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Cortado: The Bold & Balanced Espresso Classic

ByMenu Updates
Cortado

The Cortado brings a refined, espresso-forward option to Starbucks core menu, drawing inspiration from the classic Spanish coffee tradition. The name comes from the Spanish word cortar (“to cut”), perfectly capturing how a touch of steamed milk gently tempers the bold intensity of espresso—softening acidity while preserving its rich, full-bodied flavor.
Unlike milkier drinks like lattes or cappuccinos, the Starbucks Cortado keeps the focus on the coffee with a higher espresso-to-milk ratio. It’s crafted using three ristretto shots of Starbucks® Blonde Espresso for a smoother, sweeter, and more concentrated profile, paired with perfectly steamed whole milk to create a velvety, balanced sip.
Served hot in a compact 8-ounce Short cup, this small-but-mighty beverage is ideal for anyone craving a quick, premium espresso experience that highlights Starbucks’ craft without overwhelming sweetness or dilution. It’s a sophisticated choice for espresso lovers seeking something strong yet smooth!
(Pro tip: You can also find variations like the Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado for a dairy-free twist with added warmth from brown sugar and cinnamon.)

$5.25 -90 Calories

What’s Included In It?

  • Short (8 fl oz): 2 Shots Signature Espresso Roast (traditionally served as Ristretto for a smoother finish), Steamed Whole Milk (lightly textured with a thin layer of microfoam).
  • Note: At Starbucks, the Cortado is officially served only in the Short (8 oz) size to maintain the authentic 1:1 espresso-to-milk ratio.

Nutrition & Calories Insights Table

NutrientAmount per Short (8 oz)% Daily Value
Calories904%
Total Fat4.5g6%
Saturated Fat2.5g13%
Cholesterol15mg5%
Sodium60mg2%
Total Carbohydrates8g3%
Sugars6g12%
Protein5g10%
Caffeine150mg—

What Are The Customization options Available In Cortado

  • 2% Milk
  • Almond
  • Coconut
  • Breve (Half & Half)
  • Heavy Cream
  • Nonfat Milk
  • Oatmilk
  • Protein-boosted Milk
  • Soy
  • Nondairy Vanilla Sweet Cream
  • Vanilla Sweet Cream
  • Whole Milk
  • Whipped Cream
  • Extra Whipped Cream
  • Light Whipped Cream
  • No Whipped Cream
  • Cinnamon Powder
  • Nutmeg Powder
  • Salted Brown–Buttery Topping
  • Extra Salted Brown Butter Topping
  • Light Salted Brown–Buttery Topping
  • No Salted Brown–Buttery Topping
  • Caramel Brulée Topping
  • Caramel Crunch Topping
  • Cinnamon Dolce Sprinkles
  • Cookie Crumble Topping
  • Chocolate Curls Topping
  • Pumpkin Spice Topping
  • Red & Green Sprinkle Topping
  • Caramel Drizzle
  • Mocha Drizzle
  • Nondairy Brown Sugar Cream Cold Foam
  • Nondairy Chocolate Cream Cold Foam
  • Nondairy Gingerbread Cream Cold Foam
  • Nondairy Matcha Cream Cold Foam
  • Nondairy Peppermint Chocolate Cream Cold Foam
  • Nondairy Salted Caramel Cream Cold Foam
  • Nondairy Strawberry Cream Cold Foam
  • Nondairy Sugar Cookie Cream Cold Foam
  • Nondairy Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam
  • Banana Protein Cold Foam
  • Brown Sugar Protein Cold Foam
  • Caramel Brulée Protein Cold Foam
  • Chocolate Protein Cold Foam
  • Gingerbread Protein Cold Foam
  • Matcha Protein Cold Foam
  • Peppermint Chocolate Protein Cold Foam
  • Pistachio Protein Cold Foam
  • Salted Caramel Protein Cold Foam
  • Sugar Cookie Protein Cold Foam
  • Vanilla Protein Cold Foam
  • Chocolate Cream Cold Foam
  • Extra Chocolate Cream Cold Foam
  • Light Chocolate Cream Cold Foam
  • No Chocolate Cream Cold Foam
  • Banana Cream Cold Foam
  • Brown Sugar Cream Cold Foam
  • Caramel Brulée Cream Cold Foam
  • Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam
  • Gingerbread Cream Cold Foam
  • Matcha Cream Cold Foam
  • Peppermint Chocolate Cream Cold Foam
  • Pistachio Cream Cold Foam
  • Salted Caramel Cream Cold Foam
  • Strawberry Cream Cold Foam
  • Sugar Cookie Cream Cold Foam
  • None
  • No water – Prepared with 2% Milk
  • No water – Prepared with Almondmilk
  • No water – Prepared with Coconutmilk
  • No water – Prepared with Cream (Half & Half)
  • No water – Prepared with Heavy Cream
  • No water – Prepared with Nonfat Milk
  • No water – Prepared with Oatmilk
  • No water – Prepared with Soymilk
  • No water – Prepared with Nondairy Vanilla Sweet Cream
  • No water – Prepared with Vanilla Sweet Cream
  • No water – Prepared with Whole Milk
  • Pistachio Sauce
  • Caramel Brulée Sauce
  • Dark Caramel Sauce
  • Mocha Sauce
  • White Chocolate Mocha Sauce
  • Brown Sugar Syrup
  • Caramel Syrup
  • Sugar-Free Caramel Syrup
  • Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
  • Gingerbread Syrup
  • Hazelnut Syrup
  • Peppermint Syrup
  • Sugar Cookie Syrup
  • Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup
  • Vanilla Syrup
  • Vanilla Bean Powder scoops
  • Add Shots
  • None
  • Blonde Espresso
  • Signature Espresso
  • 1/2 Decaf
  • Decaf Espresso Roast
  • 1/3 Decaf
  • 2/3 Decaf
  • None
  • Ristretto
  • Long Shot
  • None
  • Upside Down
  • None
  • Line the Cup with Caramel Sauce
  • Line the Cup with Mocha Sauce
  • Ice
  • Extra Ice
  • Light Ice
  • No Ice
  • Pistachio Sauce
  • Matcha Powder scoops
  • Classic Syrup
  • Honey Blend Syrup
  • Honey
  • Sugar In The Raw®
  • Splenda®
  • Stevia in the Raw®
  • Sugar
  • Personal Cup
  • None
  • Short Cup
  • Tall Cup
  • Grande Cup
  • Venti Cup

Frequently Asked Questions

The Cortado is a bold, Spanish-inspired espresso drink that balances rich espresso with just enough steamed milk to “cut” (from the Spanish word cortar) the intensity—softening acidity while keeping the coffee front and center. At Starbucks, it’s crafted with three ristretto shots of Starbucks® Blonde Espresso for a smoother, sweeter, more concentrated flavor, paired with perfectly steamed whole milk for a velvety texture. It’s smaller and far more espresso-forward than a latte, delivering a quick, premium sip that highlights the craft of the espresso.

Starbucks serves the Cortado exclusively in the Short (8 oz) cup to stay true to its authentic, balanced profile. Scaling it up would require much more milk, which would dilute the bold espresso taste and basically turn it into a latte. Keeping it compact preserves that strong, coffee-dominant experience!

The standard Cortado features three ristretto shots of Starbucks® Blonde Espresso Roast. Ristretto shots pull with less water and a shorter extraction time (using the same grounds as a regular shot), resulting in a richer, sweeter, and more intense espresso with notes like candied apple and bittersweet chocolate—perfect for cutting through smoothly with milk.

While both are espresso + steamed milk drinks, the key differences are in size, ratio, and intensity:

Cortado: 8 oz, higher espresso-to-milk ratio (very coffee-forward), intense and bold flavor.

Flat White: Larger (usually 12 oz), more steamed milk for a creamier, smoother texture with less pronounced espresso punch. If you want strong coffee without overwhelming milkiness, go Cortado; for something silkier and milder, the Flat White wins.

Yes—whole milk gives the classic velvety feel, but you can swap in any plant-based option like oatmilk, almondmilk, soymilk, or coconutmilk. As of late 2024 (and continuing into 2026), Starbucks no longer charges extra for non-dairy milk customizations in U.S. and Canada company-owned stores, making it easier and more affordable to go dairy-free. (The Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado is a popular permanent non-dairy twist with added brown sugar syrup and cinnamon!)

The official Starbucks Cortado is a hot-only beverage, designed to showcase the warmth and texture of steamed milk. For an iced version, baristas often suggest customizing an Iced Espresso Macchiato or Iced Flat White (e.g., request extra ristretto shots and minimal milk to mimic the Cortado’s bold ratio). Seasonal variations like a Pistachio Cortado (hot) sometimes appear, but iced Cortados aren’t standard on the core menu.

Discover the full Starbucks USA menu right here — from classic hot & iced coffees, refreshing cold teas, protein-packed beverages, bakery treats, sandwiches, and seasonal specials, all with the latest 2026 prices, sizes, calories, and customization options. Whether you’re craving the bold 1971 Roast™ Americano, viral Dubai Chocolate Mocha, high-protein Iced Matcha, or a quick Egg Bites breakfast, find everything you need to plan your perfect Starbucks run. Tap below for the complete USA menu breakdown by category, current pricing, and fan-favorite picks

Starbucks Menu With Prices

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