Last Updated on February 8, 2025 by Karen
Discover the key differences between Cortado and Gibraltar coffee. Explore their origins, flavor profiles, and preparation methods to understand which espresso-based drink suits your taste.
When it comes to espresso drinks, coffee enthusiasts in the United States and around the world often find themselves debating the best options on the coffee shop menu. Two popular espresso-based beverages that stand out in the specialty coffee world are the cortado coffee and the Gibraltar coffee. Both drinks are espresso-forward, but their subtle differences make them unique.
In this post, we’ll explore the main difference between the cortado and the Gibraltar and why these drinks are beloved by coffee connoisseurs everywhere.
What is a Cortado?
A cortado is an espresso-based coffee drink that features equal parts espresso and steamed milk. The name “cortado” comes from the Spanish word “cortar,” which means “to cut.” This refers to the way the milk is used to “cut” the intensity of the espresso, balancing its strong flavors. The milk in a cortado is usually steamed to create a velvety texture but does not have the foam typical of a cappuccino or latte. The result is a coffee with a smooth and rich flavor, where the espresso is bold, but the milk softens the sharpness without overpowering it.
What is the Origin of Cortado Coffee?
The cortado coffee has its roots in Spain, where it has been a staple in cafes for many years. The drink is particularly popular in regions of the Iberian Peninsula, such as Spain and Portugal. It is commonly enjoyed throughout the day, often as a mid-morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
In Spanish coffee culture, the cortado is typically served in a small glass or cup, and it’s a go-to option for those looking for a coffee drink that isn’t as milk-heavy as a latte or as intense as a straight espresso. Over time, the cortado has become popular in other parts of the world, especially in specialty coffee shops and among coffee enthusiasts in the United States and beyond.
How to Make a Cortado Coffee
To prepare a cortado coffee, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- A single or double shot of espresso
- An equal amount of steamed milk
- Optional: sweetener of your choice (sugar, honey, etc.)
Preparation method for cortado coffee:
1. Pull a Shot of Espresso: Using an espresso machine, extract either a single or double shot of espresso. The espresso should be rich and bold, providing the foundation for this drink.
2. Steam the Milk: Steam the milk to a creamy consistency, heating it to around 140-150°F (60-65°C). Unlike some other espresso drinks, the milk in a cortado is not frothy, but instead has a smooth, velvety texture.
3. Combine Espresso and Milk: Pour the steamed milk into a small glass or cup, aiming to fill it about halfway. Then, carefully pour the espresso directly over the milk, making sure to maintain an equal ratio of espresso to milk.
4. Optional Sweetener: If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a sweetener of your choice, such as sugar or honey, to enhance the flavor profile.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your cortado, a beautifully balanced coffee drink that showcases the perfect harmony of espresso and milk.
The cortado offers a unique balance, with the espresso-forward flavor complemented by the creamy texture of the milk, making it a favorite among coffee lovers who appreciate a stronger coffee experience with a touch of creaminess.
How Do You Serve Cortado Coffee?
When serving a cortado coffee, you can pair it with a variety of foods to complement its rich and creamy flavor. Here are some ideas for pairing:
Pastries and Croissants: A classic pairing for a cortado is a fresh pastry, such as a buttery croissant or a flaky Danish. The sweetness of the pastry balances well with the strong, bold flavor of the espresso in the cortado.
Chocolate: A small piece of dark chocolate or a chocolate truffle is an excellent accompaniment to cortado coffee. The bitterness of the dark chocolate complements the espresso’s robust flavor, creating a rich, indulgent treat.
Biscuits or Cookies: Simple, crunchy biscuits or cookies, especially those with a bit of sweetness like shortbread or biscotti, are also great to pair with cortado. They provide a satisfying contrast in texture to the smoothness of the coffee.
Cheese: If you’re after something savory, a mild cheese like manchego or a soft brie can be paired with cortado. The creaminess of the cheese balances the coffee’s intensity.
Fruit: A small side of fresh fruit, such as berries, apple slices, or citrus, can add a light, refreshing contrast to the bold coffee.
Nut-Based Snacks: Lightly salted nuts or a small serving of almonds or cashews can provide a nice balance between savory and rich flavors when paired with the cortado’s smooth, espresso-forward taste.
Serving your cortado with one or more of these items will elevate the coffee experience, offering a satisfying balance between bold, creamy, sweet, and savory notes.
What is a Gibraltar Coffee?
The Gibraltar coffee, which gained popularity in the United States through the Blue Bottle Coffee Company in San Francisco, is very similar to the cortado but with a slight subtle difference in preparation and presentation. Typically made with a double shot of espresso (unlike the cortado’s single shot), the Gibraltar is often served in a small cup or Gibraltar glass — a 2-ounce Gibraltar glass, specifically. The Gibraltar also follows the same espresso-to-milk ratio but usually features a slightly higher ratio of milk, resulting in a slightly creamier texture compared to the cortado.
Though Gibraltar glasses are smaller, the drink’s larger volume (thanks to the double espresso shot) can provide a stronger flavor profile for those who prefer a more intense coffee experience. This cortado-like drink has become a favorite in third-wave coffee shops and specialty coffee shops, with blue bottle baristas often perfecting the Gibraltar recipe to highlight the delicate balance of the drink. Whether you’re sipping it at Ohm Coffee Roasters on the East Coast or a coffee bar in Latin America, the Gibraltar presents a perfect balance of espresso and milk.
What is the Origin of Gibraltar Coffee?
Gibraltar coffee is a unique espresso-based drink that originated in the United States, specifically in San Francisco, at the Blue Bottle Coffee Company. The drink was popularized by the company’s founder, James Freeman, and has since become a well-loved option in specialty coffee shops, especially in third-wave coffee scenes. While the drink may have been created in the U.S., its design and balance are inspired by traditional Spanish coffee culture, much like the cortado, making it an excellent option for coffee lovers seeking a stronger espresso experience without excessive milk.
How to Make a Gibraltar Coffee
To prepare a Gibraltar coffee, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- A double shot of espresso
- A small amount of steamed milk (about equal in volume to the espresso)
- Optional: sweetener of your choice (sugar, honey, etc.)
Preparation method for Gibraltar Coffee:
1. Pull a Double Shot of Espresso: Using an espresso machine, extract a double shot of espresso. The espresso should be bold, well-extracted, and rich in flavor as it serves as the base of the drink.
2. Steam the Milk: Steam the milk to a velvety texture, heating it to around 140-150°F (60-65°C). The milk should have a creamy texture, but not too frothy—aim for a smooth, microfoam consistency.
3. Combine Espresso and Milk: Pour the steamed milk into a small glass tumbler, filling it about halfway. Then, carefully pour the double shot of espresso over the milk, allowing them to blend seamlessly.
4. Optional Sweetener: If desired, add a sweetener such as sugar or honey to your Gibraltar to enhance the flavors.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful, balanced coffee experience of the Gibraltar, which combines the intensity of espresso with a touch of creamy milk.
This simple yet bold espresso drink offers a perfect middle ground between a straight espresso and a more milk-heavy coffee beverage, making it a popular choice for coffee connoisseurs and lovers of espresso-based drinks alike.
How Do You Serve Gibraltar Coffee?
Gibraltar coffee is typically served in a small, clear glass tumbler (about 4.5-5 ounces) rather than the usual ceramic cup. This allows the coffee’s layers to be visible, showcasing the balanced mix of espresso and steamed milk. When serving Gibraltar coffee, consider pairing it with the following:
Pastries: A fresh pastry like a buttery croissant, danish, or cinnamon roll is a popular choice. The sweet, flaky texture contrasts nicely with the rich, espresso-forward flavor of the Gibraltar.
Chocolate: Dark chocolate or a chocolate truffle pairs well with Gibraltar coffee, enhancing the deep flavors of the espresso.
Biscotti or Cookies: A crunchy treat such as biscotti or a light shortbread can complement the velvety texture of the coffee, providing a satisfying crunch.
Cheese: If you’re looking for something savory, mild cheeses like manchego or brie work well, adding a creamy, smooth contrast to the boldness of the coffee.
Fruits: A small serving of fresh fruits, especially something light like berries or apple slices, offers a refreshing touch that pairs well with the coffee’s intensity.
Nuts: Lightly salted almonds or cashews can offer a savory, crunchy balance to the Gibraltar’s smoothness.
Serving Gibraltar coffee in its traditional glass, paired with any of these snacks, brings out the delicate balance between the robust espresso and creamy milk, enhancing the experience and making it even more enjoyable.
Key Differences Between Cortado Coffee vs. Gibraltar Coffee
So, what is the main difference between the cortado coffee and the Gibraltar? The Gibraltar is typically brewed with a double-shot of espresso and served in a Gibraltar glass — a slight variation from the single shot of espresso used in a cortado. Both drinks are served in small cups, but the Gibraltar has a slightly larger volume due to the double espresso shot. Additionally, while both drinks feature a milk texture that complements the espresso, the Gibraltar typically has a higher ratio of milk, which contributes to its creamier finish.
When it comes to caffeine content, both the cortado and Gibraltar pack a punch with their concentrated shots of espresso. The difference lies in the double espresso shot in the Gibraltar, which offers a stronger coffee experience. The cortado, with its equal parts espresso and milk, creates a smooth, velvety texture, but may be preferred by those who enjoy a slightly lighter milk flavor in their coffee.
Which Drink is Better?
When choosing between a cortado and a Gibraltar, it largely comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a well-balanced flavor with a slightly stronger espresso presence, the cortado might be the best fit for your taste buds. If you’re in the mood for a creamier espresso drink with a little more milk and the punch of a double espresso, the Gibraltar is a great option to try.
Both drinks provide a robust coffee experience that will satisfy any coffee lover looking for something beyond the usual espresso drinks on the menu. Whether you prefer the delicate balance of the cortado or the creamy milk texture of the Gibraltar, these drinks deliver the perfect amount of espresso-forward flavor with just the right amount of milk.
Next time you’re at a specialty coffee shop or trying out a coffee shop menu in San Francisco, ask for one of these two drinks. Don’t forget to grab your favorite espresso glass or Gibraltar glasses and explore the different types of coffee drinks that make each espresso beverage unique.
In the end, both the cortado and Gibraltar offer delightful coffee experiences, each with its own spin on the classic espresso-to-milk ratio. Whether you’re sipping on a cortado recipe or enjoying the creaminess of the milk in a Gibraltar, you’re sure to experience the best of what coffee culture has to offer. So, next time you’re at your local coffee shop or making your own at home with an espresso machine, remember the subtle differences between these two popular espresso-based drinks and enjoy the perfect cortado or Gibraltar.
