They’re listed right next to each other on the menu: macchiato, cortado and piccolo. All three are small, and all three contain espresso and milk. The difference lies in the proportions. This way, you’ll know what to order or make at home.
Macchiato: espresso with a little foam
A macchiato is mostly espresso. It’s topped with just a little milk foam. It’s intense, with the espresso taking center stage. Expect about 60 to 70 ml.
Cortado: equal parts coffee and milk
A cortado has equal parts espresso and warm milk. There’s no layer of foam on top. That makes it strong yet smooth. It comes from Spain and is about 110 to 120 ml.
Piccolo: a ristretto with plenty of milk
A piccolo is a ristretto with plenty of milk in a small glass, about two-thirds milk. It’s lighter and sweeter than a cortado. It comes from Australia and is about 85 to 110 ml. “Piccolo” is Italian for “small.”
The three side by side
| Macchiato | Cortado | Piccolo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milk | A little foam | Half coffee, half milk | ± 2/3 milk |
| Coffee | Espresso | Espresso | One ristretto |
| Size | ± 60 – 70 ml | ± 110 – 120 ml | ± 85 – 110 ml |
| Character | Intense | Strong and smooth | Lighter and sweeter |
Sizes vary by café. Use these figures as a guide.
Which one suits you?
- Macchiato: you want mostly espresso, with a soft touch.
- Cortado: you want equal parts coffee and milk.
- Piccolo: you want a small, sweet milky coffee.
Note: a latte macchiato is something different. It’s mostly milk with a shot of espresso.
Start with a good espresso
In all these drinks, you can taste the espresso through the milk. Browse our espresso beans.
What can you do with them?
- Read about the difference between cappuccino, flat white and latte.
- Learn the difference between espresso, ristretto and lungo.
- Practice steaming milk.
