Some coffee flavors are unmatched in taste and aroma due to differences in ingredients. Cortado vs Americano: two distinct flavors in many ways. One is water-dominant with espresso, and the other is made with an equal combination of milk and espresso.
An Espresso is the primary source of various coffee flavors. Both Americano and cortado use espresso as the base drink.
However, they differ in the addition of other flavors. Also, both drinks originated in different countries.
Let’s discuss in detail.
Cortado vs Americano: What are the differences?
They differ in origin, ingredients, brewing process, taste, and texture. Additionally, they vary in caffeine and calorie content.
Also, check the difference among americano vs coffee vs espresso.
What is the origin of cortado and Americano?
- Americano origin
Italy is known for its bold coffee flavors. Americano is a brand specifically made for American soldiers. Italian baristas began adding water to espresso to lessen its strength.
- Cortado origin
The Cortado originated in Spain, particularly in the Basque Country and Madrid. This flavor has become a traditional afternoon or evening drink in Spain.
The name comes from the Spanish verb “cortar” meaning to cut, because the strong espresso is “cut” with an equal amount of steamed milk to reduce its acidity and bitterness.
Difference in ingredients
Ingredients make all the difference. Americano adds more hot water to espresso. And Cortado brews with an equal volume of milk to espresso.
- Americano ingredients
It has one part of espresso and two to four parts of hot water. Everyone prefers different brewing sizes in this drink.
Some add two espresso shots and double the volume of hot water, and others prefer one espresso shot with three parts of water.
However, I pick one espresso shot and three times the volume of hot water.
Check the difference among, Cortado vs Macchiato vs latte
- Cortado ingredients
The feature of cortado is that it adds steamed milk to espresso with the ratio 1:1. However, you shouldn’t confuse it with cappuccino, which has more steamed and foamed milk than cortado.
A typical cortado cup has two espresso shots and an equal volume of steamed milk.
Difference in brewing process
There are some obvious differences in the brewing process.
- Cortado brewing process
First, brew two shots of espresso. Now steam the milk. Unlike a cappuccino, a cortado contains foamed milk on top.
Add steamed milk to the espresso and cortado cup is ready to enjoy.
- Americano brewing process
In Americano, make a one-shot espresso. Make the water hot (not boiling) and pour it into the cup of espresso. An Americano has only a slight crema on top.
What is the difference in serving cup size?
The difference in serving sizes is also a helpful way to understand the variations between two flavors. Cortado is usually served in a smaller cup, while Americano is served in a larger cup.
- Americano serving size
An Americano is served in medium to large-sized cups. It depends on the individual how large a cup he prefer.
A small cup of Americano is served in a 6-oz size. However, it can go up to a 12-oz cup size. (180ml to 360ml)
- Cortado serving size
This drink is usually served in a smaller cup. However, you can brew in a large size.
The cortado drink is served in a 4 to 5-oz cup (120 to 160ml)
Which flavor tastes better and sweeter?
It depends on what type of taste you prefer. If you like sweet drinks, a cortado should be the first choice.
Americano tastes bitter and robust; however, with the addition of hot water somewhat dilutes the intensity of the espresso.
Americano Taste
The combination of espresso and water provides a balanced flavor, as water reduces the intensity and bitterness of espresso.
However, it still tastes stronger and bitter than a cortado.
Cortado taste
A cortado contains steamed milk with an espresso taste much smoother, creamy, and slightly sweet.
Additionally, Espresso crema is blended well with steamed milk. Cortado’s texture is smooth and silky.
Cortado vs Piccolo vs flat white: Check the differences
Why does Cortado contain more calories than Americano?
Yes, a cortado cup contains more calories than an Americano. In fact, an Americano has almost no calories, since it doesn’t add milk or any other sweetener.
An Americano has around 5 to 10 calories per serving.
A cortado contains around 60 calories per serving.
Cortado vs Americano: Is there any difference in Caffeine content?
The caffeine depends on how many shots of espresso are added to the flavor. All the caffeine is added from espresso.
If cortado and Americano are brewed with one espresso shot, they will have 63 mg of caffeine.
| Feature | Cortado | Americano |
| Calories | 30–60 kcal (from milk, depending on whole/skim) | 5–10 kcal (only from espresso, water has none) |
| Caffeine | 126 mg (per 2 espresso shots) | 63 mg, one espresso shot (water doesn’t change caffeine content) |
| Typical Serving Size | 4–5 oz. (120–150 ml) | 6–16 oz. (180–480 ml) |
Conclusion: Which drink is better and healthier?
If you love strong brewed coffee, an Americano should be your preferred choice; it tastes quite similar to brewed coffee.
Also, an Americano is a healthier drink since it contains almost no calories. And the addition of water makes it smoother to drink.
In contrast, Cortado is sweeter, smoother, and contains calories. However, if you prefer a creamy flavor, cortado should be your first choice.