Flat White vs Cortado: Small Cups, Big Differences

Flat whites and cortados both come in small cups, both involve espresso and milk, and both are popular with people who don’t want their coffee drowned in dairy. But despite their similar size, they’re two very different drinks.

Cortado: Equal Parts, No Foam

A cortado is all about balance. Equal parts espresso and steamed milk, no foam, no fuss. The milk is warm but not frothy, just enough to take the edge off the espresso without hiding it. You get the boldness of coffee with a soft, smooth finish, nothing layered, nothing fluffy.

It’s typically served in a 4 to 5oz glass, sometimes called a Gibraltar glass, and is often chosen by people who want flavour without volume.

Read more: What is a Cortado?

Flat White: More Coffee, More Creaminess

A flat white also uses espresso (usually a double shot) but it's paired with textured microfoam milk, giving it a creamy, velvety body. There’s more milk than a cortado, but it’s smoother and silkier, not foamy like a cappuccino. It’s served in a slightly larger cup, around 160–180ml, and feels more luxurious by comparison.

It’s stronger than a latte, more textured than a cortado, and designed for people who want to taste the coffee but enjoy a little indulgence.

Learn more: What is a Flat White?

So, Which Should You Order?

Go for a cortado if you want something short, strong, and to the point. There’s no fluff, no heat-frothed drama, just solid, balanced coffee.

Choose a flat white if you want a longer drink with a smooth finish and just enough milk to make it comforting without masking the espresso entirely.