SEATTLE, USA — Starting Jan. 3, Starbucks is introducing two beverages across participating U.S. stores: Cortado, served traditionally with steamed whole milk, and Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado. Cortado originated over a century ago in Spain’s Basque Country and is a cherished part of coffee culture across the Spanish-speaking world and among coffee-lovers everywhere.
Its name comes from the Spanish word cortar, which means “to cut,” which seems to perfectly describe how the boldness of the espresso is cut with steamed whole milk in the classic recipe.
“It was a favorite among the beverage development team,” Gonzalez said. “I think it certainly has that spark.”
Cortado has long been a request from customers in South Florida and Chicago, so Gonzalez’ team began testing the beverage in stores there last year. “In those markets a lot of customers ask for this. They have been asking, ‘Starbucks, do you have a Cortado?’”
When Cortado arrived in their South Florida store last year, baristas there were excited to share an early taste with their customers, especially those in the Cuban American community.
“It feels good,” said Paulina J., a barista at the test store. “Customers had been asking for Cortado for a long time and I feel like they are super excited that it’s on the menu.”
“So many cultures have a shared coffee tradition,” says store manager Eva Pinero. And for her, the Cortado goes hand in hand with community. “We don’t have a family gathering or friend gathering without coffee being involved.”
Starbucks Cortado combines three ristretto shots of Starbucks® Blonde Espresso to give a smoother, sweeter, and richer espresso profile, with perfectly steamed whole milk for a velvety texture and balanced flavor.
Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado
Starbucks Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado combines three ristretto shots of Starbucks Blonde Espresso, combined with brown sugar syrup, cinnamon and perfectly steamed oatmilk with a dash of cinnamon on top for a creamy and rich yet balanced taste.
