Cortado or latte? For most people, it’s a coin toss — you order, smile at the barista, and hope you didn’t just sign up for the wrong drink.
The truth is, these two coffees look similar but live in totally different worlds of flavor and feel. One is bold and balanced; the other is smooth and stretched out.
This guide cuts through the café confusion, showing you exactly how they differ — and which one belongs in your hand depending on the moment.
The Main Difference Between a Cortado & a Latte
Most people size these drinks up by the cup they come in. Unfortunately, that’s wrong. The real split between a cortado vs. a latte starts with what’s inside and how much of it is milk.
A standard cortado sticks to a 1:1 ratio of espresso to steamed milk. It’s not trying to smooth things over. It just tones the edge slightly, like espresso that remembered its manners. No foam. Just balance.
A typical latte spreads things out. One shot of espresso is stretched under a blanket of milk (usually a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio) and topped with a light cushion of foam. It’s not weak, but it’s definitely easier on the nerves.
Cortado vs. Latte at a Glance
Now, here’s the only kind of cheat sheet you’ll ever need when sizing these drinks up.
What’s the Intent?
A cortado doesn’t try to charm you. It just shows up, short and direct. A latte, meanwhile, gives you room to settle in — maybe even check your emails between sips. If you want the espresso to stay the main character, it’s a cortado. If you’d rather the espresso take a supporting role under warm milk, it’s a latte. No wrong answers — just different moods, different moments.
Difference in Taste & Texture
Taste is where the cortado vs latte stops being theoretical. This is where it either hits or it floats. You don’t need to be a sommelier of espresso to notice this shift.
The differences are simply what your mouth will register, whether or not you’re paying attention.
Cortado: Clean & Intentional
Cortado doesn’t coat your tongue with anything fancy. It simply pauses on the bitterness long enough for the milk to soften the shot’s edges. That’s it — no foam to act as a distraction, no extra layers to filter the taste.
You taste the espresso. All of it. But it doesn’t feel sharp or abrasive. It feels honest.
Some might call the texture creamy. Maybe that’s accurate. But more than anything, it feels efficient — the kind of smooth that doesn’t linger too long or say too much.
Latte: Slower, Softer, Sweeter
With a latte, the milk doesn’t just show up. It takes over in the kindest way possible. You still get espresso, yes, but only after it’s been buffered, frothed, and spread wide.
The foam layer adds air and softness. The milk adds weight and time. You’ll need a few more sips to catch what’s underneath, but that’s part of the draw.
They also tend to play well with syrup. Vanilla. Caramel. Hazelnut. You’ll rarely see someone flavoring a cortado, but a latte can carry a little sweetness without losing itself.
What You Actually Notice in the Cup
- Cortado: Dense, no-foam, espresso-first. A brief but vivid sip.
- Latte: Lightly foamed, milk-led, gentle. Built to be slow.
Neither is trying to impress the same kind of drinker. And they shouldn’t. Some days ask for boldness. Others don’t.
Size & Serving Style
The differences don’t just play out in the flavor. They show up in the glass, the portion, and in how long you’re expected to sit with it. Size isn’t just about volume. It’s about intent.
Here’s how each one shows up and why that matters more than it sounds.
Cortado: No Extras, No Escapes
Most cortados arrive in a 4 to 5 oz glass — no branding, no sleeve, no foam. You get espresso. You get milk. You get clarity.
It’s usually served in a short, transparent glass. Not because it’s trying to be aesthetic, but because it doesn’t need to be hidden. You can see the espresso and milk blend.
There’s no space for add-ons. No sugar swirls. No syrup pumps. No asking for it “with oat, but iced.” This drink wasn’t built for edits… and that’s part of the draw. It’s stable. Predictable. Unapologetically small.
Latte: More Room, More Rules
A latte walks in with options.
It can be served in an 8-oz cup, sure. But don’t be surprised when it shows up in a 12-oz mug, or taller. It's not trying to be minimalist, it's trying to give you time… to scroll, sip, stir, repeat.
The milk isn't just added. It's steamed and topped with a light foam cap. And in most places, it's treated like a canvas. You can ask for flavored syrup or no flavor at all.
You can go oat, almond, whole, or skim. Hot or iced. Double shot or single. The latte doesn’t flinch.
Which Has More Caffeine?
Some coffee comparisons end with numbers. This one doesn’t because the real difference isn’t about how much caffeine you’re drinking. It’s how that caffeine hits.
Same Dose, Different Delivery
Both a cortado and a latte usually contain a single or double shot of espresso, depending on how it’s ordered. That means the caffeine range is about 60 to 120 mg in most cases.
So if you’re hoping to settle it on caffeine quantity alone, there’s not much to argue — they’re matched. But it doesn’t end there.
Cortado Hits First… & Harder
Because a cortado has far less milk, there’s nowhere for the espresso to hide. You feel it faster.
It doesn’t give you much time to ease in, and it’s not trying to. Every sip is dense, direct, and slightly concentrated. The smaller serving size makes each milligram of caffeine feel more present, even if the math isn’t any different.
It’s not stronger. It just behaves like it is.
Latte Feels Softer — Even When It Isn’t
Lattes don’t necessarily contain less caffeine, but they often feel like they do. Why? More volume. Everything is diluted.
This doesn’t mean a latte is weak, it just means the effect is slower, more spread out. You might not notice the caffeine until halfway in, or later. And that could be what you’re after.
Which Should You Choose?
There’s no secret formula here; just your preferences, your mood, and how much space you want between each sip.
Choose a Cortado When…
- You’d rather skip the foam and get to the point.
- You like a bolder sip without being overwhelmed.
- You don’t need extras. No flavors. No fuss.
- You don’t plan to babysit your cup for 30 minutes.
- You appreciate a more classic, stripped-back espresso experience.
You’re not asking coffee to be anything more than what it is — strong, balanced, and direct. You want to taste it, not chase it.
A cortado isn’t loud. It just doesn’t dilute itself to be liked.
Choose a Latte When…
- You want a soft, creamy texture with a gentle coffee tone.
- You’re new to espresso and easing in slowly.
- You enjoy adding syrup or seasonal flavors.
- You want the drink to last longer — or feel like part of the moment.
- You’re less focused on boldness and more on comfort.
You want coffee that doesn’t interrupt your thoughts. Something you can take your time with. The latte won’t ask much of you. That’s partly why it shows up on so many menus.
How to Make a Cortado & a Latte at Home
You don’t need a barista badge to get either of these drinks right. You just need espresso, a few tools, and the ability to not overcomplicate things. We’ll keep this tight, honest, and very doable.
Whether you're feeling bold and focused or mild and stretched out, here's how to make both drinks without turning your kitchen into a training lab.
Making a Cortado at Home
If you want espresso that stays the main character, this is it.
Step 1: Brew a double shot of espresso.
Use a quality roast with low acidity and solid crema. For a clean, balanced cortado, we recommend Cafely DaLat Espresso— its bold character fits the format.
Step 2: Steam an equal amount of milk.
No foam. Just hot, smooth milk… around 2 oz.
Step 3: Pour slowly over the espresso.
You’re not trying to layer or swirl. Just let it blend.
Step 4: Serve in a 4 to 5-oz glass.
That’s it. No toppings. No sweeteners. It ends where it starts.
Making a Latte at Home
Prefer something that softens the espresso without muting it? Make a latte, especially if you’re in it for the stretch.
Step 1: Pull 1 to 2 shots of espresso.
For a quick fix with no compromise, try Cafely Instant Espresso— especially if you’re short on time or equipment. Otherwise, use best options like a dark roast and brew shots of espresso.
Step 2: Steam 6 to 8 oz milk and light foam.
Just enough to give it texture without going full cappuccino.
Step 3: Pour the milk into your mug over the espresso.
Keep it steady. Let the foam sit at the top naturally.
Step 4: Add flavor, if you’re that person.
Add flavored coffee syrup like vanilla if you want — or none. The drink holds up either way.
FAQs: Cortado vs. Latte
You’ve made it this far, which means you care about what’s in your cup. Now, here’s the part where we zoom in on the stuff that tends to get buried or left out entirely.
1. Is a Cortado Stronger Than a Latte?
Yes. A cortado uses less milk, so each sip gives you a fuller, more concentrated espresso taste. The caffeine’s the same, but the boldness isn’t diluted.
2. Is a Cortado the Same as a Flat White?
No — a flat white uses microfoam and more milk, which makes it smoother and creamier than a cortado. A cortado is more stripped-down, espresso-forward.
3. What Kind of Coffee Beans Do I Use When Making Espresso Drinks?
Whether you’re making a cortado, latte, or other espresso-based drink, you’ll want to use finely-ground dark-roast coffee. Dark roasts provide the depth and strength that espresso is known for.
4. What Is the Correct Way to Drink a Cortado?
Sipped slowly from a small glass, no foam, no syrups. Just espresso and steamed milk… balanced, smooth, and quietly intense.
5. What Time of Day Do You Drink a Cortado?
Traditionally, in the afternoon. But really, it’s about your mood. If you want something short, strong, and efficient, it fits any hour.
6. Are You Supposed to Stir a Cortado?
No, a cortado is designed to be served as-is. There’s no sugar, foam, or layering involved. You sip it straight.
7. What Makes a Cortado Special?
Its simplicity. No foam. No sugar. No distractions. Just espresso, softened slightly by equal milk, clean and minimalistic.
8. Are Cortados Healthier Than a Latte?
Yes — they’re typically low in calories and contain little to no sugar or foam. It’s a compact, milk-light option compared to a latte.
9. What Is a Cubano Cortado?
It’s a variation sweetened with sugar or condensed milk. Common in Cuban cafes, it offers a richer, sweeter take on the classic cortado.
10. How to Properly Drink a Cortado?
Sip it warm — not rushed, not iced. No sugar, no syrup, no swirl. It’s meant to be direct and clean.
