The iced Cortado is a popular summertime beverage. Actually, that’s not really true. It’s one of the most delicious year-round iced coffees you can get.
It’s served chilled, and the ice cubes help cool down the drink. It’s prepared with espresso that is brewed hot and milk.
This iced coffee is bold and flavorful, and it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed in any number of ways. Here, we’ll go in-depth about the iced Cortado so you’ll know how to make one at home!
Let’s get started and have a closer look at this flavor-packed iced beverage!
What is an Iced Cortado?
In short, an iced Cortado consists of 2 shots of espresso and an equal amount of cold milk. The espresso coffee and milk are combined over ice cubes, and you have your delicious espresso beverage!
Iced cortados are one of the lesser-known drinks in the coffee world. They are espresso shots with added milk and ice, typically poured over ice cubes in a glass. Iced cortados can be made with any type of milk- including cow, soy, almond, and coconut- and they can also be sweetened or flavored with syrups or spices.
Iced cortados are a refreshing way to enjoy espresso and milk on a hot day, but they can also be enjoyed in the wintertime as a warming drink. Iced cortados are relatively easy to make at home, but they can also be bought at many coffee shops.
The typical Iced Cortado is prepared with two shots of espresso and then topped off with an equal amount of milk. The beverage is served over ice cubes to cool the hot espresso down.
It’s similar to an iced latte but has a much stronger coffee taste. The milk content in a latte is much higher, giving it a creamier taste, while the iced Cortado comes with a more prevalent espresso aroma.
Also of interest: Flat White vs Cortado – What is Different with these Espresso Drinks?
How do you make an Iced Cortado at Home?
It’s fairly easy to make an iced Cortado at home. Let’s have a look at the ingredients and how you brew it yourself.
Ingredients for an Iced Cortado
To make an iced Cortado at home, you need:
- 2 shots of espresso (2 oz)
- 2 oz of milk
- ice cubes
If you prefer, you can substitute the milk with non-dairy milk. Your iced Cortado will taste best if you use milk that foams even when it is cold.
Using coconut milk will give your Cortado a hint of sweetness. You can certainly also use soy milk or oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk.
If you prefer dairy milk, then use 2% or whole milk for a richer taste. If you prefer a lighter taste or want fewer calories, then use fat-free or 1% milk.
Also of interest: Piccolo Latte vs Cortado – What are the Differences between them?
Steps to Brewing an Iced Cortado at Home
Basically, it’s the same ingredients you’d use for an iced latte or an iced cappuccino. The difference is in the ratio of espresso to milk.
You pull the double shot of espresso in your espresso maker or use a Moka pot to brew the coffee. The milk should be cold, and you should use a milk frother to create some foam in the milk. Lastly, you pour the espresso and milk over ice, and voila, you have your iced Cortado.
Alternatively, you can add your espresso, milk (non foamed), and ice cubes into a shaker. Shake the ingredients thoroughly, and you end up with your shaken iced Cortado. The milk will be creamy, and the shaking will create a small foam layer on top – delicious!
Also of interest: Macchiato vs Cortado – Comparing these two Delicious Espressos with Milk
Can you add Coffee Syrup to your Iced Cortado?
You can add Coffee Syrup to your Iced Coronado! In a nutshell, this cocktail has the same ingredients as an espresso and a cup of cold milk. It’s also great to add a little bit of foam to the beverage. Coffee syrup balances out the bitterness of the espresso and is a great way to add flavor without adding too much sweetness.
To make your own coffee syrup, follow these instructions. First, make a simple syrup with sugar, water, vanilla bean wholes, and extract. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar dissolves and the liquid bubbles. Cook this mixture for about two minutes and let it cool completely before using it. Then, use it in your favorite drinks! You can also use it to make other flavors, like cinnamon or vanilla.
If you choose to use coffee syrup, make sure to buy a brand that uses natural ingredients. You don’t want anything too artificial! There are sugar-free options that have no added calories or other artificial ingredients. Organic and non-GMO ingredients are preferable. In addition, many of them have a long shelf life. A three-pack of coffee syrups can be a wonderful gift for a coffee lover!
You can use simple syrup instead of coffee syrup. It is simple to make and works well in recipes that call for sugar. Just mix equal parts of sugar and water and boil until the sugar dissolves. Simple syrup will not add flavor to your Iced Cortado, but it’s handy if you don’t want to spend money on a coffee syrup. When you make your own, you can choose a flavor that suits your taste.
Does an Iced Cortado have a lot of Calories?
An iced Cortado is actually quite low in calories if you don’t add syrup or sugar to your drink. If you enjoy a 4 oz iced Cortado consisting of 2 espresso shots and 2 oz of whole milk, you’ll be around 34 calories.
Adding a spoonful of sugar will increase the calorie by roughly 16 calories. Even the resulting 50 calories are not overwhelmingly much. Having one or two of these delicious beverages a day won’t usually have a huge impact on your calorie consumption.
If you replace the whole milk with 1%, then you end up with 15 calories. The iced Cortado has less fat and fewer calories that way. Yet, in our opinion, it’s not quite as tasty!
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Iced Cortados are a delicious and refreshing drink choice for any time of the year. They are perfect for coffee lovers who want something a little stronger than a Latte but not as intense as an Espresso.
If you’re looking for a new coffee drink to try, we highly recommend giving Iced Cortados a shot!
