Cortado and macchiato side by side
Drawn from our drinks data in millilitres, with the Coffee Bros build: 40 g espresso with 25 g of foam for the macchiato and 55 g of milk for the cortado.
| Per drink | Macchiato | Cortado |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso | 40 ml | 40 ml |
| Steamed milk | none | 55 ml |
| Milk foam | 25 ml | none |
| Typical total | about 2.2 fl oz (65 ml) | about 3.2 fl oz (95 ml) |
| Caffeine | about 125–190 mg (double shot, from the espresso): the same in each | |
| How it is made | Pull a double shot of espresso into a small cup. Steam or froth a little milk. Spoon or pour a small amount of foamed milk on top. | Pull a double shot into a small glass. Steam a small amount of milk lightly. Pour the milk in to roughly cut the espresso. |
Typical builds from the sources listed below; cafés vary. Open the drinks chart in compare mode to see them side by side. Last checked 2026-11-04.
The difference
The macchiato "calls for a spot of milk and is served in an espresso cup" (Coffee Bros): a double shot with about 25 g of foamed milk, 2.3 oz in total. The cortado "has significantly less milk than the previous drinks" in that guide: the same 40 g of espresso with 55 g of lightly steamed milk, 3.4 oz in total. Seattle Coffee Gear and Coffee at Three describe the cortado as roughly equal parts espresso and milk.
| Macchiato | Cortado | |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso | Double shot, 40 ml | Double shot, 40 ml |
| Milk | A dollop of foam (about 25 ml) | Lightly steamed milk (about 55 ml) |
| Total | 2 to 3 oz | About 3.4 oz |
| Served in | Espresso cup | Small glass |
| Taste | Strongest coffee flavour | Smooth, still coffee-forward |
Making each at home
- Pull a double shot. Into a small cup or glass.
- Macchiato: spoon on foam. Froth a little milk and spoon or pour a small amount on top.
- Cortado: pour warm milk. Steam a small amount lightly and pour it in to roughly cut the espresso.
You only need a small pitcher: see choosing a milk pitcher size. Want bigger milk drinks? Read latte vs cappuccino.