It’s not just the jolt of caffeine – it’s the intensity of flavor that draws people to drink a Cafe Cortado or Cortadito. It’s also the culinary heritage that goes with each one. We asked the team behind Cortadito Coffee House to tell us more about the drink, including how to make both drinks, enabling Real Food Traveler readers the opportunity to savor perking up in a delicious way.

Save this article about cafe cortado and cortadita coffee drinks to Pinterest to keep them handy. Center photo by Cortadito Coffee House. Graphic by RealFoodTraveler.com.

First, a little background. Cortado originated in the Basque region of Spain during the 20th century. The word “cortado” means “to cut” in Spanish, as in cutting the intensity of espresso coffee with the creaminess of milk. A Cortadito is a Cuban creation. Save our handy recipe graphic below, to Pinterest, to help you make both drinks at home.

What is a Cortado?
It’s a strong, rich and smooth coffee made with 50% of espresso and 50% milk, softening the coffee’s bitterness and reducing acidity, allowing the sweet notes shine through. It typically consists of a double espresso (2 oz), combined with 2 oz. of steamed milk. Traditionally it is served without sugar. For those who want it sweet, raw sugar is usually stirred in.

What is a Cortadito?
It has a slightly higher milk-to-coffee ratio and is made with 1 ounce of extracted espresso with 3 ounces of steamed milk, also served without sugar, but it can be added to taste.

Where is one likely to find a Cortado or Cortadito offered throughout the U.S and around the world?
They can typically be found in South Florida, Miami and many European states that have Hispanic and Latin demographics. You’ll find them more so on the East Coast.

Are there variations, like with flavorings?
Yes, there are different flavors available such as caramel, vanilla, and pistachio.

What are your tips for making strong, delicious Cuban coffee at home?
Start with dark roasted espresso beans blended or fresh ground espresso coffee, like our Cortadito blend made with the Kimbo Espresso beans. Brew them using a specialty espresso machine to create a strong, concentrated coffee, then mix it with plenty of raw sugar to balance the bold flavors with sweetness to get the taste of the traditional colada coffee drink (coffee and sugar).

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Tell us about Cortadito Coffee House – where are your locations, and what do you serve?
Founded in 2020 in Miami Beach, Cortadito Coffee House is South Florida’s favorite Cuban American coffee destination. Known for its vibrant, ventanita-style concept (selling coffee and other food items from a shop window), Cortadito offers a perfect blend of Cuban and American classic coffee favorites like cortadito, café con leche, and lattes, paired with Cuban specialties such as pastelitos, croquetas, and Cuban Sandwiches. Cortadito Coffee House reflects the evolution of the traditional Cuban ventanita, blending its cultural roots with the influence of American coffee shops and modern design, making it the new-age Cuban American window while maintaining its nostalgic charm. The menu marries familiar and popular American snacks like croissants, avocado toasts, and breakfast sandwiches with beloved Cuban favorites, creating a delicious fusion that appeals to a wide range of tastes.

Since its debut, Cortadito has expanded across Miami to neighborhoods like Brickell, Downtown, and Coral Gables, and is now opening its first location outside of Florida at the Flamingo Las Vegas. Together with Havana 1957, Cortadito Coffee House will transform Flamingo Las Vegas—morning, noon, and late night—into a hub of vibrant Cuban American affairs worth experiencing.

How can people learn more about Cortadito Coffee House?
Visit, cortaditocoffeehouse.com to see our menus and our various locations.

Use our Amazon Affiliate links to items you’ll need to make a cafe cortado or cortadito at home, until you can get to Cortadito Coffee House.

• Espresso machine with coffee grinder plus milk steamer and frother
• Espresso bean grinder (if your machine doesn’t have one with it)
• Milk frother/steamer (if your machine doesn’t have one with it)
• Raw sugar (turbinado)
• Gibralter glasses, 4.5 ounces

-Courtney Drake-McDonough, Publisher & Managing Editor, Real Food Traveler

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Save these recipes for a Cortado and Cortadito to Pinterest to keep them handy. Graphic by RealFoodTraveler.com.

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