Piccolo Latte vs. Cortado: Small Cups, Big Personalities

In the world of specialty coffee, it’s often the smallest drinks that pack the biggest punch. Enter two compact classics: the Piccolo Latte and the Cortado. While they may look similar in size and spirit, each tells a distinctly different story in the cup.

Let’s break it down.

The Piccolo: An Aussie Staple

At home in Australia’s café culture, the Piccolo Latte is all about balance in a small glass. Traditionally made with a single shot of espresso (20–30 ml) and finished with an equal measure of steamed milk, the Piccolo is typically served in a 90 ml glass. The result? A coffee forward drink that delivers richness and clarity, softened just enough by milk to keep things smooth.

It’s the kind of coffee that doesn’t shout, it hums. Bold, short, and to the point.

The Cortado: A Spanish Classic

Born in Spain, the Cortado (from “cortar”, meaning “to cut”) takes a similar approach but goes its own way. It’s about cutting the espresso’s edge with an equal part of warm milk less frothy, more velvety. Served in a slightly larger 150 ml glass, the Cortado offers a silkier, more textured drinking experience, with a rounder flavour that still lets the espresso shine through.

Where the Piccolo is sharp and assertive, the Cortado is composed and smooth.

Same Ratio, Different Experience

Both drinks follow the same espresso-to-milk ratio, but the difference lies in execution. The Piccolo’s tighter size and lighter froth mean a more intense sip. The Cortado’s larger volume and lower-temp milk create a creamy, balanced cup that lingers just a little longer.

Neither is better. Just different. And that’s the beauty of it.

The Final Pour

Whether you lean toward the concentrated clarity of a Piccolo or the rounded elegance of a Cortado, both drinks are proof that less can be more. They’re small, intentional, and deeply satisfying especially when brewed with beans that mean business.

At Wolff, we roast with precision and purpose, supplying cafés that care about every detail in the cup. Because we believe coffee isn't just made it's crafted.

So next time you're behind the bar or across the counter, don’t just settle. Choose the brew that fits the moment and enjoy the ride.