If you're looking to understand the real difference between the two popular specialty coffee drinks, the flat white and the cortado, you've come to the right place. This article explains, directly and clearly, the ingredients of each drink, how to prepare them, the differences in flavor and size, and how to easily and professionally choose the one that's best for you or your café's menu.
Many coffee shop owners and baristas confuse Flat White coffee with Cortado coffee , or serve them in the same way without knowing the precise difference in ingredients and flavors.
But the truth is, each type has its own unique identity, milk ratio, and flavor. Understanding the differences between them allows you to create a smart menu that satisfies all tastes and boosts your café's profitability. In this article, we'll discuss in detail the ingredients of each drink, how to prepare steamed milk, the espresso ratio, the difference in foam, and the best serving methods for each, along with tips for choosing the right drink based on your customers' preferences.
Table of Contents
What is a flat white drink?
The 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 flavor. This drink offers a rich coffee experience with a soft touch of milk, making it an ideal choice for coffee lovers who prefer a pronounced flavor without excessive bitterness.
Flat White ingredients:
Two shots of espresso (Double Espresso)
Evaporated milk at a temperature between 55 and 60 degrees Celsius
A very light (microfoam) foam that gives a smooth, creamy texture
The preparation method is precise, as the espresso is prepared first, then the milk is carefully steamed to reach the ideal temperature without forming a thick foam, and then the milk is gently poured over the espresso to create a smooth and creamy surface.
The secret to a flat white is the perfect balance between the rich taste of coffee and the velvety texture of milk, making it a favorite choice for those who like smooth and balanced coffee.
Flat whites are usually served in a small cup with a capacity of between 150 and 180 ml, giving you a complete coffee experience in a convenient size.
What is a cortado coffee, its origin and 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 intensity of the espresso, reducing its acidity and strength without masking the original coffee flavor.
Cortado originated in the Basque Country of Spain and is also a popular drink in Portugal and Latin America. It is very popular among coffee lovers due to its strong and well-balanced flavor.
Ingredients for a Cortado coffee:
- One or two shots of espresso, as desired.
Approximately an equal amount of evaporated milk (in a 1:1 ratio with espresso)
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Very light foam, barely visible on the surface of the drink
Cortado is typically served in a small cup, usually between 60 and 90 ml, often a small glass cup known as a "gibraltar cup." This drink is characterized by its strong, concentrated flavor and is an ideal choice for those who prefer a rich, well-balanced coffee with milk.
Flat White vs. Cortado Comparison Chart: Key Differences Between the Two Drinks
The following table outlines the key differences between flat whites and cortados in terms of ratios, texture, flavor, volume, milk temperature, and the type of cup used for serving. This comparison will help you understand the distinctive characteristics of each drink and how to serve them correctly.
| Flat White | Cortado | |
| milk to espresso ratio |
2:1 |
1:1 |
| Body |
Smooth cream with a very light (microfoam) foam |
Heavier with very light foam or no visible foam |
| flavor |
Smooth and balanced with a distinct espresso flavor. |
Concentrated and potent with reduced acidity |
| Size |
150–180 ml |
60 ml |
| Milk temperature |
55–60°C |
50–55°C |
| Cup type |
ceramics |
Small glass (Gibraltar cup) |
The difference lies in the flavor and the type of coffee suitable for each drink.
Flat White: It is preferable to use coffee beans from Ethiopia or Kenya, as these varieties are characterized by distinctive floral and fruity flavors that come to life when combined with steamed milk. This combination 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.
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Cortado: Brazilian or Costa Rican coffee beans are preferred, as these varieties offer rich, deep flavors like chocolate and hazelnut, which harmonize beautifully with the equal amount of milk and espresso in a cortado. This drink is ideal for those seeking a strong, concentrated coffee flavor, where the espresso taste is highlighted while the acidity is reduced by the milk, without the milk overpowering the original coffee flavor.
In general, 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 taste of the espresso with a touch of milk to reduce acidity, making it an ideal choice for lovers of strong, concentrated coffee.
The type of milk and its effect on flat whites and cortados
The choice of milk type and method of steaming it plays a major role in determining the flavor and texture of the Flat White and Cortado drinks, as the effect of the milk in each of them varies according to 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 velvety finish that enhances the sweet and delicate flavors. Whole milk also helps create a very fine, light microfoam – a thin layer of soft foam that provides a creamy texture without being too thick or dry.
The steaming process for a flat white is very precise. The milk is heated to between 55 and 60 degrees Celsius, with a focus on introducing very little air during steaming to keep it smooth and creamy. This precise steaming allows the milk to blend perfectly with the two espresso shots, resulting in a well-balanced and flavorful drink.
Cortado
For a cortado, different types of milk can be used according to taste, 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, 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 coat it with a layer of foam. The steamed milk in a cortado is smoother and lighter in consistency compared to a flat white, allowing for a stronger and more concentrated espresso flavor.
Side dishes that go well with flat whites and cortados
To enhance the customer experience and increase the appeal of your drinks, it's recommended to offer side dishes that complement the flavors of flat whites and cortados. These dishes add a distinctive touch and perfectly complement the coffee.
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With the flat white: It is recommended to serve vanilla cookies, light vanilla cake, or soft cheesecake, as the smooth and creamy flavors harmonize with the velvety texture of the flat white.
With the cortado: Dates, dark chocolate, or a small piece of almond biscuit can be served, enhancing the strong and concentrated taste of the cortado and creating a delicious balance between sweetness and bitterness.
Why is it necessary 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 both flat whites and cortados on the menu ensures you cater to a variety of tastes.
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Those who prefer smooth milk-based drinks.
And for those who like strong, concentrated coffee.
In this way, you not only increase the average purchase per customer, but you also give a professional impression that your cafe understands coffee and takes into account all tastes.
A great tip from a genie
We recommend training your staff to explain the differences between cortados and flat whites to customers, as many are unaware of the distinction. When a 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 perceive the café as having expertise and professionalism in its coffee service. These small details enhance customer trust and make their experience more memorable, increasing the likelihood of repeat business.
Despite their apparent similarity, flat whites and cortados possess distinct flavors, sizes, and ingredient balances that make each unique. As a bar owner, cleverly leverage these differences in your beverage menu, presenting each drink in a way that highlights its identity and distinctiveness, adding real value to the customer experience and reflecting your bar's professionalism.
Don't forget to follow our educational videos on the Mard channel to learn more and be able to prepare drinks in the best way possible.
By mastering these fine details, you will be able to provide an unforgettable coffee experience that will keep your customers coming back with enthusiasm, and enhance your cafe's position as one of the best places for lovers of distinctive coffee.
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