Piccolo Latte vs Cortado: Ultimate Standoff

If you're like us and want to explore unique blends and caffeinated beverages then it is for certain that a piccolo latte vs cortado comes to mind! But we're not talking about piccolo from Dragonball z, we're talking about a unique type of caffeinated beverage that is mixed with certain parts of milk to achieve a unique taste.

But you may be wondering how does this even compare to a cortado? Well, today we'll be exploring these two drinks in detail.

There is some difference between these two coffee drinks. A piccolo latte is made with a single shot of espresso and steamed milk, while a cortado is made with a double shot of espresso and a small amount of milk.

Some people prefer the taste of a piccolo latte, while others prefer the taste of a cortado.

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Where did Piccolo coffee originate?

Piccolo is a drink that originated in Italy. Piccolo means "small" in Italian, so the drink's name translates to "little milk."

In Italy, piccolos are typically found at espresso bars. There you can order them as-is or with a shot of flavoring syrup added to change the flavor.

How is a Piccolo Latte Made?

For a piccolo latte, the milk is steamed in the cup with a wand-style steam frother and then poured in to create a layer of foam on top. The espresso shot is then poured into the cup and mixed with the milk, resulting in a layered drink.

Unfortunately, our blog is not a coffee recipe blog (yet) so we try not to get into the details of a piccolo latte recipe. Instead, we found a great instructional video on how to make a piccolo latte below. 

Who would drink piccolo latte?

For some people, the milk in a piccolo latte creates an exciting flavor combination with the espresso and enhances their overall coffee experience. For these people, a piccolo latte is a perfect drink.

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Cortado Coffee

Where did Cortado originate?

Cortados are typically found at coffee shops throughout Spain, Mexico, and Central America. In these countries, a cortado is traditionally served in glass tumblers over ice with a slice of lemon.

A cortado is made with a double shot of espresso and a small amount of steamed milk (about 2-3 ounces). The milk is then mixed into the double shot of espresso and poured into the glass over ice.

How to make the coffee

For a cortado, the espresso is poured into a cup and then topped with a small amount of steamed milk. The milk is steamed in the cup with a wand-style steam frother and then poured in to create a layer of foam on top. The espresso shot is then poured into the cup and mixed with the milk, resulting in a layered drink.

We wrote a great blog post on how to make a cortado, however if you don't like reading we managed to find another great instructional video that is easy to follow.

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Who would drink cortado?

A cortado is a perfect drink for those who like their coffee drinks with more espresso and less milk.

Piccolo latte vs cortado

Difference between piccolo latte and cortado In terms of;

Taste

The taste of a piccolo latte is more subtle than a cortado. The milk in a piccolo latte creates an exciting flavor combination with the espresso and enhances their overall coffee experience.

A cortado is a perfect drink for those who like their coffee drinks with more espresso and less milk. It is made with a double shot of espresso and a small amount of steamed milk (about 2-3 ounces).

The espresso boldness (Due to the milk amount difference)

When there is less milk in cortado, the espresso flavor becomes more intense. Therefore, a cortado is not for everyone. Some people might like cortado because of its strong coffee flavor, while others might find it too bitter or harsh.

Milk Amount difference between piccolo latte and cortado is;

Piccolo latte coffee drink contains only steamed milk, but cortado coffee drink consists of milk and double shot espresso. Cortado coffee drink has less milk amount than piccolo for milk flavor domination.

Caffeine Content

Cortado is more caffeinated than piccolo. Espresso shots contain double caffeine content than steamed milk for its coffee taste boldness. The caffeine Content of Cortado is 150mg+, but the Caffeine Content of Piccolo Latte is 100mg+. So, Cortado is more caffeinated than piccolo.

FAQ

Is a cortado the same as a piccolo?

No, they are not the same. A few features distinguish these two types of coffees from the way they are made, the ingredients, and even the results. A cortado is an espresso with a small amount of steamed milk, while a piccolo is a latte with less milk.

What is the difference between a cortado and a piccolo latte?

Cortados are "espresso with just enough milk to moisten it," according to David Schomer of Seattle Coffee Gear. A piccolo latte is an espresso drink calculated so that 20% espresso, 80% milk will yield one oz. of liquid espresso. This drink is also known as a "half and half."

Which one is more popular?

Cortados are more popular. They are more balanced in flavor and sweetness, whereas piccolo lattes can be too sweet for some people. Also, cortados are easier to make because they don't require the extra time to steam the milk.

So, if you are looking for a balanced and more subtle espresso drink, go for a cortado. If you want something with more milk and sweetness, go for a piccolo latte. Either way, you can't go wrong!

Which is bigger cortado or piccolo?

It depends on the country. For instance, the piccolo is more significant than the cortado in Argentina and Colombia, but not in Spain. Cafes will also vary, making it even more complicated to determine which one is bigger.

So who do you go to ask about the difference between cortado vs piccolo?

It's best to ask your local barista because each cafe will have its variation of a piccolo latte. Cortados are more universal in naming conventions, but these names might not be used everywhere either.

Cafes in the United States and Canada will call both of these espresso drinks a piccolo latte. However, in Europe, they would call a cortado a "small espresso with milk" and a piccolo latte as a "latte with less milk." So, it's best to ask your local cafe about the specific names for these drinks.

But what if you want something else

You can always ask for an American or a macchiato. The latter only contains 1-2 shots of espresso, while the former has 3-6 shots. This will give you more caffeine in your drink! So, these two choices are highly determined by what consumers prefer.

What is a piccolo latte?

Also known as a half and half, it is an espresso drink calculated so that 20% espresso, 80% milk will yield one oz. of liquid espresso.

Piccolo means "small" in Italian, so this drink probably got its name because it contains less milk than a regular latte.

How do you make a piccolo latte?

Making a piccolo latte is very similar to that of a cortado. The key difference is that you will use less milk so that the espresso remains more concentrated. Here's what you need:

• One shot of espresso (or 1 oz if you're the "half and half" type)

Fill your cup with milk until it reaches approximately 2/3 or 3/4 full.

 Ensure that your milk is steamed and aerated (foamy and bubbly). If you want to make sure that your milk is steamed correctly, you can always ask your barista for a spoon after you've poured the espresso.

What are piccolo latte servings?

The single-serving size of piccolo latte is 8 oz or more! This differs from piccolo lattes served in Europe, typically smaller in size

Conclusion for Piccolo Latte vs Cortado

There you go! Now you know the difference between a cortado and a piccolo latte. If you are still undecided, it's best to ask your local cafe for their recommendation. You can never go wrong with either of these drinks!

A piccolo latte is the best choice for those looking for a sweeter and smooth coffee; however, if you prefer a bolder caffeinated drink, a cortado is an excellent option.