This comparison focuses on top-quality coffee flavors, each with a massive fan following. People are interested in discovering the exact differences among these drinks. Flat white vs Cortado vs latte, all three brew with milk and espresso.
However, certain differences in the combination of milk and espresso significantly alter the taste, aroma, and texture.
Let’s dive into the details.
Cortado vs flat white vs latte: what is the significant difference?
There are some differences among these drinks, the most significant of which is the milk-to-espresso ratio. The key ingredient is foamed and steamed milk.
A latte adds the largest volume of milk, while a Cortado comes with an equal ratio of milk to espresso, 1:1. In contrast, a flat white has double the volume of milk to espresso.
Shaken espresso vs latte vs cold brew, check the difference.
Why is an espresso the base drink?
Unsurprisingly, espresso is the base drink in all three flavors. There are hardly any drinks that don’t use espresso as their foundation. Espresso is undoubtedly the king when it comes to taste and aroma.
A latte brews with two espresso shots, and a Cortado is made with two espresso shots. However, you can make these flavors with an espresso shot, too. A flat white is also made with two espresso shots.
However, you can replace ristretto shots instead of espresso to get a much stronger taste.
What is a Ristretto shot?
Ristretto is a smaller, more concentrated shot of espresso. It tastes slightly stronger and bitter than an espresso shot.
What is the difference in adding milk?
Adding milk makes coffee milder, creamier, sweeter, and tastier. It depends on the type and amount of milk added to the coffee.
- Latte
A great milk-dominated coffee flavor. It uses the milk to make coffee with the ratio of 1:3 or 1:4, depending on personal preference.
- Flat white
It makes a coffee cup with a double volume of milk or the coffee-to-milk ratio of 1:2. Adding two ristretto shots also means adding less milk.
- Cortado
Unlike latte and flat white, Cortado brews with an equal volume of milk to coffee. A Cortado drink balances the milk-to-coffee ratio.
Flat white vs Cortado vs latte: Do they need steamed or foamed milk?
Yes, all three flavors depend on steaming and foaming of milk. However, there are some differences in steaming and foaming of milk.
Flat white
It requires steamed milk and foamed milk that have a bubblier, velvety texture, which integrates well with espresso. The flat white differs from other drinks because of its unique microfoam bubbles.
Cortado
Steamed Milk with less foamed milk creates a balanced texture. Cortado forms a much less steamed and foamed appearance, with a visible dominance of espresso shots.
Latte
No flavor is creamier and milkier than a latte. It has a significantly high volume of steamed and frothed milk. Latte incorporates well with both steamed and frothed milk.
A comparison table: Flat white vs Cortado vs latte
| Feature | Flat White | Cortado | Latte |
| Origin | Australia/New Zealand | Spain | Italy |
| Espresso to Milk Ratio | 1:2 | 1:1 | 1:3 or 1:4 |
| Espresso Shots | Usually 2 (Double Ristretto or Double) | 1 (Single or Double) Or ristretto | 2 |
| Milk Type | Steamed milk with fine microfoam | Steamed milk with little to no foam | Steamed and foamed milk |
| Milk Texture | Velvety, silky | Smooth, flat (not frothy) | Creamy, airy |
| Serving Size | 5–6 oz (150–180 ml) | 4 oz (120 ml) | 8–12 oz (240–350 ml) |
| Cup Type | Ceramic cup | Small glass (Gibraltar or demitasse) | Tall glass or ceramic cup |
| Flavor Balance | Balanced, stronger coffee presence | Bold, equal emphasis on coffee and milk | Milder, milk-forward flavor |
| Foam Art | Yes, suitable for latte art | Rare | Common (latte art friendly) |
| Strength | Medium-strong | Strong | Mild |
The latte art
Also, this drink is recognized by its exclusive latte art. The latte art creates an aesthetic, flowery design at the top.
However, other drinks can also be made with latte art. In fact, a flat white is usually made with latte art in Australian coffee bars.
It requires precision and expertise to get a latte art.
Also, check the difference among flat white vs latte vs cappuccino.
Flat white vs Cortado vs latte: What is the difference in cup size?
The serving sizes of these drinks vary. Additionally, the cup size impacts the taste and texture of a drink. A larger cup size indicates that the drink is creamy and mild.
Latte cup size
It clearly has a much larger cup size than a Cortado or flat white. The cup size ranges from 8 oz. to 12 oz., depending on personal choice. A latte consists of 1/3 espresso and 3/4 steamed and foamed milk.
A great flavor if you prefer long, smoother milk milk-dominated coffee.
Cortado cup size
Compared to other drinks, the Cortado has the smallest cup size. It’s a perfect choice if you want a strong, smaller coffee drink with less milk.
An ideal size of Cortado is 4oz with an equal volume of milk to espresso.
Flat white size
It has a medium cup size of 6oz. A kind of balance in size between a latte and a Cortado.
A flat white contains more milk than an espresso shot.
Which flavor tastes better?
All three have amazingly delightful and mouthwatering flavors. Every flavor has some exclusiveness about its taste and aroma.
However, it depends on personal choice what type of taste you prefer.
- Cortado
This drink is much stronger and robust than a latte and flat white.
All three flavors are incredibly delightful and mouthwatering. Each flavor has a distinctive taste and aroma.
It suits those who enjoy a strong espresso flavor with steamed milk.
- Flat white
It tastes bold and creamy. The milk dominates this drink, making it rich, creamy, and smooth.
Flat white is much sweeter and creamier compared to a Cortado. However, slightly less creamy and milky than a latte.
- Latte
A milky drink with some strength of espresso. It is a rich, creamy drink with a subtle intensity of espresso.
The dominance of steamed and foamed dilutes the intensity of espresso a big time.
Flat white vs cortado vs latte: Which flavor has fewer calories?
It depends on the type of milk used and the volume of milk. However, I can give you estimated figures according to different cup sizes.
- Cortado
With a smaller cup size and use of little milk, this drink has fewer calories than a latte and a flat white.
Cortado has around 40 to 50 calories per serving.
- Flat white
It has more calories than a Cortado but fewer calories than a latte.
A flat white cup contains around 60 to 70 calories.
- Latte
Due to the large cup size and dominance of milk making it is a high-calorie drink.
A latte glass has around 140 to 160 calories.
Do you know the difference among Cortado vs Piccolo vs flat white?
Final thoughts: what should be your pick?
It is a tough ask to predict the best coffee flavor. Every flavor has something special about it. If you read the article thoroughly, you should be able to make a better decision.
You can pick a drink according to your craving. If you love the strong flavor, choose Cortado.
If you prefer a milky drink, pick a latte. A Flat white is a good balance of milk and coffee, you can check this on any day.