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Cortadito

A traditional sweetened Cuban espresso cut with an equal part of warm, rich evaporated milk.

10 minEasyServes 275 cal/serving

CubanNon-Alcoholic DrinkStovetopVegetarianLow CarbHalal-friendlyKosher-styleGluten-FreeNut-FreeSoy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-FreeCorn-FreeLow-Sodium

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup dark roast espresso coffee grounds
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup evaporated milk, warmed

Instructions

  1. 1

    Fill the bottom chamber of a stovetop espresso maker with 1 cup water up to the safety valve.

  2. 2

    Place 1/4 cup dark roast espresso coffee grounds into the filter basket, level gently without tamping, and screw the top chamber on tightly.

  3. 3

    Brew on the stovetop over medium heat until espresso fills the upper chamber.

  4. 4

    Place 2 tbsp granulated sugar into a heat-safe measuring cup and add the first teaspoon of brewed espresso.

  5. 5

    Vigorously whisk the sugar and espresso drops for 1 to 2 minutes until a pale sugar paste forms.

  6. 6

    Pour the remaining brewed espresso into the sugar paste and stir gently to combine.

  7. 7

    Divide the sweetened espresso into cups and top each with 1/4 cup warmed evaporated milk.

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Questions

What is Cortadito?

A traditional sweetened Cuban espresso cut with an equal part of warm, rich evaporated milk. This reference files it under Cuban non-alcoholic drink: made on the stovetop, rated easy and about 10 minutes start to finish.

Can I make Cortadito dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Cortadito is 1/4 cup evaporated milk, warmed. Swap the evaporated milk for a plant-based version of the same product. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Is Cortadito vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 1/4 cup evaporated milk, warmed. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan non-alcoholic drink collection.

How many calories are in Cortadito?

One serving (the recipe makes 2) is about 75 calories, with 2 g protein, 11 g carbohydrate and 3 g fat, plus 35 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

Can I batch Cortadito for a group?

Yes. As written it serves 2. Halved, the coffee grounds drops from 1/4 cup to 2 tbsp; doubled, it is 1/2 cup. Every line in this entry carries its half and double quantity, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. To make a pitcher, multiply everything and stir over ice at the end.

Serve it with

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More Cuban entries

All Cuban recipes · All Non-Alcoholic Drink recipes · All Espresso recipes