Starbucks added Cortado to its espresso menu on 3 Jan 2025, making it easier than ever to order this strong, smooth, European-style drink. If you love bold espresso but want something softer than a straight shot, the Starbucks Cortado hits that perfect middle ground.
Below, we break down what the Starbucks Cortado is, the flavors currently available, and the nutrition and calories for each option.
What Is a Starbucks Cortado?
A cortado is a small espresso drink made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk. Starbucks' version puts a unique twist on it:
- 3 ristretto shots of Blonde Espresso
- Steamed milk (your choice: whole, 2%, oat, almond)
- Served hot in a Short (8 oz) cup
- Smooth texture with minimal foam
The milk "cuts" the strong espresso flavor - which is exactly what cortado means in Spanish ("cut").
Cortado Flavors Available at Starbucks
Starbucks currently offers 3 Cortado flavors in the United States. Below is a deeper breakdown of each flavor so readers understand how they differ in taste, texture, and experience.
1. Classic Cortado (Smooth, Balanced & Espresso-Forward)
The classic version is the most traditional and closest to what you'd find in a European café. Starbucks uses three ristretto shots of Blonde Espresso, which naturally tastes sweeter and less sharp than a regular espresso pull. This makes the drink rich, smooth, and aromatic without overwhelming bitterness.
The ristretto shots are mixed with steamed whole milk, giving the cortado a silky texture and a gentle sweetness. Because the milk amount stays low, the espresso stays front-and-center. It's warm, balanced, and ideal for people who want something stronger than a flat white but softer than a straight espresso.
Taste profile:
- Mild natural sweetness from whole milk
- Smooth and full-bodied espresso
- Almost no foam
- Rich, warm finish
Nutrition (Per 8 oz):
- 90 calories
- 6g sugar
- 4.5g fat
2. Pecan Oat Cortado (Nutty, Comforting & Dairy-Free)
This flavor builds on the same three ristretto shots but shifts into a more cozy, dessert-inspired direction. The pecan flavoring adds warmth and subtle sweetness without being heavy. Paired with oatmilk, it becomes exceptionally creamy, richer than almond milk but still dairy-free.
A lightly crunchy pecan topping brings texture and a toasted aroma as you sip. The drink stays small and balanced, but the pecan notes make it feel like a seasonal treat you can enjoy year-round.
Taste profile:
- Nutty and toasty, similar to pecan pie without the sugar rush
- Naturally creamy because of oatmilk
- Smooth, mellow espresso
- Slight sweetness with no overpowering syrup
Nutrition (Per 8 oz):
- 110 calories
- 4g sugar
- 3g fat
3. Brown Sugar Oat Cortado (Sweet, Spiced & Cozy)
The Brown Sugar Oat Cortado is the sweetest and most indulgent option. It blends the three ristretto Blonde Espresso shots with brown sugar syrup, a touch of cinnamon, and steamed oatmilk. The combination creates a warm, cookie-like flavor, similar to a brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal with a bold espresso kick.
The cinnamon sprinkled on top brings a comforting aroma as soon as you lift the cup, while the oatmilk keeps the texture velvety. It's still small and balanced, but definitely the "treat drink" of the cortado lineup.
Taste profile:
- Sweet, cozy brown sugar flavor
- Light spice from cinnamon
- Creamy oatmilk texture
- Espresso still shines through despite sweetness
Nutrition (Per 8 oz):
- 120 calories
- 15g sugar
- 3g fat
Detailed Nutrition Table
| Nutrition (Short 236 mL/ 8 oz) | Classic Cortado | Pecan Oat Cortado | Brown Sugar Oat Cortado |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 90 | 110 | 120 |
| Total Fat | 4.5 g | 3 g | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 g | 0 g | 0.2 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.1 g | 0 g | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 15 mg | 0 mg | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 60 mg | 95 mg | 130 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g | 4 g | 22 g |
| Fibre | 0 g | 1 g | 1 g |
| Sugars | 6 g | 4 g | 15 g |
| Protein | 5 g | 13 g | 2 g |
| Caffeine | 230 mg | 13 mg | 230 mg |
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How much caffeine is in Starbucks Cortado?
The caffeine content of a Starbucks Cortado depends heavily on the flavor you are ordering. Here's the caffeine content for all Starbucks Cortado flavors:
Classic Cortado contains 230 mg
Pecan Oat Cortado contains 13 mg
Brown Sugar Oat Cortado contains 230 mg
Is the Starbucks Cortado Strong?
Yes. It uses three ristretto shots, which are:
- More concentrated
- Sweeter and richer
- Less bitter than regular espresso
It tastes strong, but the milk softens the edges, smoother than a macchiato, stronger than a flat white.
Best Milk Options for a Cortado
- Oatmilk: Creamiest, slightly sweet
- Whole milk: Richest flavor
- 2% milk: Balanced, neutral
- Almond milk: Lightest, lowest calories
- Soy milk: Similar creaminess to dairy
For the most "authentic" cortado feel → whole milk or oatmilk.
Want to explore all Starbucks milk options in detail? Check out our full guide here: Starbucks Milk Options
Is Cortado Good for Daily Drinking?
Yes, if you like strong espresso drinks and want:
- Lower calories than a latte
- Higher caffeine
- Quick, small drink (8 oz)
The Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado is higher in sugar → better as an occasional treat.
Which Starbucks Cortado Should You Choose?
| Flavor | Best For | Taste Level | Sweetness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Cortado | Espresso lovers | Bold + smooth | Low |
| Pecan Oat Cortado | Those who want nutty + dairy-free | Creamy + toasty | Low–Medium |
| Brown Sugar Oat Cortado | People who like sweet, cozy drinks | Warm + cinnamon | High |
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The Starbucks Cortado is a great new addition for U.S. coffee drinkers who want something:
- Stronger than a latte
- Smaller than a flat white
- Smoother than a macchiato
If you're looking for winter or cozy Starbucks options, check out our guide to Top Starbucks Winter Drinks. It's packed with rich flavors, seasonal favorites and nutrition details to help you pick your next favorite drink.
