Wondering whether to order a cortado or a macchiato? While both drinks are espresso-based coffees, they differ significantly in milk content, flavor, texture, and overall drinking experience.
The main difference between a cortado and a macchiato is the amount of milk used. A cortado contains equal parts espresso and steamed milk, creating a smooth and balanced coffee. A macchiato contains espresso with only a small amount of milk, resulting in a stronger and bolder flavor.
Also, check the difference between Cortado and Latte.
If you’re trying to decide between these two popular espresso drinks, this guide covers taste, caffeine, calories, milk ratio, strength, and more.
Macchiato vs Cortado: What is the difference?
A cortado combines espresso and steamed milk in a 1:1 ratio, producing a creamy and balanced flavor.
A macchiato contains espresso with just a small amount of steamed milk or milk foam, making it stronger, bolder, and more espresso-forward.
If you prefer smooth and creamy coffee, choose a cortado. If you enjoy the rich intensity of espresso, a macchiato is usually the better option.
What is Cortado Coffee?
A cortado is a Spanish coffee drink made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk. The steamed milk softens the espresso’s acidity and bitterness while maintaining a rich coffee flavor.
The word “cortado” comes from Spanish and means “to cut.” In coffee terms, the milk cuts through the intensity of the espresso.
Typical Cortado Characteristics
- 1 or 2 shots of espresso
- Equal amount of steamed milk
- Minimal foam
- Smooth and balanced flavor
- Served in a small glass or cup
What makes Cortado a unique and attractive coffee flavor? The combination of espresso and milk makes it different. It is made with espresso and Milk, a ratio of 1:1.
This drink is perfect for those who love espresso but want it to be less intensive. When it adds steamed milk, it subsides the bold flavor of espresso and becomes slightly sweeter.
What is a Macchiato Coffee?
A macchiato is an Italian espresso drink made by adding a small amount of steamed milk or milk foam to espresso.
The word “macchiato” means “stained” or “marked” in Italian. The espresso is simply marked with a small amount of milk.
Typical Macchiato Characteristics
- 1 or 2 shots of espresso
- Small amount of milk
- Small amount of foam
- Strong espresso flavor
- Lower calorie content
It is usually served in the early morning to boost your day.
You may be interested to know the difference between cortado and cappuccino.
Now let’s dive into more details regarding the difference between cortado and macchiato.
Macchiato vs Cortado: The Difference in the Use of Milk
Either add milk to your espresso or make it without milk. But both drinks use milk with certain variations.
- Macchiato
A cortado contains equal amounts of espresso and steamed milk. The milk significantly changes the drink’s texture and flavor.
Typically, one or two spoons of steamed and foamed milk are added to the Macchiato. However, I have seen Baristas add more milk, making the macchiato less intense.
- Cortado
A macchiato uses only a small amount of steamed milk or foam. The milk slightly softens the espresso but does not overpower it.
So, while an equal amount of milk to espresso, the Cortado drink is a milder and sweeter coffee than a Macchiato.
Both these coffees prefer to be prepared with whole milk, which is ideal for frothing and steaming. Because whole milk will hold the milk longer, it makes a thicker, creamier drink.
Cortado or Macchiato, which tastes better?
A cortado has a smooth taste that is less bitter and slightly sweet. A macchiato is a much stronger drink, characterized by its rich, espresso-forward flavor and a slightly bitter taste.
Macchiato vs Cortado: Which drink is stronger?
A macchiato is generally stronger because it contains less milk. Even when both drinks use the same amount of espresso, the milk in a cortado softens the coffee’s intensity.
Macchiato is the winner when we look to get a more robust flavor. Pick cortado only when you desire a smoother drink.
Cortado vs Macchiato: Which drink has fewer Calories?
Cortado uses more milk, so it has more Calories than a Macchiato.
A cortado contains about 20 to 50 calories.
A macchiato uses less milk and has no added flavors or sweetener, with around 5 to 20 calories.
If you are health-conscious, calories should be the first thing you consider before deciding on coffee.
You should know that an espresso shot contains almost no calories. But if you add other flavors or milk, the calorie content increases.
However, the type of milk contributes to the calorie content of a drink. And always avoid any sweeteners and flavors to reduce calories.
Check the difference between Americano and Macchiato.
Caffeine Content
Many coffee drinkers assume a macchiato contains more caffeine because it tastes stronger.
In reality, caffeine depends on the amount of espresso used.
| Drink | Espresso Shots | Approximate Caffeine |
| Cortado | 2 shots | 120–140 mg |
| Macchiato | 2 shots | 120–140 mg |
I always prefer one shot of espresso while making cortado and Macchiato; it balances the caffeine content, which is a better option if you consume many cups daily.
Cortado vs Macchiato: Which drink should you pick and why?
While checking all the differences, picking one between these two drinks is easy. It purely depends on individual preference for which coffee he picks, keeping all its positive points.
However, here are a few points that you should consider before choosing any drink.
Choose Cortado If:
- You enjoy creamy coffee
- You prefer less bitterness
- You like balanced espresso drinks
- You want a smoother texture
Pick Macchiato If:
- You love espresso flavor
- You prefer stronger coffee
- You want fewer calories
- You enjoy bold, concentrated drinks
Do you know the difference between doppio and espresso?
How many variations are in Cortado and Cappuccino?
After discussing all the differences, here comes the similarity in both drinks: customizing and adding different flavors and additives.
Let’s check the different flavors that we make with cortado and Macchiato.
Also, check the difference between Macchiato and Mocha.
Macchiato drink customization
It customizes with different flavors and syrups.
- Latte Macchiato
It uses extra-foam milk, which makes the drink more flavorful and creamier. Latte macchiato tastes like a latte coffee.
- Iced Macchiato
An ideal drink for the summer season. First, make a cup of Macchiato with normal milk and espresso and pour it over iced cubes.
- Caramel Macchiato
A favorite and highly consumed drink at Starbucks. Made with espresso and milk, add a caramel syrup layer at the top.
- Doppio Macchiato
It adds double shots of espresso, making it stronger coffee. Also, it is called Long Macchiato.
Cortado coffee variations
This drink has so many options to make and enjoy.
- Cortado leche y leche
It is made with condensed milk at the bottom and hot milk foam at the top. Cortado leche y leche is a heavier, creamier, and sweeter drink.
- Café con leche and bombón
This makes with condensed milk and heavy cream at the top—a heavier and creamier Cortado.
- Piccolo
It uses less milk and serves in a small cup. Piccolo is a relatively stronger coffee.
- Iced Cortado
First, Cortado adds cold milk. And it contains ice cubes, a perfect summer beverage. You can add sugar syrups to these drinks. Also, you can add more milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cortado is not a standard Starbucks menu item in many locations, but you may be able to order a customized version.
Yes, a Macchiato generally contains fewer calories because it uses significantly less milk.
Most beginners prefer cortado because the milk softens espresso bitterness and creates a more balanced flavor.
Yes, the larger amount of milk in a cortado creates a smoother and naturally sweeter taste.
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Final Thoughts: My experience
Since I have made and tasted both numerous times, I can say Cortado and Macchiato are two different drinks. Despite this, I prefer to enjoy both due to their diverse and unique tastes.
You should not restrict yourself to one drink; instead, try all the flavors you can make and enjoy.
But when you are craving something smoother and sweeter, you should have a cortado. Otherwise, pick a Macchiato if you want a strong taste of espresso.
Usually, you will get both drinks easily available at every coffee shop.
Majid Khan is a former barista with 5+ years of hands-on experience in specialty coffee preparation and espresso bar service. He now focuses on helping home coffee lovers brew café-quality drinks using simple methods, practical techniques, and reliable coffee gear recommendations.