# Cortado

/kɔːrˈtɑːdoʊ/ (US) · /kɔːˈtɑːdəʊ/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cortado
Updated: 2026-09-20

## Definition

a small coffee drink made with one part strong espresso and an equal amount of warm milk to make the taste less bitter

For teachers: a beverage consisting of espresso diluted with an approximately equal volume of steamed milk to reduce acidity, originating from Spain and popular throughout Latin America.

## Examples

- I would like to order a cortado and a small cookie, please.
- Since I find lattes too milky, I usually opt for a cortado to better appreciate the espresso's flavor profile.
- The barista served a perfectly balanced cortado, featuring a velvety microfoam that harmonized with the robust acidity of the medium-roast beans.

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