At first glance, a flat white and a cortado can look nearly identical—both are espresso-based drinks with milk and no dramatic foam. But beneath the surface, they deliver very different coffee experiences. The difference lies in milk ratio, texture, strength perception, and origin, all of which affect how the espresso tastes in the cup.
If you’ve ever wondered why a cortado tastes bolder while a flat white feels creamier—or which one suits your coffee habits better—this guide breaks it down clearly and without barista jargon.
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What is a Flat White?
A flat white is an espresso-based drink known for its velvety microfoam and balanced milk-to-coffee ratio. Originating in Australia and New Zealand, it was created to showcase espresso flavor while still offering a smooth, creamy texture.
Traditionally, a flat white is made with one or two shots of espresso topped with finely textured steamed milk, not thick foam. The milk is stretched just enough to create microfoam, giving the drink a glossy surface and a rich mouthfeel.
Compared to a latte, flat white contains less milk, allowing the espresso to remain noticeable without overpowering the palate.
A flat white is typically served in a smaller cup than a latte, making it ideal for those who enjoy a creamy yet coffee-forward drink without excessive milk.
What is a Cortado?
A cortado is an espresso-based coffee drink that originated in Spain and is designed to soften espresso’s acidity without masking its strength. The name comes from the Spanish word “cortar,” meaning to cut, referring to how a small amount of milk cuts through the sharpness of espresso.
Unlike a flat white, a cortado follows a near 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk. The milk is lightly steamed and warm, but it contains little to no foam, resulting in a flatter, denser texture. This minimal milk presence allows the espresso’s flavor—bitterness, sweetness, and origin notes—to remain front and center.
Cortados are traditionally served in a small glass, emphasizing their compact size and bold character. Because there’s much less milk than in a flat white, a cortado often tastes stronger and more intense, even when the caffeine content is similar.
Flat White vs Cortado: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Flat White | Cortado |
| Origin | Australia / New Zealand | Spain |
| Espresso Base | 1–2 shots | Usually 1 shot |
| Milk Ratio | More milk than espresso | Nearly 1:1 espresso to milk |
| Milk Texture | Steamed milk with fine microfoam | Lightly steamed milk, almost no foam |
| Cup Size | Medium (5–6 oz / 150–180 ml) | Small (4–4.5 oz / 120–135 ml) |
| Taste Profile | Creamy, smooth, balanced | Bold, espresso-forward |
| Perceived Strength | Milder due to more milk | Stronger due to less milk |
| Best For | Those who want espresso flavor with creaminess | Those who enjoy bold espresso softened slightly |
What This Comparison Really Means
While both drinks use espresso and milk, the amount and texture of milk change everything. A flat white is about balance and mouthfeel—smooth, velvety, and easy to drink. A cortado, on the other hand, is about clarity and strength, letting the espresso shine with minimal dilution.
This is why many people assume a cortado has more caffeine, even when it often doesn’t—it simply tastes stronger because there’s far less milk to soften the espresso.
Flat White vs Latte vs Cortado
| Feature | Flat White | Latte | Cortado |
| Origin | Australia / New Zealand | Italy | Spain |
| Espresso Base | 1–2 shots | 1–2 shots | Usually 1 shot |
| Milk Ratio | More milk than cortado, less than latte | Most milk of the three | Nearly 1:1 espresso to milk |
| Milk Texture | Microfoam — velvety and smooth | Steamed milk with thicker foam layer | Lightly steamed milk, minimal/no foam |
| Cup Size | 5–6 oz (150–180 ml) | 8–12 oz (240–350 ml) | 4–4.5 oz (120–135 ml) |
| Taste Profile | Balanced, creamy, espresso-forward | Creamy, mild, less strong espresso taste | Bold, espresso-forward, less creamy |
| Perceived Strength | Milder than cortado | Mildest, coffee flavor softened by milk | Strongest-tasting due to minimal milk |
| Best For | Those who want a smooth espresso drink with milk | Those who enjoy a lot of milk and mild espresso | Those who want bold espresso with a touch of milk |
Quick Takeaways:
- Latte: Creamiest, mildest, milk-forward.
- Flat White: Balanced — milk smooths but espresso still shines.
- Cortado: Boldest, least milk, espresso dominates.
Which is Stronger: Flat White, Cortado, or Latte?
When comparing the strength of a flat white, cortado, and latte, it’s important to distinguish between caffeine content and perceived coffee intensity. In terms of actual caffeine, all three drinks can be very similar because they are primarily based on espresso shots.
A single shot of espresso contains roughly the same caffeine whether it’s in a cortado, flat white, or latte. Therefore, the “strength” in terms of caffeine largely depends on how many shots your barista uses rather than the type of drink itself.
For example, a double-shot latte can have more caffeine than a single-shot cortado, even though it tastes milder.
Where these drinks truly differ is in flavor perception and espresso dominance.
A cortado has a nearly 1:1 ratio of espresso to milk, with little to no foam, so the espresso flavor remains bold and concentrated. This makes it taste much stronger than a flat white or latte, even if the caffeine is comparable.
Flat white, on the other hand, uses slightly more milk and microfoam, which softens the espresso’s edge while still allowing its flavors to shine.
A latte has the most milk of the three, which dilutes the espresso and produces a creamy, smooth taste that many perceive as the least strong, despite potentially having the same caffeine content as the other drinks.
In essence, strength in taste and experience is cortado > flat white > latte, while caffeine strength depends on espresso shots rather than milk. If your goal is to experience bold, concentrated coffee flavor without adding more caffeine, the cortado is the clear choice.
If you prefer a milder, balanced experience, a flat white provides the middle ground, while a latte offers the most comforting, creamy, and milk-forward option. The differences are subtle yet impactful, and understanding milk ratios and texture is key to appreciating why these drinks feel stronger or milder on the palate.
Taste & Mouthfeel Comparison
The difference between a flat white and a cortado becomes most obvious once you take a sip. Although both are milk-based espresso drinks, they deliver very different sensory experiences.
A flat white is smooth, creamy, and velvety. The microfoam blends seamlessly with the espresso, creating a rich mouthfeel without thick foam sitting on top. The milk softens acidity and bitterness, allowing sweetness and chocolatey notes to come through gently. This makes the flat white feel refined and easy to drink, especially for those who enjoy balance over intensity.
A cortado, by contrast, is dense and bold. With little to no foam and a near-equal ratio of espresso to milk, the texture is flatter and heavier on the tongue. The milk warms the espresso but does not disguise it, so the coffee’s bitterness, body, and origin flavors remain prominent. Every sip reminds you that espresso is the star of the drink.
In essence:
- Flat white emphasizes creaminess and harmony
- Cortado emphasizes espresso clarity and punch
Flat White vs Cortado: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between a flat white and a cortado ultimately comes down to personal preference and coffee habits. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
- Choose a Flat White if…
You enjoy a creamy, smooth coffee where milk softens the espresso’s intensity. It’s perfect for those who want a balanced, drinkable espresso that doesn’t hit too hard but still offers rich flavor. Great for morning or mid-afternoon sipping. - Choose a Cortado if…
You prefer a bold, espresso-forward coffee with minimal milk. Cortados highlight the origin notes, acidity, and body of espresso without dilution. Ideal for those who want to taste coffee in its purest form but with just enough milk to soften the edges. - Lifestyle Considerations:
- Flat whites are better for those who enjoy slower sipping and creamier textures.
- Cortados are perfect for quick, strong coffee breaks without feeling heavy.
No matter your choice, both drinks offer a premium espresso experience—just tailored to how strong or creamy you like your coffee.
Common Mistakes & Misconceptions
Even seasoned coffee drinkers sometimes confuse flat whites and cortados. Here are the most common misunderstandings:
- Cortado ≠ Mini Latte
While both are small milk-and-espresso drinks, a cortado has much less milk and almost no foam, whereas a latte or mini latte is creamier and foamier. - Flat White ≠ No Foam Latte
Some people assume a flat white is just a latte with no foam. In reality, it uses microfoam, a very fine, silky milk texture that integrates with espresso, giving a distinct mouthfeel. - Caffeine Myths
Many believe cortados have more caffeine than flat whites. The truth is caffeine depends on the number of espresso shots, not the milk volume. Cortados just taste stronger due to less milk. - Regional Differences Matter
Coffee shops across the world may serve slightly different versions. Always check your café’s preparation if you want an authentic experience.
Closing Thoughts
Both the flat white and cortado are excellent espresso drinks—but they cater to different tastes and moods.
- Flat White: Creamy, balanced, and smooth; ideal if you love milk’s silky texture without sacrificing espresso flavor.
- Cortado: Bold, espresso-forward, and compact; perfect if you want the pure essence of coffee with just a touch of milk.
Ultimately, your choice depends on how strong you like your coffee, how much milk you prefer, and when you’re drinking it. For a casual, creamy morning sip, go for a flat white. For a sharp, bold afternoon pick-me-up, the cortado wins.