The coffee world is brimming with variations, often leaving even seasoned caffeine enthusiasts scratching their heads. Two such drinks, frequently confused, are the cortado and the macchiato. While both are espresso-based and relatively small, subtle yet crucial differences exist in their composition and overall experience. This deep dive will illuminate the key distinctions, helping you confidently order your next caffeinated masterpiece.
What is a Cortado?
A cortado is a Spanish coffee drink, literally translating to "cut" or "shortened." This refers to the process of "cutting" the espresso's intensity with an equal or slightly smaller amount of steamed milk. The crucial element here is the texture of the milk. While it's steamed, it's not frothed; the result is a velvety, micro-foamed milk that blends seamlessly with the espresso, creating a balanced, smooth, and slightly sweet drink. The goal isn't to create distinct layers, as with a latte, but rather a harmonious fusion.
What is a Macchiato?
A macchiato, Italian for "stained," is a much simpler beverage. It starts with a shot (or double shot) of espresso, with a small dollop of foamed milk delicately added on top. The focus here is on the espresso's boldness, with the milk serving merely to accentuate, not dilute, the coffee's flavor profile. The milk is significantly more frothy than in a cortado, resulting in a pronounced layer of airy foam.
What's the Difference in Taste?
The taste difference stems from the milk's role. In a cortado, the steamed milk softens the espresso's intensity, producing a more mellow, balanced cup. The milk adds sweetness and creaminess without overpowering the rich espresso notes. Conversely, the macchiato prioritizes the espresso's strong, concentrated flavor. The small amount of foamed milk adds a touch of sweetness and texture, but the dominant taste remains the espresso itself.
How Much Milk is in Each Drink?
The milk quantity is a key differentiator. A cortado typically uses a nearly equal amount of milk to espresso, resulting in a drink roughly double the size of a macchiato. The macchiato, on the other hand, utilizes only a tiny amount of foamed milk—just enough to "stain" the espresso.
Which Drink Has More Caffeine?
Generally, both drinks will have a similar caffeine content if they both use a single shot of espresso. The slight variation might depend on the size of the espresso shot and the type of beans used, but the milk addition doesn't significantly impact the caffeine levels.
Which Drink is Sweeter?
While both can be made with added sweeteners, naturally, the cortado tends to have a sweeter taste due to the increased amount of steamed milk. The milk’s natural sweetness blends more prominently with the espresso, creating a subtly sweeter overall experience compared to the predominantly espresso-forward macchiato.
Is one better than the other?
There's no single "better" drink; it entirely depends on individual preferences. If you appreciate a balanced, smooth coffee experience with a subtle sweetness, the cortado is your ideal choice. If you crave the intense, robust taste of espresso with a mere hint of creamy texture, the macchiato will likely satisfy your palate. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both!
