How to Order a Cortado at Starbucks: The Discerning Drinker’s Guide

Ordering a Cortado at Starbucks can feel like navigating a secret menu. It isn’t officially on the menu, so knowing how to articulate your request is crucial for a truly delightful experience. To order a Cortado, simply ask your barista for a “Cortado – two ristretto shots topped with steamed milk, served in a small glass or ceramic cup.” The key is using the term “ristretto shots” and emphasizing the equal parts milk and espresso. It’s about precision, not guesswork.

Decoding the Cortado: More Than Just Coffee

The Cortado, originating from Spain, is a deceptively simple beverage with a powerful punch. It’s a carefully balanced dance between strong espresso and slightly steamed milk, designed to cut the acidity of the coffee (hence the name, “cortado” meaning “cut” in Spanish). Unlike lattes or cappuccinos, a Cortado showcases the espresso’s inherent flavor, only gently softened by the milk. Mastering the art of ordering it at Starbucks, a place not always known for its espresso focus, requires a bit of finesse.

Understanding the Starbucks Context

Starbucks, while a global behemoth, is often criticized for its emphasis on sugary, milk-heavy drinks. A Cortado, in its purest form, bucks that trend. This is where the potential for miscommunication arises. Baristas are trained to make popular drinks, and a nuanced Cortado order might not be immediately familiar. Therefore, clarity is your best friend.

The Perfect Cortado Order: Step-by-Step

Here’s a breakdown of the ideal way to order your Cortado, ensuring you get exactly what you’re craving:

1. Start with Confidence: Approach the barista with a clear idea of what you want. Don’t hesitate or act unsure; confidence conveys that you know your coffee.

2. Specify “Cortado”: State clearly that you want a Cortado. This immediately sets the tone and differentiates it from other espresso-based drinks.

3. Highlight “Ristretto”: This is the crucial detail. Ask for your Cortado to be made with “two ristretto shots.” Ristretto shots are shorter pulls than standard espresso shots, resulting in a sweeter, less bitter, and more concentrated flavor. This is essential for a true Cortado experience.

4. Emphasize Equal Parts: Politely request that the Cortado have equal parts espresso and steamed milk. This differentiates it from a macchiato, which has just a dollop of foam.

5. Specify the Cup: If possible, request that it be served in a small glass or ceramic cup. Many Starbucks locations may only have paper cups readily available. A glass showcases the drink beautifully and elevates the experience. If they don’t have a glass, a small ceramic cup is the next best option. A paper cup will do in a pinch, but it detracts from the intended experience.

6. Optional: Mention No Foam: To avoid any confusion with a macchiato, you can add, “with minimal to no foam.”

A Sample Order

Putting it all together, a perfect order would sound like this:

“Hi, I’d like a Cortado, please. Could you make it with two ristretto shots and equal parts steamed milk, with minimal to no foam? And if possible, I’d prefer it in a small glass or ceramic cup.”

Troubleshooting Common Cortado Confusion

Even with a clear order, miscommunication can happen. Here’s how to handle potential pitfalls:

• The “What’s a Cortado?” Scenario: If the barista seems unfamiliar, politely explain that it’s equal parts ristretto shots and steamed milk. They may then understand that you want something similar to a flat white, but with ristretto shots instead of regular espresso.

• The “Latte Art?” Question: A true Cortado is not about elaborate latte art. Gently decline any offers of fancy designs; the focus should be on the drink’s flavor and balance.

• The “What Size?” Dilemma: A Cortado is inherently small. There isn’t a “Tall,” “Grande,” or “Venti” Cortado. It’s typically served in a 4-5 oz cup. If asked, clarify you want the smallest possible size, emphasizing the equal parts espresso and milk.

Cortado FAQs: Your Definitive Guide

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further refine your Cortado knowledge:

1. What is the difference between a Cortado and a Macchiato? The primary difference is the milk-to-espresso ratio and the amount of foam. A Cortado has equal parts steamed milk and espresso with minimal to no foam, while a Macchiato traditionally has espresso “marked” with a dollop of foamed milk. Starbucks’ Caramel Macchiato is a completely different, much sweeter beverage, unrelated to a traditional Macchiato.

2. What are Ristretto shots, and why are they important for a Cortado? Ristretto shots are shorter espresso pulls using the same amount of coffee grounds. This extracts the sweeter, less bitter compounds from the coffee, resulting in a more concentrated and flavorful shot that complements the milk perfectly. Using regular espresso shots can make the Cortado too bitter.

3. Can I order a Cortado iced? While not traditional, you can technically order an iced version. However, the experience will be different as the steamed milk is replaced with cold milk. Be extra clear about the ristretto shots and equal parts.

4. Is a Cortado stronger than a Latte? Yes, generally. Although both contain espresso and milk, the higher concentration of espresso to milk in a Cortado makes it a stronger and more intense drink.

5. Does Starbucks charge extra for Ristretto shots? Typically, no. Starbucks usually doesn’t charge extra for specifying ristretto shots. However, it’s always a good idea to confirm with the barista.

6. What if the barista doesn’t know how to make a Cortado? Politely explain the recipe – equal parts ristretto shots and steamed milk with minimal foam. They may be familiar with similar drinks and can usually accommodate your request. If they seem genuinely confused, consider ordering a similar drink like a flat white with ristretto shots.

7. Can I add sugar or syrup to a Cortado? While purists may scoff, it’s your drink! If you prefer a touch of sweetness, add a small amount of sugar or a pump of your favorite syrup. However, be aware that this alters the intended flavor profile.

8. What is the ideal cup size for a Cortado? A 4-5 ounce cup is ideal, allowing for the perfect ratio of espresso and milk.

9. Is a Cortado the same as a Gibraltar? Generally, yes. “Gibraltar” is a more regional term, particularly popular in the San Francisco Bay Area, for what is essentially a Cortado served in a Libbey Gibraltar glass.

10. How does a Cortado compare to a Flat White? A Flat White typically uses regular espresso shots and has a slightly larger volume of milk, creating a smoother, less intense flavor compared to the Cortado’s concentrated ristretto shots.

11. Can I use alternative milk (almond, soy, oat) in my Cortado? Absolutely! Specify your preferred milk alternative when ordering. Be aware that the taste will be slightly different as each milk alternative has its own unique flavor profile.

12. What’s the best time of day to enjoy a Cortado? A Cortado is a great pick-me-up any time of day! Its strong espresso content makes it a perfect choice for a morning boost or an afternoon energy lift.

By following these guidelines and FAQs, you’ll be well-equipped to order a delicious and authentic Cortado at Starbucks, transforming a potentially confusing experience into a moment of coffee connoisseurship. So go forth, order with confidence, and enjoy the delightful simplicity of a perfectly crafted Cortado!