How To Make A Cortadito At Home (Step-By-Step Recipe)

Ever wanted to make a rich, sweet, and creamy coffee at home but didn’t know where to start? I’ve been there, too.

The cortadito, a classic Cuban coffee, seemed complicated until I decided to give it a try. After some trial and error, I figured out how to make this delicious drink right in my kitchen.

Now, I want to share what I learned with you so you can enjoy a perfect cortadito anytime. So, let’s get started and make your coffee breaks even better!

What Is The Cortadito?

If you’ve ever been to a Cuban café, you might have encountered the cortadito. But what exactly is this delicious coffee drink?

Well, the cortadito, which translates to “small cut” in Spanish, is a traditional Cuban espresso that is slightly sweetened and then topped off with steamed milk.

This creates a perfectly balanced coffee that’s not too strong and not too sweet—just right.

Difference Between Cortadito and Cortado

While they sound similar and share some characteristics, there are key differences:

• Cortadito: Originating from Cuba, it starts with a shot of strong Cuban espresso that is sweetened and then “cut” with a small amount of steamed milk. This highlights the sweetened espresso flavor with a touch of creaminess.

• Cortado: From Spain, it consists of an equal ratio of espresso to steamed milk and is usually not sweetened, focusing more on the balance between the strong espresso and the smooth milk.

Note: While both drinks combine espresso and milk, the cortadito is sweeter and has less milk, creating a richer flavor. On the other hand, Cortado offers a more balanced, unsweetened coffee experience.

Popular Cortadito Vartiations

As much as I love the original, I always try new options to add an exciting twist to the traditional Cuban coffee. Here are three of my favorite versions:

1 – Iced Cortadito

The Iced Cortadito is a refreshing alternative to the classic hot version for those hot summer days. Here’s how you can make it:

• Ingredients: Brew a strong Cuban espresso shot and sweeten it with 1-2 teaspoons of sugar, just like the traditional method. Let the espresso cool down to room temperature.
• Preparation: Once the espresso is cool, pour it over a glass filled with ice cubes. Add a splash of evaporated milk and stir well.

The Iced Cortadito offers the same rich and sweet flavor but in a chilled, refreshing form. There is nothing better than a cool coffee break on a warm day.

2 – Cortadito Frappe

If you’re a fan of blended coffee drinks, the Cortadito Frappe is a must-try. It combines a cortadito’s deliciousness with a frappe’s creamy texture.

• Ingredients: Start with a shot of sweetened Cuban espresso, 1/4 cup of evaporated milk, and a handful of ice cubes.
• Preparation: Combine the espresso, evaporated milk, and ice cubes in a blender. Blend until smooth and frothy.

Then, pour the mixture into a tall glass and enjoy it with a straw. The Cortadito Frappe is a creamy, icy delight perfect for a decadent treat any day.

3 – Coconut Cream Cortadito

For a tropical twist on the traditional cortadito, try the Coconut Cream Cortadito. It adds a coconut flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rich espresso.

• Ingredients: Brew a shot of Cuban espresso and sweeten it as usual. Heat 2-3 tablespoons of coconut cream until warm.
• Preparation: Combine the sweetened espresso with the warm coconut cream, stirring well to mix.

The Coconut Cream Cortadito offers a creamy texture with a hint of coconut that complements the robust espresso. It’s an exotic and delicious variation that’s sure to impress.

Cortadito Customization Options

One of the best things about the cortadito is its versatility. Here are three unique ways to customize this classic Cuban coffee:

1 – Flavor Syrups

Adding flavored syrups is an easy way to personalize your cortadito. Here are some syrups I’d like:

• Vanilla Syrup: Adds a smooth, sweet vanilla flavor that complements the rich espresso.
• Hazelnut Syrup: Introduces a nutty, slightly sweet taste that pairs well with the coffee’s boldness.
• Caramel Syrup: Brings a buttery, sweet touch that improves the overall creaminess of the drink.

Simply add a small amount of your chosen syrup to the sweetened espresso before mixing in the evaporated milk.

2 – Spice Infusions

For a warm and aromatic twist, try infusing your cortadito with spices. Here are some ideas:

• Cinnamon: Sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon into the espresso before adding milk. It adds warmth and a hint of spice.
• Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg can give your cortadito a slightly sweet, nutty flavor.
• Cardamom: This spice adds an exotic, aromatic touch.

Stir the spices into the espresso while it’s hot to ensure they blend well.

3 – Alternative Milk Options

If you prefer a dairy-free cortadito or want to try different milk flavors, consider these alternatives:

• Almond Milk: It gives a subtle nutty flavor and is a lighter option than evaporated milk.
• Coconut Milk: Gives the cortadito a tropical twist and creamy texture.
• Oat Milk: Offers a slightly sweet, creamy consistency that balances the espresso’s strength.

I suggest heating the alternative milk, like evaporated milk, before mixing it into the sweetened espresso.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Here are some pitfalls I’ve encountered and tips on how to avoid them:

1 – Overheating the Milk

One of the first mistakes I made was overheating the evaporated milk. When milk gets too hot, it can scorch and develop an unpleasant taste.

How to Avoid: Heat the evaporated milk gently over low to medium heat. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the heat as soon as it’s hot but not boiling. This will help maintain the milk’s creamy texture and avoid burnt flavors.

2 – Using Too Much Milk

Another common mistake is adding too much milk, which can dilute the espresso’s rich flavor and make the drink too milky.

How to Avoid: Stick to the traditional ratio of espresso to milk. Typically, you only need about 2-3 tablespoons of evaporated milk for one shot of espresso. This amount is enough to “cut” the espresso without overpowering it.

3 – Not Dissolving the Sugar Properly

I sometimes didn’t dissolve the sugar fully, leading to a gritty texture.

How to Avoid: Stir the sugar vigorously into the hot espresso until it’s completely dissolved. Using fine granulated sugar can also help it dissolve more quickly and evenly.

4 – Using Regular Milk Instead of Evaporated Milk

I once tried using regular milk instead of evaporated milk, which resulted in a less creamy and flavorful cortadito.

How to Avoid: Stick with evaporated milk, as it provides the unique creaminess and richness that regular milk can’t match. If you need a substitute, coconut milk can offer a similar creamy texture.

5 – Skipping the Sweetening Step

Skipping the sweetening step can result in a cortadito that lacks the signature sweet flavor that balances the strong espresso.

How to Avoid: Always sweeten the espresso before adding the milk. Even if you prefer less sugar, a small amount is essential to achieve the traditional cortadito flavor.

Last Thoughts

Ah, the Cortadito. It’s not just a coffee; it’s a journey through the vibrant streets of Havana, a dance of flavors, a tale of Cuban heritage. 

Each sip is a testament to the rich traditions and the passionate spirit of the Cuban people. From the robust espresso to the sweet embrace of condensed milk, every element comes together to tell a story, evoke memories, and transport you to a sunlit Cuban café.

And now, dear reader, the baton is passed to you. Dive deep into the world of Cuban coffee culture. Let the rhythms, aromas, and tastes envelop you. 

As you craft your own Cortadito, remember the stories, the traditions, and the heart behind each cup. 

Furthermore, share your experiences, your memories, and those cherished family recipes. Let’s keep the Cortadito legacy alive, one cup at a time. Cheers to the adventures that await!