Last Updated on November 3, 2022
Do you love coffee? If so, you’re probably familiar with a few different types of coffee drinks. You know, latte, cappuccino, machiato, and other popular beverages.
One of the lesser-known types of coffee is Cortadito. This type of coffee is popular in Cuba and Miami, and it’s gaining popularity in other parts of the country as well.
In this blog post, we will answer the question, what is Cortadito coffee? We’ll also learn how it compares to Cortado coffee, and how to make this delicious drink at home!
Ready to get your ‘cuban’ on? Let’s go!
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What is Cortadito Coffee?
Cortadito coffee is a Cuban coffee beverage that is made with espresso and milk, then sweetened with sugar. It’s the way the ingredients are mixed together and added that makes it unique.
What makes Cortadito coffee unique is the fact that the milk is steamed before it is added to the espresso. This creates a thicker, creamier beverage.
Cortadito coffee is typically served in a small cup, and it can be enjoyed at any time of day. If you’re looking for a delicious way to start your day, or if you need an afternoon pick-me-up, Cortadito coffee is the perfect choice, especially if you’re looking for a high-octane version.
What Does the Name Cortadito Mean?
The Cortadito is a Cuban coffee drink that has its origins in Havana. The name “Cortadito” literally means “little cut”, referring to the fact that this coffee drink is traditionally made with a shot of espresso that is “cut” with steamed milk.
While the Cortadito is now popular throughout Cuba, it remains most associated with Havana, where it was first created. If you’re looking to try a traditional Cuban coffee drink, the Cortadito is a great place to start. It’s rich, flavorful, and sure to give you a caffeine boost. Plus, its unique history makes it all the more special.
What is the Difference Between Cortado Coffee and Cortadito Coffee?
Cortado coffee is a type of Cuban espresso drink that originated in Cuba. It is made by adding a small amount of hot milk to an espresso shot. The result is a coffee with a creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor. The bartenders usually use a special kind of glass called a Gibraltar for serving a cortado.
Cortadito coffee is similar to Cortado, but it also includes sugar. As a result, Cortadito has a sweeter taste than Cortado.
Both drinks are popular in Spain and Latin America, and they are often served in cafes throughout the world.
If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful coffee experience, be sure to try both Cortado and Cortadito.
How is Cortadito Coffee Usually Served?
Cortadito coffee is traditionally served in a small, ceramic cup called a porcelana. The coffee is made by combining Cuban espresso with milk and sugar, resulting in a drink that is both sweet and strong.
Cortadito is a popular choice for breakfast or as an after-dinner coffee. The sweetness of the condensed milk helps to balance the bitterness of the coffee, making it a smooth and enjoyable drink.
Cortadito can also be served over ice, making it the perfect refreshment for a hot summer day. When ordering a cortadito at a Cuban cafe, be sure to specify whether you would like it served hot or cold.
Simple Cortadito Coffee Recipe
It may seem challenging to brew your Cortadito coffee at home, but it is not that difficult. All you need is a Moka pot that works like a regular espresso machine, and you are good to go.
We are going to share a simple recipe for making Cortadito coffee, courtesy of our friends at Tablespoon.com. It’s simple, easy to follow, and if you’re trying this coffee drink for the first time you want to have a shot at getting it right!
What you’ll need (for 2 servings)
- 4 tablespoons of cuban coffee or dark roast coffee ground fine
- 1 cup of water
- 4 teaspoons sugar (or to taste)
- 2 cups of evaporated milk
Note that some recipes call for sweetened condensed milk. If you use that ingredient you’ll eliminate the sugar and evaporated milk.
Step 1: First, brew the coffee in your Moka pot, espresso machine, or Cuban coffee maker.
Here are some helpful instructions for brewing your espresso-like coffee in a Moka pot:
- Fill the lower chamber with cold water just below the pressure release valve. Don’t overfill, as the flavor of the coffee may be affected. And, the pressure release valve is designed to release extra pressure in case the Moka pot doesn’t brew properly for some reason. It will not function properly if it’s covered with water.
- Use finely ground coffee beans, (a dark roast coffee works best) enough to fill the Moka pot chamber. The grind should be fine, but not super fine, as this may cause clogs in the pot.
- Now insert the filter basked funnel into the pot and fill it with the ground coffee. Use a gentle hand, don’t overfill, and do not tamp the coffee down, as this may create more pressure than wanted. Clean any excess ground off of the edge of the funnel by running your finger around it.
- Next, screw the upper chamber of the Moka pot onto the base and make sure it’s on there tightly.
- Now you’re ready to place your Moka pot onto a stove top burner. Select a burner that is closest to the size of the Moka pot bottom, and place it at the edge of the burner to avoid heating the handle. If you’re using a gas stove, make sure that the flame is not larger than the bottom of the Moka pot. It’s also a good idea to point the safety valve away from you, just in case.
- Use a medium heat to medium-low heat, nothing higher, and wait…patiently. It could take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes for the water to boil. As the water begins to boil, the coffee will come up and out of the center post. You’ll also hear a gurgling sound.
- If you hear spurting and the coffee is spewing out, your heat is too high. Turn it down a bit or your coffee may taste burnt.
- When you begin to see a hazel-brown foam appear at the spout, take your Moka pot off of the stove. You can stir the brewed coffee a bit before pouring if desired.
Step 2: Heat the evaporated milk on the stove top until it is very warm but not boiling.
Step 3: take about 2 ounces of the brewed coffee and combine it with the sugar. Use a creamer so you can pour the mixture when done. Stir until the mixture becomes the consistency of a paste.
Step 4: add the remaining brewed coffee and stir until you see a light froth appear.
Step 5: Pour the mixture into two coffee cups.
Step 6: Last, add the evaporated milk to each cup, with a 50/50 ratio of milk to coffee.
Now, you and your java-loving friend can sit back and sip on your Coratido coffees!
By the way, do you need a Moka pot?
- CRAFT COFFEE AT HOME: Produces six demitasse/espresso servings of rich, smooth espresso coffee in…
- DURABLE DESIGN: Carefully crafted with cast aluminum for long-lasting durability. Provides thorough…
- EASY TO USE: Simply fill the lower chamber with water, add ground coffee or espresso to the filter…
- EASY TO CLEAN: Simply rinse with warm water and allow all components to dry before reassembling.
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing…
- Made in Italy: it is Made in Italy and its quality is enhanced by the patented safety valve which…
- How to prepare the coffee: fill the boiler up to the safety valve, fill it up with ground coffee…
- One size for each need: Moka Express sizes are measured in Espresso Cups, coffee can be enjoyed in…
- Made in Italy: it is Made in Italy and its quality is enhanced by the patented safety valve which…
- How to prepare the coffee: fill the boiler up to the safety valve, fill the filter up with ground…
- One size for each need: Moka Express sizes are measured in Espresso Cups, coffee can be enjoyed in…
- Cleaning instructions: The Bialetti Moka Express must only be rinsed with clean water after use,…
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing…
- BETTER BREWING – Produces 6 demitasse servings of rich, smooth espresso coffee within minutes from…
- DURABLE AND INNOVATIVE DESIGN – Carefully crafted with strong, long-lasting aluminum. Provides…
- EASY TO USE – Simply fill the lower chamber with water, add ground coffee or espresso to the filter,…
FAQ
Is Cortadito coffee the same as Cuban coffee?
No, Cuban coffee is a type of espresso that is made with sugar. Cortadito coffee is made by adding milk and sugar to an espresso shot.
What does Cortadito mean?
Cortadito means “little cut” in Spanish. It is a reference to the fact that this coffee drink is made by cutting an espresso shot with milk.
Where did Cortadito coffee originate?
Cortadito coffee is believed to have originated in Havana, Cuba. However, it is now enjoyed throughout the world.
How many calories are in Cortadito coffee?
A typical Cortadito coffee contains about 150 calories.
Conclusion: What is Cortadito Coffee?
Well, now you know how to take a regular cup of coffee and turn it into something really special. It’s so much more than coffee with milk, my friend.
Next time you’re in the mood for a special, high octane and sweet cup of coffee, make a Cortadito!
Candi Randolph is a coffee lover, blogger, and content creator who loves to share her knowledge with the coffee-drinking world. You’ll often find her tending to her coffee bar at home, deciding which method to use to brew her next cup of java. Life is full of important decisions. ☕
