Difference Between Cortado and Flat White (What You Need To Know)

If you are wondering what are the differences between Cortado and Flat White, you are definitely not the only one.

Before becoming a home brewer and a barista myself, the only milk based espresso drink I know of is the Latte. 

Menus in coffee shops are often overwhelming with coffee jargons scattered all over it. And Cortado and Flat Whites are no exception. In a busy coffee shop, baristas would rarely have time to explain each drink to you (although they should!).

But fret not, in this blogpost, I will break down both Cortado and Flat White from different perspectives and lay down the key differences that distinguish one from the other. 

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At a glance: Difference Between Cortado and Flat White

What is a Cortado?

Before identifying the difference between Cortado and a Flat White, you should of course know what a Cortado is. 

A Cortado is a small sized espresso based milk beverage where the ratio of espresso to milk is 1:1. 

Knowing that a double shot espresso typically yields up to 60 ml, a Cortado is a double shot espresso beverage topped with equal amounts of milk. Hence, volume wise a cortado usually does not exceed 4 oz which is approximately 120 ml. 

Traditionally, a Cortado is served in a small glass and the milk is not textured. So, naturally, no foamy art. 

But why is it uniquely named Cortado?

Tracing back in time, Cortado originates from Spain where the term “Cortar” means “cut”. As espresso is typically brewed to be a thick concentrated bitter drink, milk is usually added to “cut” the bitter taste and mellow down the strong flavors of an espresso.

That said, the cortado beverage has come a long way from its origins and baristas around the world have different perceptions of the cortado. In most places, you can usually find the cortado made with textured milk but still retains the espresso to milk ratio of 1:1.

Fun fact! Cortado and Latte are very much alike. The difference is that the Cortado is basically a stronger version of a Latte.

What is a Flat White?

A Flat White is an espresso based milk beverage with a thin layer of microfoam resting on its surface. To create a textured milk with microfoam, milk is steamed and aerated with a steam wand to inject micro air bubbles and “folded” into the milk. 

This creates a creamy velvety milk texture which is a signature of Flat Whites, Lattes and Cappuccinos. 

The key distinguishing attribute of the Flat White, compared to its cousins; Latte and Cappuccino, is the thickness of the layer of microfoam.

In this case, Flat White has the thinnest layer of foam. 

Unlike most espresso-based beverages whose birthplace is usually Italy, the Flat White finds its roots in Australia. In the 80s, Australians have developed a preference of enjoying milk coffee which aren’t overly foamy like a Cappuccino. And here, Flat White is born to cater to the locals’ new acquired taste. 

Key Difference Between Cortado and Flat White

Now we have defined both Cortado and Flat White. Both are milk based espresso beverages and do not have any other components in the coffee beverage.

So, what is the difference between Cortado and Flat White?

Simply put, the key characteristic that sets apart the these espresso drinks is the milk component. A cortado is smooth while a flat white is more velvety and thicker.

All in all, there are 4 main differences between a Cortado and a Flat White and they are the Espresso To Milk Ratio, Milk Texture, Coffee Strength and Beverage Volume.  

1. Espresso To Milk Ratio

A Cortado has a typical ratio of 1 part espresso to 1 part milk. A Flat White on the other hand has typically 1 part espresso and 2 parts milk. Essentially, a Flat White has double the milk volume compared to a Cortado. 

This means you get a lot more milkier tasting beverage for the Flat White.

2. Milk Texture

Milk for Flat Whites is textured to produce microfoam and folded into the milk. This results in Flat Whites giving that creamy velvety mouthfeel compared to a Cortado. 

Traditionally, for a Cortado, the milk added to the espresso is usually not textured with a steam wand. So the texture of the Cortado is “flatter” and lighter. And of course no foam art. 

That said, modern renditions of the Cortado involve milk texturing with the steam wand which essentially makes it a mini Flat White.

3. Coffee Strength

Assuming both both coffees have a double espresso shot base; in terms of coffee content, both are similar. 

The difference comes when we talk about the strength of the taste of the coffee. Also known as the intensity of the coffee. 

The Flat White has a technically higher milk to espresso ratio and that is why it will definitely taste weaker than a Cortado. If you prefer your coffee to taste more intense, go for a Cortado. 

4. Beverage Volume

We know the espresso to milk ratio for both Cortado is 1:1 while for Flat White it is 1:2. So assuming that both use a double shot espresso base, a Cortado is a 4 oz beverage while the Flat White is a 6 oz beverage.  

If you want to sip your coffee over a longer period of time, the Flat White is your friend. 

Cortado VS Flat White: Which Is Better? 

There is no best or better drink when it comes to coffee. 

To choose between a Cortado and a Flat White, it all comes down to personal preference of taste and the understanding of the basics of coffee. So, to help you narrow down to your preferred choice, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do you prefer a stronger cup or a mellower cup of coffee?

If your answer is a stronger cup of coffee, go for a Cortado as Flat Whites have a higher milk to espresso ratio. 

2. Do you prefer milkier coffee?

If so, the Flat White is the one to go for as it has a higher volume of milk.

3. Do you prefer a more velvety mouthfeel when drinking milk coffee?

If your answer is yes, a Flat White will be preferred as the milk is definitely textured to give that sweet silky microfoam. 

But if the above doesn’t help you at all. Why not both? It doesn’t hurt to have two coffees. No matter what your choice is, it is safe to say that both of these beverages taste great! 

Personally, I am a little lactose intolerant and I generally prefer to taste more of my coffee. So, Cortado is my personal go-to milk based espresso drink. 

Summary Of Differences Between Cortado And Flat White

If I could summarize the differences between the cortado and the flat white, I would say the cortado is essentially a smaller version of the flat white. 

But anyway, here is a little chart to summarize the key differences between a cortado and a flat white for your reference.

FAQ: Difference Between Cortado and Flat White

Is a cortado stronger than a flat white?

Without a doubt, the Cortado tastes stronger. But why?

Both Cortado and Flat White are crafted with an espresso base and topped with milk. The main difference lies in the espresso to milk ratio for both beverages. For a Cortado, the espresso to milk ratio is 1:1 while a Flat White’s ratio of espresso to milk is typically 1:2. 

Does flat white require more milk than cortado?

In short, yes. A Flat White does require more milk than a Cortado. In fact, the volume of milk in a Flat White is twice the amount in a Cortado. If you’re looking for a coffee with more milk than a Macchiato and more punch than a Flat White, Cortado is the one.

Is cortado single or double?

Traditionally, Cortado is crafted with a double shot espresso. But of course there are no fixed rules in the world of coffee, you can always ask for a single shot Cortado and your barista would happily comply. Since a Cortado is generally a 1 part espresso, 1 part milk beverage, expect your drink volume to be lesser with a single shot order. 

Are cortado and macchiato the same?

By description, the Cortado and Macchiato seem the same. The difference between a cortado and a macchiato is the milk. For a Cortado, the milk is usually just steamed without generating a distinct foam layer. The Macchiato on the other hand is topped with a foamy layer of milk, staining the coffee.

Closing Notes

Well, that about summarizes the key difference between Cortado and Flat White. I hope this little post has helped shed some light on these different milk coffee beverages.

Remember, most milk-based espresso drinks are all about the ratio between espresso and milk. Different varieties of milk-based espresso drinks were developed and given a name so that customers do not need to explain precisely how they like their coffee. 

But with the overwhelming amount of milk-based espresso drinks on the menu, perhaps complicates the milk-based espresso drinks list. Food for thought?

That said, have you found your preferred milk based espresso variation yet? 

If you do find this helpful, do share it around with your friends!  

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