What’s the difference between a Cortado and a flat white?

The main differences between a cortado and a flat white lie in their milk ratios and preparation methods.

A cortado consists of equal parts espresso and steamed milk, typically featuring a 1:1 ratio. It is usually made with a double shot of espresso (2 oz) and 2 oz of steamed milk, giving a total drink size of about 4 oz^[1][5]. The milk in a cortado is lightly steamed but not textured, and it has little to no foam on top, resulting in a smooth, strong coffee flavor^[3][4].

In contrast, a flat white has a higher milk content, generally employing a 1:2 ratio of espresso to milk. It typically consists of 2 oz of espresso and about 4 oz of textured milk, leading to a total drink size of around 6 oz^[1][2][3]. The milk used in a flat white is steamed to create a velvety microfoam layer on top, providing a creamier texture and a sweeter taste compared to the cortado due to the larger amount of milk^[3][4][5].

In summary, the cortado offers a more intense espresso flavor with a less milky profile, while the flat white is creamier and sweeter due to its higher milk volume and microfoam texture.