Flat White V Cortado
In this article, you’ll find a friendly comparison between the flat white and the cortado. Together, we’ll explore the origins, ingredients, and preparation methods of these two popular coffee drinks. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the differences and similarities between the flat white and the cortado, allowing you to make an informed choice the next time you’re at a café. Let’s get started!
Introduction
When it comes to espresso-based drinks, two popular options that often come to mind are the flat white and the cortado. Both beverages have their unique characteristics and nuances, making them favorites among coffee enthusiasts. In this article, we will explore the differences and similarities between the flat white and cortado, from their preparation and ingredients to their taste, milk ratio, foam, coffee-to-milk ratio, popular variations, and caffeine content. So grab your favorite mug, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of flat white v cortado.
Flat White
Preparation
The flat white is a specialty coffee beverage that originated in Australia and New Zealand. It is prepared by pouring a double shot of espresso over steamed milk. The milk is steamed to create a velvety texture and then poured into the espresso in a specific way to create a beautiful “flat” layer of milk on top.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for a classic flat white include espresso and milk. The espresso is typically made from finely ground coffee beans and extracted under pressure using an espresso machine. The milk used is usually whole milk, which adds richness and creaminess to the beverage.
Serving Size
A typical serving size of a flat white is around 6 ounces (180 ml), although this may vary depending on the coffee shop or personal preference. The smaller size allows for a more concentrated flavor profile, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a strong coffee taste.
Origin
The flat white originated in Australia and New Zealand in the 1980s and quickly gained popularity in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world. It was initially introduced as a smaller, less frothy alternative to the cappuccino, offering a smoother and more balanced taste.
This image is property of images.unsplash.com.
Cortado
Preparation
The cortado, on the other hand, hails from Spain and is prepared by combining equal parts espresso and steamed milk. Unlike the flat white, where the milk is poured in a specific way to achieve a flat layer, a cortado is served with a small amount of foam on top.
Ingredients
Similar to the flat white, the cortado’s main ingredients are espresso and milk. The espresso is prepared using the same method as in the flat white, with finely-ground coffee beans and an espresso machine. The milk used is usually whole milk, creating a creamy and mellow flavor.
Serving Size
Traditionally, a cortado is served in a small glass that can hold around 4-5 ounces (120-150 ml) of liquid. The smaller serving size allows for a higher coffee-to-milk ratio, resulting in a bolder coffee flavor. This makes the cortado an ideal choice for those who want to savor the intensity of espresso without it being overwhelmed by milk.
Origin
The cortado originated in Spain and can be traced back to the café con leche, a popular coffee drink in the region. The cortado emerged as a way to enjoy a stronger espresso taste without the large volume of milk found in café con leche.
Taste
Flat White’s Flavor Profile
The flat white is known for its smooth and velvety texture, with a rich and rounded flavor profile. The combination of the double shot of espresso and steamed milk creates a balanced beverage with a strong coffee base and a creamy, slightly sweet taste. The flavors of the espresso are enhanced by the milk, resulting in a harmonious blend.
Cortado’s Flavor Profile
The cortado offers a more intense coffee flavor compared to the flat white. The equal parts of espresso and steamed milk create a bold, full-bodied taste. The cortado tends to have a stronger coffee presence, with a slightly less pronounced sweetness compared to the flat white. It is an excellent choice for those who prefer a stronger and more robust coffee experience.
This image is property of images.unsplash.com.
Milk Ratio
Flat White’s Milk Ratio
The milk ratio in a flat white is typically characterized by a fine microfoam texture, with a higher proportion of milk compared to the cortado. The steamed milk is poured over the espresso in a specific way to create the distinct flat layer on top. The creamy texture and slightly sweet taste of the milk complement the espresso, resulting in a well-balanced drink.
Cortado’s Milk Ratio
In a cortado, the milk-to-espresso ratio is equal, resulting in a beverage with a bolder coffee taste. The steamed milk adds a creamy and smooth texture to the cortado, but it doesn’t dominate the flavor profile. The equal parts of espresso and milk allow the boldness of the coffee to shine through, making it a great choice for espresso lovers.
Foam
Flat White’s Foam
The foam in a flat white is minimal compared to other espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos or lattes. The milk is steamed to create a velvety microfoam texture, which is then carefully poured over the espresso. The flat layer of milk on top leaves little room for a thick layer of foam, resulting in a more subtle presence.
Cortado’s Foam
Similarly, the foam in a cortado is also minimal. A small amount of foam is created during the process of steaming the milk, but it is not the dominant characteristic of the beverage. The focus of a cortado is more on the coffee taste, with the foam adding a touch of creaminess to the overall texture.
This image is property of images.unsplash.com.
Coffee-to-Milk Ratio
Flat White’s Coffee-to-Milk Ratio
The coffee-to-milk ratio in a flat white is slightly higher compared to the cortado. The presence of more milk provides a smoother and creamier texture, balancing out the rich flavors of the espresso. This ratio gives the flat white a harmonious blend, perfect for those who enjoy a well-rounded cup of coffee.
Cortado’s Coffee-to-Milk Ratio
In a cortado, the coffee-to-milk ratio is equal, resulting in a bold espresso taste. With a higher concentration of espresso, the cortado offers a more robust and intense coffee experience. The equal parts of coffee and milk create an invigorating drink that highlights the true essence of espresso.
Popular Variations
Variations of Flat White
The flat white has gained popularity worldwide, leading to various creative variations. Some popular variations include adding flavored syrups like vanilla or caramel to enhance the sweetness, adding chocolate shavings or sprinkles on top for a touch of indulgence, or even using alternative milk options such as almond or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Variations of Cortado
While the cortado is traditionally enjoyed in its classic form, there are a few variations that have emerged over time. Some prefer a larger serving size, resulting in a more diluted coffee taste. Others experiment with different types of milk, such as soy or coconut milk, to add an extra layer of flavor to the cortado. These variations add a personal touch to the cortado experience.
Caffeine Content
Flat White’s Caffeine Content
The caffeine content in a flat white can vary depending on the size and strength of the double shot of espresso used. On average, a flat white contains around 120-150 mg of caffeine. This makes it a moderate-to-high caffeine beverage, perfect for those who need a little pick-me-up in the morning or enjoy a mid-afternoon boost.
Cortado’s Caffeine Content
Similar to the flat white, the caffeine content in a cortado depends on the size and strength of the espresso used. On average, a cortado contains around 80-100 mg of caffeine. While the amount may be slightly lower compared to a flat white, the cortado’s bolder coffee taste makes up for it in intensity and flavor.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer the smooth and well-balanced flavors of a flat white or the bold and intense coffee experience of a cortado, both beverages have their unique qualities that make them loved by coffee enthusiasts. The flat white, with its velvety texture and harmonious blend of espresso and milk, offers a satisfying and balanced cup of coffee. On the other hand, the cortado, with its equal parts of espresso and milk, delivers a robust coffee flavor that will captivate any espresso lover. Ultimately, the choice between a flat white and a cortado comes down to personal preference for taste, texture, and the strength of the coffee experience. So go ahead, explore the world of flat white v cortado, and indulge in the pleasure of sipping your favorite espresso-based beverage.
