Updated on February 12, 2023
Espresso-based drinks are a staple of café culture around the world, and two popular variations are the Gibraltar and the Cortado. While both of these drinks are made with espresso and steamed milk, they differ in the ratio of espresso to milk and the overall size of the drink. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Gibraltar and the Cortado, including their history, preparation methods, and key differences.
The Gibraltar, also known as the Gibraltar latte or Gibraltarian latte, originated in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar. This drink is made with a 2-ounce shot of espresso, served in a 4-ounce glass with a small amount of steamed milk and a thick layer of foam on top. The drink is traditionally served in a Gibraltar-shaped glass, which is similar to a small, wide-rimmed rocks glass.
The Gibraltar is considered to be a stronger and more intense version of a traditional latte, thanks to the larger ratio of espresso to milk. The espresso is brewed in a small glass, the milk is steamed but not frothed, the result is a drink with a strong coffee flavor, balanced out by a small amount of creamy milk.
The Cortado, on the other hand, is a Spanish drink that originated in the early 20th century. It is made with a 2-ounce shot of espresso and 2-ounces of steamed milk, served in a small tumbler or glass. The milk is usually steamed to a temperature between 140-150 Fahrenheit, in order to keep a high quality and desirable texture. The milk is also cut (thus the name “Cortado”) with the espresso to make the drink more balanced. The result is a drink that is strong, but not overpowering, with a smooth texture and a balanced sweetness from the milk.
Unlike Gibraltar, the milk used in a Cortado is not frothed, so the milk maintains a more natural texture. The milk is usually steamed to the temperature of 140-150 Fahrenheit in order to keep a high quality and desirable texture. The milk is also cut (thus the name “Cortado”) with the espresso to make the drink more balanced.
While both drinks are similar in that they use espresso and steamed milk, there are a few key differences between the two. One of the main differences is the ratio of espresso to milk. The Gibraltar has a larger ratio of espresso to milk, making it a stronger and more intense drink. In contrast, the Cortado has a more balanced ratio of espresso to milk, making it a smoother and sweeter drink.
Another difference is the size of the drink. The Gibraltar is traditionally served in a 4-ounce glass, while the Cortado is served in a smaller tumbler or glass. This can make a big difference in terms of overall caffeine content and the overall drinking experience.
In terms of preparation, the Gibraltar is made by pulling a 2-ounce shot of espresso and pouring it into a 4-ounce glass. The milk is then steamed and poured into the glass, with a thick layer of foam on top. The Cortado, on the other hand, is made by pulling a 2-ounce shot of espresso and adding it to a small tumbler or glass. The milk is then steamed and poured into the glass, with a small amount of foam on top.
In terms of presentation, the Gibraltar is often served in a Gibraltar-shaped glass, which adds a unique and distinctive touch to the drink. The Cortado is usually served in a smaller glass, with little or no decoration on it.
In conclusion, Gibraltar and Cortado are two variations on espresso-based drinks that offer different experiences to the drinker. Both drinks are made with espresso and steamed milk, but they differ in the ratio of espresso to milk and the overall size of the drink. The Gibraltar has a larger ratio of espresso to milk, making it a stronger and more intense drink, while the Cortado has a more balanced ratio of espresso to milk, making it a smoother and sweeter drink.
In terms of preparation, the Gibraltar is made by pouring a 2-ounce shot of espresso into a 4-ounce glass and adding steamed milk with a thick layer of foam on top. The Cortado, on the other hand, is made by pouring a 2-ounce shot of espresso into a small glass and adding steamed milk with little or no foam on top.
The presentation of the drink is another key difference, The Gibraltar is usually served in a Gibraltar-shaped glass, which adds a unique and distinctive touch to the drink. The Cortado is usually served in a smaller glass, with little or no decoration on it.
In terms of which drink to choose, it really depends on your personal preference. If you prefer a stronger, more intense coffee flavor with a creamy texture, then the Gibraltar may be the drink for you. However, if you prefer a smoother and sweeter coffee drink, then the Cortado may be a better choice. Both drinks can be enjoyed in their own ways, and both have a unique set of characteristics that make them special.
In addition, whether you are looking to try something new or to stick with your favorite brew, both Gibraltar and Cortado are great options to explore and appreciate the diversity and richness of espresso-based coffee culture. They can be enjoyed in any time of the day and they are perfect to pair with a variety of different pastries, biscuits or even a light lunch.
In short, Gibraltar and Cortado are two delicious and unique variations on the classic espresso-based drink, each with its own set of characteristics that make it special. Whether you prefer a stronger or a smoother coffee experience, these two drinks are definitely worth trying out and learning more about.
Differences
Ratio of espresso to milk: Gibraltar has a higher ratio of espresso to milk, making it stronger and more intense. Cortado has a more balanced ratio of espresso to milk, making it smoother and sweeter.
Size of the drink: Gibraltar is traditionally served in a 4-ounce glass, while Cortado is served in a smaller glass.
Preparation: The Gibraltar is made by pouring a 2-ounce shot of espresso into a 4-ounce glass and adding steamed milk with a thick layer of foam on top. The Cortado is made by pouring a 2-ounce shot of espresso into a small glass and adding steamed milk with little or no foam on top.
Presentation: Gibraltar is usually served in a Gibraltar-shaped glass, which adds a unique touch to the drink. Cortado is usually served in a small glass, with little or no decoration.
Strength and Flavor: Gibraltar is stronger and more intense in flavor and the milk is steamed but not frothed, Cortado is smoother and sweeter in flavor and the milk is steamed and cut to retain a natural texture.
FAQ
What is the origin of the Gibraltar?
The Gibraltar, also known as the Gibraltar latte or Gibraltarian latte, originated in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar.
How is a Gibraltar prepared?
A Gibraltar is made by pulling a 2-ounce shot of espresso and pouring it into a 4-ounce glass. The milk is then steamed and poured into the glass, with a thick layer of foam on top.
What is the origin of the Cortado?
The Cortado is a Spanish drink that originated in the early 20th century.
How is a Cortado prepared?
A Cortado is made by pulling a 2-ounce shot of espresso and adding it to a small tumbler or glass. The milk is then steamed and poured into the glass, with a small amount of foam on top.
What is the main difference between a Gibraltar and a Cortado?
The main difference between a Gibraltar and a Cortado is the ratio of espresso to milk. The Gibraltar has a larger ratio of espresso to milk, making it a stronger and more intense drink. In contrast, the Cortado has a more balanced ratio of espresso to milk, making it a smoother and sweeter drink.
Can I ask for a Gibraltar or Cortado at any coffee shop?
It is likely that you will find Gibraltar and Cortado at specialty coffee shops, however, it is always best to check with the barista, since some coffee shops may not carry them or might have different way of preparing it.
Are Gibraltar and Cortado suitable for any time of the day?
Both Gibraltar and Cortado can be enjoyed in any time of the day, and are perfect to pair with a variety of different pastries, biscuits or even a light lunch.
Can Gibraltar and Cortado be prepared in different size?
Gibraltar is traditionally served in a 4-ounce glass, while Cortado is served in a smaller glass, However it can be adjusted to the preferences of the customer and some coffee shops may serve it in a different size.