Flat White Vs Cortado ar starbucks – Difference & which is stronger
Coffee has become more mainstream than it was in the past. As a result, there are many coffee shops in the city and, more importantly, there is a wide selection of coffee to choose from.
When we need caffeine, it’s easy to grab a double shot of espresso or any other drink that screams “caffeine.”
Flat whites and Cortados are two versions of the same drink. They are two different drinks with a subtle difference that you could catch.
Today, I will tell you about Flat white vs Cortado and let you know the difference between the two. I will also give you answers to your questions like” Is a cortado the same as a flat white?,”
“Is a flat white stronger than cortado?,” “What does Starbucks call a cortado?” and “Can I order a cortado at Starbucks?”
Let’s get started!
Flat White Vs Cortado – What Is A Cortado?
A Cortado is a highly famous beverage in Spain. The name “Cortado” really comes from the Spanish word “cortar”, which signifies “to cut.”
A Cortado is made of a 1.5 to 2-ounce shot with the same quantity of steamed milk. Traditionally, a Cortado is served without texturized milk.
However, it’s also common to add small amounts of texturized milk on top for latte art. It’s a small drink that tastes strong because there is little milk in it. So, Is a cortado the same as a flat white? Read on to find out!
Flat White Vs Cortado – What Is A Flat White?
A Flat white is an Australian speciality and is now gaining popularity in the US as well. The name “Flat white” comes from the coffeepot that was used to make it.
The Espresso shot is typically the base ingredient of the Flat white coffee.
Coffee is usually combined with milk by a ratio of 2:1, micro-foamed milk. The steamed milk paired with the coffee produces a rich, velvety consistency while maintaining espresso as the show’s star.
You get served Flat White in a cup of 5 – 6 ounces. However, British chains like to increase this size to around 8 ounces.
The more milk your coffee contains, the weaker it will taste, and the consistency will diminish. So, Is a flat white stronger than cortado? Find out below!
What’s The Difference Between Flat White Vs Cortado?
Is a cortado the same as a flat white? The Flat White and the Cortado are similar in many ways, except for a few slight differences that you need to know. Read on to know Is a flat white stronger than cortado!
Taste
The Cortado is a more modest beverage with an espresso to milk proportion of 1:1, though the Flat White is more prominent and has an espresso to milk proportion of 1:2.
The distinction in the measure of milk will make the Cortado taste more grounded than the Flat White.
Texture
The texture of a Flat White is nearly velvety and creamy. This is because the milk is micro-foamed and paired with the thick espresso.
A Cortado, on the other hand, has a more traditional texture of coffee and milk. Therefore, the texturized milk used in this drink will make it look less like a latte or cappuccino and more like a regular cup of black coffee.
Size
The size of the Flat white and the Cortado are similar. The size of the Flat White is about 5 to 6 ounces, and a Cortado is around 3 to 5 ounces.
Milk
A Flat white has micro-foamed milk, which is made from steamed milk with tiny bubbles. This makes the coffee feel velvety in texture and rich in taste.
A Cortado is served with traditional texturized milk. As a result, the texture of a Cortado will be more like a regular black coffee.
Popularity
In recent years, the Flat white has been growing in popularity, while the Cortado is not that popular like it was earlier.
Origin
The Cortado originated in Spain, while the Flat White originated from Australia and New Zealand.
Calories
The key to a Flat White is more milk. It will typically have more calories than a Cortado, which is made with espresso and steamed milk rather than brewed coffee and hot milk. Despite this difference in calories in both the drinks is not much.
Caffeine Content – Is a flat white stronger than cortado?
Both drinks contain the same amount of caffeine as they both are made with two shots of espresso. In terms of caffeine concentration, a single espresso shot in a flat white is stronger than a single shot in a cortado, however they’re both relatively close cup for cup.
Cortado versus flat white - If you like powerful flavor with a thick texture, you'll probably favor flat white over cortado.
What is Starbucks equivalent to a cortado?
If you love the idea of a Flat White but want a little bit less milk, try ordering a Caffe Latte. In many ways, they’re the same drink: they’re made with an equal amount of espresso and steamed milk, and they’re presented in tall glasses.
Nevertheless, they do have one difference: whereas Flat Whites are typically topped off with an inch or two of foam, Caffe Lattes are topped with a layer of microfoam and no visible foam.
What does Starbucks call a flat white?
According to our research, Starbucks calls a flat white by the name Costa Rica!
Is cortado coffee strong?
No, a cortado coffee is not strong.
It’s true that a cortado coffee has less milk than a flat white, but the difference is relatively small. If you add the same amount of espresso, you will use more milk in the cortado coffee than in the flat white one.
Is a cortado sweet?
Yes, a cortado coffee is sweet.
You can add sugar to your cortado coffee to increase the sweetness and make it taste more balanced.
What does Starbucks flat white taste like?
According to our research, Starbucks flat white tastes like Costa Rica.
What does cortado taste like?
According to our research, a cortado tastes like Costa Rica.
What’s the difference between a cortado and a flat white?
A cortado is served with traditional texturized milk. As a result, the texture of a Cortado will be more like a regular black coffee.
Do latte or flat whites have more caffeine?
Both latte and flat whites contain the same amount of caffeine. Both drinks are made with two shots of espresso.
Does a cortado have more milk than macchiato?
A cortado has less milk than a macchiato. The cortado is made with only one shot of espresso while the macchiato is made with two shots of espresso, making it stronger in caffeine.
Is a cortado like a flat white?
A cortado and flat white are both espresso-based beverages, but they are served differently. A cortado is served with traditional texturized milk. As a result, the texture of a Cortado will be more like a regular black coffee.
What is a large cortado called?
A large cortado is referred to as a Cortado grande. The drink is made with a single shot of espresso, and the traditional texturized milk that’s used in a flat white is not used.
FAQs
Can I order a cortado at Starbucks?
You can indeed order a cortado at Starbucks. You can get it as an espresso or latte with steamed milk (cortadito). Just ask your Barista to prepare it by pouring only one shot of espresso instead of two.
If you want both milk and foam, then try asking your Barista to prepare a flat white with no milk foam on it.
What does Starbucks call a cortado?
By now, you know what a cortado and a flat white is.
If you order either one at Starbucks, you would receive the same thing – a flat white. You'd think Starbucks would offer a cortado on their menu, but they don't.
It’s not an official Starbucks espresso drink, so be prepared to explain how to make it if the barista is unfamiliar.
Conclusion on Flat White Vs Cortado
So, Is a cortado the same as a flat white? Well, no, a cortado is not the same as a flat white. Is a flat white stronger than cortado? No, a flat white is not stronger than a cortado.
Can I order a cortado at Starbucks? Yes, you can order a cortado at Starbucks, but only if you call it a "Cortado" or "Costa Rica."
What does Starbucks call a cortado? According to our research, Starbucks calls a cortado by the name Costa Rica!
At the end of the day, both drinks are delicious in their own ways. It is all about your taste preference.
If you want a drink that is hot and has a smoother, velvety mouthfeel, then go for a Flat White. On the other hand, if you like something with less milk and a more pungent coffee taste, then go for a Cortado.
Now that you know what a cortado and flat white are, the next time you order either one, pay attention to the consistency of the milk. Is it foamy and thick or smooth like the espresso?
That would mainly reveal to you the difference between flat whites and cortados.
