It is fascinating to learn the exact differences between various coffee flavors. If we are new to the coffee world, understanding the variations among flavors can be challenging because even slight changes in ingredients can significantly affect taste.
These three amazing coffees: Cortado, latte, and macchiato, which are widely enjoyed around the world. This article will clarify the differences between the simple and precise methods so that you can brew them without any confusion.
Cortado vs Macchiato vs latte: what are the differences?
Europe dominates when it comes to brewing new and unique coffee flavors. All three flavors originated from Italy and Spain. Italy is the hub of producing innovative and strong coffee.
| Feature | Cortado | Macchiato | Latte |
| Definition | Equal parts espresso and steamed milk | Espresso “marked” with a small amount of milk/foam | Espresso with a large amount of steamed milk and light foam |
| Espresso to Milk Ratio | 1:1 | 2:1 (mostly espresso with a dash of milk) | 1:3 to 1:5 (varies by café and size) |
| Milk Texture | Lightly steamed, no foam | Lightly frothed or a dollop of milk foam | Steamed milk with a thin foam layer |
| Serving Size | 4 oz (120 ml) | 2–3 oz (60–90 ml) | 8–16 oz (240–480 ml) |
| Strength of Flavor | Balanced – espresso-forward but mellowed by milk | Strong espresso flavor with a hint of milk | Mild, creamy – espresso is subtle |
| Caffeine Content | ~60–80 mg (1 shot) | ~60–80 mg (1 shot) | ~60–160+ mg (1–2 shots depending on size) |
| Sweetness | Not sweet unless a sweetener is added | Not sweet | Not sweet unless flavored or sweetened |
| Texture | Smooth and silky | Bold with light top texture | Creamy, rich, smooth |
| Cup Type | Small glass (often Gibraltar glass) | Demitasse cup | Mug, tall glass, or paper cup |
| Visual Presentation | Layered espresso and milk, usually no foam art | Small crema layer with milk “mark” on top | Can include latte art with foam on top |
| Origin | Spain (popularized in cafes) | Italy | Italy, but globalized through modern café culture |
| Ideal For | Those wanting an espresso flavor smoothed by milk | Espresso purists who want minimal milk interference | Coffee drinkers who prefer a mellow, milky drink |
| Variants | Sometimes flavored or iced | Sometimes made with foam only (dry macchiato) | Many: vanilla, caramel, iced, flavored, etc. |
What are the ingredients?
All three, like most coffee flavors, use espresso as the key ingredient. The difference comes in the addition of milk.
Cortado ingredients
Cortado originates from Spain, made with espresso and steamed milk. However, it became an essential ingredient in every coffee bar around the world.
With a 1:1 coffee-to-milk ratio, it ensures a fine balance. You can make it with one or two espresso shots with a similar amount of milk.
A Cortado makes steamed milk with no foam, unlike a latte, which creates milk foam at the top. Even lightly steamed milk fits fine with espresso.
However, Cortado adds more milk than a Macchiato coffee.
Check the difference among cortado vs piccolo vs flat white.
Macchiato ingredients
It is quite similar to Cortado, but with less milk. Macchiato originated in Italy and became famous globally.
In contrast to latte and cortado, macchiato only adds a splash of milk to espresso.
A 1:2 ratio of milk is used in the espresso.
A typical macchiato cup brews with two espresso shots and half the volume of milk to espresso.
Latte ingredients
Unlike the other two beverages, a latte focuses on adding more milk. It adds milk three times the size of an espresso. However, some only add double the volume of milk to the espresso.
An Italian brand, but it has gained popularity globally, you can find latte in every coffee bar.
A latte brews with two espresso shots, steamed and foamed milk. Milk is steamed and foamed to create latte art at the top.
Also, check the difference between Caramel Macchiato vs Caramel Latte.
Cortado vs Macchiato vs latte: Is there a difference in the brewing process?
Typically, all three first brew espresso shots and then add steamed milk. However, there is always a slight difference in the brewing process.
Latte brewing process
It requires brewing two shots of espresso. Additionally, prepare steamed milk and foamed milk, using twice the amount of each compared to the espresso.
Add steamed and foamed milk to the glass of espresso. Additionally, make latte art to give an aesthetic appearance.
Cortado brewing process
It follows the same latte process, but it doesn’t need any foamed milk. However, the steamed milk should be of the same amount as the espresso.
Make two shots of espresso and steamed milk.
Macchiato brewing process
Unlike the other two drinks, it uses a small volume of milk. The espresso shots dominate this flavor.
It needs one or two shots of espresso to brew and add a splash of milk at the top.
The difference among latte vs shaken espresso vs cold brew.
Which flavor has the largest serving size?
No doubt, the latte comes with the largest glass size. Cortado is the second in the list, and Macchiato has the smallest cup size.
- A latte is served in an 8 to 16-oz glass size (240 to 280ml)
- A cortado is made in 4 to 6 oz. Cup size. (120 to 160 ml)
- A cup of Macchiato is served in a cup size of 2 to 3 oz. (60 to 90 ml)
Difference in taste and texture
All three drinks have espresso and milk. There is a difference in taste and texture according to how much milk is used.
Macchiato taste and texture
A macchiato certainly has a much more robust flavor than the other two. Since it adds a small amount of milk to espresso, the strength and bitterness of the espresso dominate the taste.
However, the milk gives it a beautiful texture and a light creaminess to the flavor.
Cortado taste and texture
It attracts a fine balance of espresso robustness and steamed milk smoothness. The Cortado has a creamy milky texture, with the strength and intensity of espresso, which makes it a milder coffee flavor.
Latte taste and texture
A milk dominant flavor, tastes smoother and creamier with some sweetness. However, there is the existence of strong flavor of espresso.
Which flavor has more calories?
It depends on the amount of milk and flavored syrups added. Typically, a latte is served in the largest glass and contains the most milk, which means it has the highest calorie count.
Conversely, a macchiato, served in the smallest cup with only a small amount of milk, has the fewest calories.
- Latte
An 8-oz glass size consists of 100 to 140 calories, depending on the type of milk.
- Cortado
A Cortado 6-oz cup has 60 to 80 calories.
- Macchiato
A 3-oz cup contains around 20 calories.
Cortado vs Macchiato vs latte: which flavor has more caffeine?
The amount of caffeine depends on the number of espresso shots added.
The caffeine level of all three flavors is the same if two espresso shots are used. However, you can reduce the caffeine by adding one espresso shot.
One espresso shot has 63 mg of caffeine, and if two espresso shots are added, the caffeine will be 126 mg of caffeine.
Also, check the difference between Americano vs Macchiato.
Final thought: How do you choose the best drink?
All three drinks have certain qualities, you can’t pick one drink over the other.
However, if you like steamed and foamed milk, choose a latte.
Anyone who prefers a balanced flavor, pick cortado. And Macchiato is an espresso-dominant flavor.