I have always been a coffee enthusiast, and my favorite coffee drink is a cortado. A cortado is a Spanish coffee beverage that combines equal parts of espresso and warm milk. It is the perfect balance between the intensity of espresso and the creaminess of milk. However, making a cortado at home can be a challenge, especially if you don’t have a coffee machine. But fear not, because I am here to share some DIY barista tips on how to make a cortado without a coffee machine.
Gather Your Tools
Before we dive into the process of making a cortado, let’s talk about the tools you’ll need. While you don’t need a coffee machine, there are a few things you should have on hand to ensure the best result.
1. Espresso Ground Coffee
The foundation of a good cortado is a strong espresso shot. To achieve that, you’ll need espresso ground coffee. You can buy pre-ground espresso coffee or grind your own beans. Just make sure the coffee grounds are fine and powdery, similar to table salt.
2. A Moka Pot
While a coffee machine is not necessary, a Moka pot can be a great alternative. A Moka pot, also known as a stovetop espresso maker, uses steam pressure to brew coffee. It’s easy to use and affordable. If you don’t have a Moka pot, don’t worry. I’ll also explain an alternative method using a French press.
3. A Milk Frother
To achieve the perfect balance of espresso and milk in a cortado, you’ll need to froth the milk. A milk frother will make this task much easier. If you don’t have a milk frother, you can use a handheld whisk or even a blender. However, a milk frother will give you the best results.
The Moka Pot Method
Now that we have all the necessary tools, let’s get started with the Moka pot method.
Step 1: Fill the Bottom Chamber
Begin by filling the bottom chamber of the Moka pot with water. Make sure not to exceed the safety valve. The water will create steam, which will push through the coffee grounds and brew the espresso.
Step 2: Add the Coffee Grounds
Next, add the espresso ground coffee to the filter basket of the Moka pot. Fill it up, but make sure not to pack the coffee too tightly. Level the coffee grounds with a spoon, ensuring an even distribution.
Step 3: Assemble and Heat
Screw the top chamber onto the bottom chamber, making sure it is tightly sealed. Place the Moka pot on a stove burner over medium heat. Make sure the handle is positioned away from the heat source.
Step 4: Watch and Listen
As the water heats up, it will create steam pressure, pushing the water through the coffee grounds. You’ll start to hear a bubbling sound, and soon enough, the coffee will start to flow into the top chamber. Keep an eye on the process, as it can happen quite quickly.
Step 5: Froth the Milk
While the coffee is brewing, it’s time to froth the milk. Fill a small saucepan with the desired amount of milk and heat it over low heat. Be careful not to let it boil. Once the milk is warm, use a milk frother to create a creamy foam. If you don’t have a frother, you can use a handheld whisk or a blender to whip the milk.
Step 6: Combine and Enjoy
Once your espresso is brewed, remove the Moka pot from the heat and pour the espresso into a cup. Slowly pour the frothed milk over the espresso, aiming for equal parts of each. The milk foam will sit on top of the espresso, creating a beautiful presentation.
And there you have it – a homemade cortado made with a Moka pot. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your delicious creation.
The French Press Method
If you don’t have a Moka pot, don’t worry. You can still make a cortado using a French press. Here’s how:
Step 1: Heat the Water
Start by heating water in a kettle or on the stove. The water should be near boiling.
Step 2: Add Coffee Grounds
Add espresso ground coffee to the French press. Use a ratio of one tablespoon of coffee for every four ounces of water.
Step 3: Add Hot Water
Slowly pour the hot water into the French press, covering all the coffee grounds. Give it a gentle stir to ensure all the grounds are saturated.
Step 4: Steep and Plunge
Place the plunger on top of the French press, but don’t plunge just yet. Let the coffee steep for three to four minutes. This will allow the flavors to develop.
Once the steeping time is up, slowly and evenly press the plunger down, separating the coffee grounds from the brewed coffee.
Step 5: Froth the Milk
Similar to the Moka pot method, heat the desired amount of milk and froth it using a milk frother, handheld whisk, or blender.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Pour the brewed coffee into a cup, filling it halfway. Slowly pour the frothed milk over the coffee, aiming for a balance between the two. The milk foam will sit on top, just like in a traditional cortado.
Experiment and Enjoy
Now that you know how to make a cortado without a coffee machine, it’s time to get creative. Feel free to experiment with different ratios of espresso and milk, various types of milk (such as almond or oat milk), and even flavored syrups to customize your cortado to your liking. As with any DIY endeavor, practice makes perfect. So keep honing your barista skills, and soon you’ll be sipping restaurant-worthy cortados in the comfort of your own home. Cheers!