For many coffee aficionados, the festive flavors of peppermint mocha and sugar cookie latte are delightful seasonal treats. However, as the holiday decorations are packed away, a craving for a more refined, everyday coffee experience often emerges. While Starbucks introduced the Cran-Merry Orange Refresher during the holiday season, a different kind of buzz is building for the new year – one that caters to espresso purists and those seeking a balanced, less sugary coffee option.
Enter the cortado. This espresso beverage stands apart from drinks like the macchiato or flat white, boasting its own distinctive ratio of steamed milk to rich espresso. Starting January 3rd, Starbucks made the cortado available nationwide, answering the calls of coffee lovers eager to explore this nuanced drink.
Decoding the Cortado: A Perfect Balance
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A cortado is elegantly simple: an espresso drink composed of equal measures of espresso and steamed milk. When you order a cortado at Starbucks, you’ll receive a drink crafted with three ristretto shots, precisely “cut” with an equal quantity of creamy whole milk. This act of “cutting” is where the cortado gets its name. “Cortar” is the Spanish verb signifying “to cut,” perfectly describing how the milk mellows, or cuts through, the intense, sometimes sharp flavors of espresso. The result is a harmonious blend where the sweetness of the milk softens the inherent bitterness of the espresso, creating a balanced and approachable cup.
This comforting and concise coffee is deeply rooted in the coffee cultures of Spain, Portugal, and across Latin America. Recognizing this heritage, Starbucks initially introduced the cortado in Miami, a city with a vibrant Cuban community and a strong appreciation for espresso-based drinks. Feedback from discerning cortado drinkers in Miami proved invaluable, helping Starbucks baristas refine their version of this classic beverage.
What truly sets the Starbucks cortado apart, even without added sweeteners, is its inherent sweetness. This delightful characteristic stems from the specific type of espresso shot used: ristretto. Unlike a standard espresso shot, ristretto is brewed using less hot water forced through finely-ground coffee. This shorter extraction time captures the sweeter notes of the coffee bean while minimizing the extraction of bitter compounds that emerge later in the brewing process.
The use of ristretto shots makes a noticeable difference. For those accustomed to ordering unsweetened lattes or cappuccinos and appreciating the bolder taste of espresso, the Starbucks cortado offers a pleasant surprise. The inherent sweetness of the ristretto provides a naturally smooth and enjoyable flavor profile, making it a standout choice for those seeking a balanced and subtly sweet espresso experience without added sugars or syrups.
Customizing Your Cortado Experience at Starbucks
While the beauty of a cortado lies in its simplicity, Starbucks offers some flexibility to personalize your drink. You have the option to incorporate flavor pumps and choose from a variety of milk alternatives, including non-dairy options, often without incurring an extra charge. However, it’s important to note that the cortado at Starbucks is exclusively served hot and in a “short” size. Requesting an iced cortado would technically transform it into a different beverage, losing the defining characteristics of a traditional cortado. Similarly, a larger “venti” cortado would necessitate a significant increase in espresso shots, potentially disrupting the intended balance and flavor profile of the drink. The “short” cortado already contains a generous three shots of espresso, ensuring a robust and flavorful experience in its intended form.
For fans of Starbucks’ popular Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso, there’s even more reason to rejoice. Joining the permanent menu alongside the classic cortado is the enticing Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cortado. This variation proved instantly captivating, offering a delightful twist on the traditional cortado. For those who typically gravitate towards plain lattes or nutty flavored coffees like pistachio, the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cortado presents a compelling alternative. It distinguishes itself from flavored milk-based drinks, offering a more authentic espresso-forward experience with a hint of warm spice and sweetness. The Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cortado emerges as a strong contender for a new go-to coffee indulgence, perfect for those moments when you want to treat yourself to something special without venturing too far from the core espresso experience.
