The world of coffee is vast and diverse, filled with a multitude of unique and delicious drinks. Two such drinks that many a coffee lover may come across on their coffee journeys are the piccolo latte and the cortado. But you may think piccolo latte vs cortado: what is the difference?
Though they may seem similar at first glance, there are a few key differences that set them apart. Below, we’ll dive into the world of these espresso-based drinks to discover what makes each one unique.
What is a Piccolo Latte?
The piccolo latte, or piccolo coffee, is an espresso-based drink that originated from Australia in the early 2000s. The term ‘piccolo’ is an Italian word meaning ‘small’, which is a fitting description for this small milk beverage.
A piccolo latte is made with a single ristretto shot of espresso, which is a shorter and more concentrated espresso shot, topped with warm milk and a small amount of foam. The result is a small latte with an intense flavor.
Why is a Piccolo Latte Hard to Find?
Piccolo latte, despite its delicious taste, can be a mysterious drink on coffee shop menus. Due to its small size and the use of a single ristretto shot, it requires precision and skill to make. Additionally, its popularity is not as widespread as other types of coffee, making it a rare find in some parts of the world, including the United States.
What is a Cortado?
Originating from Spain, the word ‘cortado’ is derived from the Spanish word ‘cortar’, which means ‘to cut’. This coffee drink is typically made with equal parts espresso and warm milk, designed to ‘cut’ the intensity of the espresso.
The main difference between a cortado and other coffee drinks is its small size and the ratio of espresso to milk. A cortado typically uses a double shot of espresso and an equal amount of steamed milk, resulting in a stronger coffee flavor than other drinks.
Piccolo Latte vs Cortado
When comparing a piccolo latte to a cortado, the main difference lies in the ratio of espresso to milk and the size of the drink. A piccolo latte uses a single ristretto shot of espresso, less milk, and a bit of foam, resulting in a smaller and stronger coffee taste. On the other hand, a cortado uses a double espresso shot and an equal amount of warm milk, resulting in a larger drink with a balanced and less intense flavor.
Tips for Making a Piccolo Latte
To make a perfect piccolo latte, start with a single ristretto shot of espresso. Then add about 60 mL of milk, steamed to a silky texture. Pour the milk at a slight angle to create a small amount of foam and if you’re skilled, you can also create some latte art.
Tips for Making a Cortado
For a cortado, start with a double shot of espresso. Then add an equal volume of steamed milk, aiming for a similar milk consistency as in a piccolo. There’s little foam in a cortado, so pour the milk directly into the espresso.
Piccolo and Cortado vs Other Espresso Drinks
Comparing the piccolo and cortado to other espresso-based drinks unveils a fascinating exploration of the diverse world of coffee. Each of these drinks offers a distinct flavor profile and character that sets them apart from their more renowned counterparts.
Let’s jump into how the piccolo and cortado measure up against other espresso-based beverages, shedding light on the nuances that make them stand out in the world of coffee.
Latte
A regular latte is made with a double shot of espresso, hot milk, and a layer of foam on top. Both piccolo and cortado are smaller in size and have less milk compared to a latte, resulting in a stronger coffee flavor.
Cappuccino
A cappuccino is made with equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam and usually served in a 5–6 oz/142–170 mL glass. Compared to a cappuccino, a piccolo latte and cortado have less foam and more emphasis on the espresso flavor.
Flat White
A flat white, another espresso-based drink from Australia, is similar to a piccolo and cortado but uses a double shot of espresso and a smaller amount of milk, resulting in a creamier texture and also typically served in a 5–6 oz/142–170 ml glass.
Macchiato
A macchiato is made with a single shot of espresso and a small amount of milk foam. Both piccolo and cortado have more milk and less foam than a macchiato, resulting in a less intense flavor.
Conclusion: Piccolo Latte vs Cortado
Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or a casual coffee drinker, both the piccolo latte and cortado offer unique flavors that are worth a try. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference, with the piccolo offering a stronger coffee taste due to the ristretto shot, and the cortado offering a balanced flavor due to the equal parts of espresso and milk.
The next time you visit your local coffee shop, why not give one (or both) of these espresso-based drinks a try? You might just discover a new favorite.
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