cortadito: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

A cortadito is a Cuban variation where the espresso is pre-sweetened (often with sugar whipped into the first drops to create a froth called 'espumita') and typically uses a smaller ratio of milk. A standard cortado (Spanish origin) is simply espresso 'cut' with an equal amount of warm milk, usually without pre-sweetening.

Typically, no. It is a specialized drink primarily found in Cuban cafés or coffee shops with a Latin American focus. In a standard coffee shop, you might need to explain the preparation or order an espresso with a splash of steamed milk and sugar on the side.

No. The milk is lightly steamed, but the signature froth (espumita) comes from whipping sugar with the hot espresso, not from aerating the milk. The milk texture is closer to a latte than a cappuccino.

The name comes from the Spanish verb 'cortar' (to cut). 'Cortado' means 'cut,' referring to espresso cut with milk. The diminutive suffix '-ito' means 'small,' indicating a smaller version of the drink, both in cup size and milk quantity, and adds a sense of cultural familiarity.

A small, strong coffee drink prepared with pre-sweetened espresso and steamed milk, originating from Cuban cafés.

Cortadito is usually informal, culinary, regional (cuban/cuban-american communities) in register.

Cortadito: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːtəˈdiːtəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːrtəˈdiːtoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.