What Is a Cortado? A Small Coffee with a Big History

The cortado is a beautifully simple coffee that originated in Spain, particularly in the Basque region. Its name comes from the Spanish verb cortar, meaning “to cut,” referring to how a small amount of warm milk softens the intensity of the espresso without overwhelming its flavor. Unlike a cappuccino, which has thick foam, or a latte, which contains more milk, a cortado strikes the perfect balance—equal parts espresso and milk, creating a smooth and velvety texture.

As the cortado gained popularity, it traveled across Latin America, evolving into variations like the Cuban Café Cortadito, which is often sweetened. In more recent years, this small but mighty coffee has become a favorite in specialty coffee shops around the world, appreciated for its rich taste and no-nonsense approach to espresso and milk.

Try a Cortado at the Bay Coffee Roaster Cafe

At Bay Coffee Roasters, we make our cortado using our signature Brazil pulped natural coffee, carefully extracted with 19g of coffee and 38ml of water. This creates a well-rounded flavor with natural sweetness, hints of nuts, and a chocolatey depth that pairs beautifully with steamed milk.

Our café, located on the edge of Carmarthen, is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy a well-crafted coffee. Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet break or catching up with a friend, our team is ready to serve you a cortado that’s just as good as it looks—and yes, our baristas are pulling some pretty cool latte art too!

Next time you’re nearby, stop in and give it a try!

Visit our cafe in Carmarthen