Cortadito Recipe: A Brief History and Simple Guide
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Originating in Cuban coffee culture, "cortadito" is a Spanish term that translates to "cut" in English. In the context of coffee, a cortadito refers to a beverage made by cutting a strong espresso shot with a small amount of warm milk, often sweetened with condensed milk. The name reflects the way the espresso is "cut" or diluted with milk. Travel back to the early 20th century when Cuban immigrants, settling in the United States, introduced cortadito to communities, sharing their love for strong, bold coffee flavors.
Heat sweetened condensed milk until warm – a nod to the traditional preparation. Once warmed, the sweetened condensed milk becomes more fluid, making it easier to incorporate into the cortadito. Pouring it into the espresso becomes a easy, seamless process, allowing for a balanced combination of the bold coffee notes and the sweetness of the condensed milk.
3. Blend and Enjoy:
Mix equal parts espresso and warm condensed milk. Stir well for a taste that encapsulates the essence of cortadito. Using equal parts of espresso and warm condensed milk is essential to achieve a balanced and harmonious flavor in your cortadito. The strong and intense character of espresso pairs seamlessly with the sweet and velvety notes of condensed milk, creating a delightful contrast that defines the unique experience of a cortadito.