If you're looking to understand the real difference between the two popular specialty coffee drinks, Flat White and Cortado, you've come to the right place. This article will directly and clearly explain the ingredients of each drink, their preparation methods, differences in flavor and size, and how to easily and professionally choose the most suitable one for you or your cafe's menu.
Many cafe owners and baristas confuse Flat White and Cortado coffee, or serve them in the same way without knowing the precise difference in ingredients and flavors.
But the truth? Each type has its own identity, a different milk ratio, and a distinct flavor. If you understand the difference between them, you can build a smart menu that satisfies all tastes and increases your cafe's profitability. In this article, we will delve into the details of each drink's ingredients, the method of steaming milk, the espresso ratio, the difference in foam, and the best serving methods for each, in addition to tips for choosing the appropriate drink based on customer preferences.
Table of Contents
What is a Flat White?
A Flat White is a distinctive coffee drink that combines the strength of espresso with the smoothness of steamed milk, known for its creamy texture and balanced taste. This drink offers a rich coffee experience with a delicate touch of milk, making it an ideal choice for coffee lovers who prefer a clear flavor without excessive bitterness.
Flat White Ingredients:
Double Espresso
Steamed milk at a temperature between 55 and 60 degrees Celsius
Very light foam (Microfoam) that adds a smooth, creamy texture
The preparation method is precise: espresso is prepared first, then the milk is carefully steamed to reach the ideal temperature without forming thick foam, and then the milk is gently poured over the espresso to create a smooth, creamy surface.
The secret to a Flat White is the perfect balance between rich coffee flavor and velvety milk texture, making it a favorite choice for those who love a smooth and balanced coffee.
A Flat White is usually served in a small cup with a capacity ranging from 150 to 180 ml, providing a complete coffee experience in a suitable size.
What is Cortado coffee, its origin, and its ingredients?
The word Cortado comes from Spanish and means "cut" or "diluted." The reason for this name is that the milk in a Cortado "cuts" the harshness of the espresso, meaning it reduces its acidity and strength without masking the original coffee flavor.
The origin of the Cortado dates back to the Basque Country in Spain, and it is also a popular drink in Portugal and Latin America. Cortado is very popular among coffee lovers who appreciate a strong and balanced flavor.
Cortado Coffee Ingredients:
- One or two shots of espresso, as desired
Approximately equal amount of steamed milk (1:1 ratio with espresso)
Very light foam, barely visible on the surface of the drink
Cortado is usually served in a small cup with a capacity ranging from 60 to 90 ml, often in a small glass cup known as a "Gibraltar glass." This drink is characterized by its strong and concentrated taste, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer rich and balanced coffee with milk.
Flat White vs. Cortado Comparison Table: Key Differences Between the Two Drinks
Below is a table illustrating the key differences between Flat White and Cortado in terms of ratios, texture, flavor, size, milk temperature, and the type of cup used for serving. This comparison helps you understand the distinct characteristics of each drink and how to serve them correctly.
| Flat White | Cortado | |
| Milk to Espresso Ratio |
2:1 |
1:1 |
| Texture |
Smooth and creamy with very light foam (Microfoam) |
Heavier with very light foam or no distinct foam |
| Flavor |
Smooth and balanced with a clear espresso taste |
Concentrated and strong with reduced acidity |
| Size |
150–180 ml |
60 ml |
| Milk Temperature |
55–60°C |
50–55°C |
| Cup Type |
Ceramic |
Small glass (Gibraltar cup) |
Difference in Flavor and Suitable Coffee Bean Type for Each Drink
Flat White: Ethiopian or Kenyan beans are preferred, as these types feature distinctive floral and fruity notes that stand out when combined with steamed milk. This blend gives the Flat White a smooth and balanced taste, with a velvety creamy texture, making it ideal for coffee lovers who prefer delicate and harmonious flavors.
Cortado: Brazilian or Costa Rican beans are preferred due to their rich and deep flavors, such as chocolate and hazelnut, which harmonize wonderfully with the equal amount of milk to espresso in a Cortado. This drink is very suitable for those looking for a strong and concentrated coffee, where the espresso flavor is highlighted with reduced acidity thanks to the milk, without the milk overpowering the original coffee flavor.
Overall, the Flat White offers a smooth and velvety coffee experience with a perfect balance between espresso and milk, while the Cortado focuses on highlighting the strength and flavor of espresso with a touch of milk to reduce acidity, making it an ideal choice for lovers of strong, concentrated coffee.
Type of Milk and Its Effect on Flat White and Cortado
The choice of milk type and steaming method plays a significant role in determining the flavor and texture of Flat White and Cortado, as the effect of milk differs in each depending on the type and degree of steaming.
Flat White
For a Flat White, whole milk is preferred because it gives the coffee a smooth, creamy texture and a velvety mouthfeel that highlights sweet and delicate flavors. Whole milk also helps create a fine, very light foam (Microfoam), which is a thin layer of smooth foam that adds a creamy texture without being thick or dry.
The milk steaming method for a Flat White is very precise; the milk is heated to a temperature between 55 and 60 degrees Celsius, with an emphasis on introducing very little air during steaming to keep the milk smooth and creamy. This steaming balance allows the milk to blend perfectly with the double shot of espresso, resulting in a homogeneous drink with a balanced flavor.
Cortado
For a Cortado, different types of milk can be used depending on preference, such as whole milk or plant-based milk like oat or almond milk. Plant-based milk is a popular choice because it doesn't overpower the original coffee flavor, thus preserving the strong and concentrated taste of the espresso.
In a Cortado, the milk is steamed at a slightly lower temperature (around 50 to 55 degrees Celsius) with minimal or no visible foam, as the goal is to reduce the acidity of the espresso rather than cover it with a frothy layer. The steamed milk in a Cortado is smoother and lighter in texture compared to a Flat White, allowing for a stronger and more concentrated espresso flavor.
Suitable Side Dishes with Flat White and Cortado
To enhance the customer experience and increase the appeal of your drinks, it is recommended to serve side dishes that complement the flavors of Flat White and Cortado. These dishes add a distinctive touch and wonderfully complete the coffee taste.
With Flat White: It is recommended to serve vanilla cookies, light vanilla cake, or a smooth cheesecake, as the soft and creamy flavors harmonize with the velvety texture of the Flat White.
With Cortado: Dates, dark chocolate, or a small piece of almond biscuit can be served, which enhances the strong and concentrated taste of the Cortado and creates a delicious balance between sweetness and bitterness.
Why is it essential to have both types on your cafe's menu?
We all know that adding new drinks attracts different customer segments, which increases cafe sales. Having Flat White and Cortado together on the menu ensures that you cover diverse tastes:
Those who prefer smooth milk-based drinks.
And those who like strong, concentrated coffee.
This way, you not only increase the average purchase per customer but also create a professional impression that your cafe understands coffee and caters to all tastes.
A Special Tip from Marid
We recommend training your staff to explain the differences between Cortado and Flat White to customers, as many of them do not know the difference. When the barista simply explains that a Cortado is "a strong, balanced coffee with a small amount of milk," and a Flat White is "a smooth coffee with steamed milk," customers feel that the cafe has expertise and professionalism in serving coffee. These small details enhance customer trust in the cafe and make their experience more distinctive, increasing the chances of their return.
Despite the apparent similarity between Flat White and Cortado, fundamental differences in flavor, size, and ingredient balance make each unique in its own way. As a coffee shop owner, leverage these differences intelligently in your beverage menu, presenting each drink in a way that highlights its identity and distinction. This will add real value to the customer experience and reflect the professionalism of your coffee shop.
Don't forget to watch our educational videos on the Marid channel to learn more and prepare beverages in the best possible way.
By mastering these intricate details, you'll be able to offer an unforgettable coffee experience that keeps your customers passionately returning, enhancing your coffee shop's reputation as one of the best places for discerning coffee lovers.
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