations), here’s how it might differ:

• Size: Often slightly larger than the traditional cortado—up to 6 oz or more
• Milk: May include milk options like almond, oat, or soy; may have more foam
• Espresso: Starbucks tends to use blonde or regular espresso which is more bitter or less intense than specialty shops
• Customization: Customers can add flavors, extra shots, or change the ratio—so it’s often less “pure” than a traditional cortado

The cortado shines brightest when you need clarity without jitters. Its balanced caffeine-to-milk ratio delivers focused energy without the crash that follows milk-heavy drinks. The small size means you’ll finish it while it’s still the perfect temperature—no lukewarm disappointment like the last third of a large latte.

Ordering Tips from a Cortado Convert

Not every Starbucks barista makes cortados daily. Here’s how to ensure you get the perfect cup:

1. Specify “equal parts espresso and steamed milk with minimal foam”
2. Ask for it in a short glass if available (some locations use small ceramic cups)
3. Remind them it should be about 4 ounces total
4. For a flavor twist, request a single pump of syrup (vanilla works beautifully)

Remember, the beauty of a cortado lies in its simplicity. Resist the urge to complicate it with excessive modifications!

The Perfect Pairing

A cortado’s balanced profile makes it exceptionally food-friendly. Its concentrated flavor stands up to sweet pastries without being overwhelmed, while its milk component softens the pairing with savory items.

Try it with:

Almond croissants

Savory breakfast sandwiches

Dark chocolate treats

Plain butter cookies

The contrast between the cortado’s warm complexity and a simple butter cookie creates a surprisingly sophisticated experience that feels both indulgent and restrained.

Beyond the Basics: Cortado Variations

Once you’ve mastered the classic cortado experience, experiment with these subtle variations:

The Gibraltar (what some cafes call the cortado) sometimes comes in a specific rocks glass.

The Cortadito adds a touch of sweetened condensed milk for a Cuban-inspired twist.

The Rose Cortado includes a drop of rose water on top, adding floral aromatics.

☕ How to prepare a Cortado? Starbucks Cortado Recipe

🧾 Ingredients:

• 1 shot (30 ml) of espresso
• 1 shot (30 ml) of steamed milk
  (Use whole milk for authenticity, but any milk works)

📌 The key is the 1:1 ratio — equal parts espresso and steamed milk.

🛠 What You’ll Need:

• Espresso machine or Nespresso/AeroPress that can brew espresso
• Milk frother or steam wand (or just a small pot and whisk)
• Demitasse or small cup (~4 oz)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Brew the espresso
   • Pull a single or double shot of espresso into a small cup.
2. Steam the milk
   • Heat the milk to around 130–150°F (55–65°C).
   • You want it lightly steamed, not too frothy—no cappuccino-style foam here.
   • If you don’t have a steam wand, heat the milk on the stove and whisk it gently to add a bit of air.
3. Pour the milk
   • Slowly pour the steamed milk into the espresso.
   • The milk should mix gently with the espresso, softening the flavor without overpowering it.
4. Serve immediately
   • Use a small glass or cup (traditionally 4 oz) to maintain the cortado’s authentic feel.

☝️ Tips:

• Use freshly ground coffee beans for best espresso flavor.
• A glass cup is often used for cortados in cafés to show off the coffee-to-milk balance.
• If you like stronger coffee, try a double espresso shot with equal steamed milk (still 1:1).

Final Sip

Life moves quickly. Sometimes we need to move with it—other times, we need something that reminds us to pause. The cortado exists in this perfect balance point: substantial enough to satisfy, brief enough to fit into busy days, and extraordinary enough to remember.

Next time you visit Starbucks, skip your usual order. Ask for a cortado. Take those few precious minutes to appreciate the perfect balance in your cup. In a world of extremes, there’s something profoundly satisfying about finding the middle path—especially when it comes with caffeine.

Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.