Cortado vs. Flat White

These two drinks are close enough that some shops treat them as interchangeable. They are not. They overlap in size and intention but diverge on texture, origin, and what the milk is doing.

The Cortado

A cortado is 4 ounces total. Two ounces of espresso, two ounces of steamed milk. No foam. No microfoam. The milk is warm and flat. It cuts the espresso's acidity without adding texture. The drink is smooth, direct, and espresso-forward. Spanish origin.

The Flat White

A flat white is 5 to 6 ounces total. A double shot of espresso with steamed milk texturized into microfoam. The foam integrates with the espresso to create a velvety, uniform drink from top to bottom. Australian and New Zealand origin. Latte art is standard. Temperature is slightly higher because the microfoam retains heat better than flat milk.

Which to Order

Order a cortado when you want the shortest path between you and espresso flavor with milk. Order a flat white when you want the espresso-milk experience elevated by texture. Both are excellent choices for the person who finds lattes too milky and espresso too intense. Find a specialty shop that makes both.

Keep reading: What Is a Cortado, What Is a Flat White, Cappuccino vs. Flat White.