Here is my imitation of cortado: Only use arabica beans which I grind "fino" each time,Evian water, and Carnation canned milk.
Yes, to me the milk makes the diferrence. I even use the low fat sometimes, and it tastes just as good! Ummm.. I think it's time for a cup.

La maestra, where I buy Parmalat it's across the aisle from the refrigerated milk. In other stores I've seen it on shelves with other types of nonrefrigerated milk. It could be anywhere. It might be worth it to ask around in your area. Good luck!

Could someone please explain the difference between cortado and machado? Once in a while in a café I would see someone drinking coffee from a clear glass about the size of a juice glass, and the coffee and cream, milk, whatever , looked like they were layered. (before mixing of course). I would like to try this when I go to madrid in 2 weeks, but I don't know what to call it.

I would venture to say that what you saw was a "bon-bon" which is leche condensada (condensed milk) and then coffee.

Thanks, Chica. That sounds appropriate since the milk looked extrodinarily thick.

Damn you all!!!!!!! Here I am sitting in front of my screen with a big cup of Maxwell House enjoying reading the current posts when I reach this thread on coffee! Needless to say I got up...walked to the sink and dumped my pot of swill in disgust and envy!

Yes, I remember those days when my espresso machine was working and I purchased real coffee beans which I carefully ground up. Milk, cream, condensed milk? Sure, how about a demitasse of Cafe Diablo? Cafe Cubano? Por favor y Gracias!!

Now, my wife makes me a nice cup of mud...ahh..coffee that is. Germans...what do they know about coffee. Not much, but she makes one hell of an apple streudel!

Pls note:
Manchado (usually on breakfast) a little coffee and rest milk it is clear.

Cortado (after a good lunch) strong black coffee and drops of milk

La maestra, we have Parmalat boxed UHT milk at our local Wal-Mart, but you can also order it from http://www.netgrocer.com which I noticed had it on their home page. Since it keeps boxed for several months it ships well.

David

ABP has pointed it out perfectly

Café manchado: 90% milk, 10% coffee
Café cortado: 10% milk, 90% coffee
Café con leche: 40% milk, 60% coffee
Café bombón: 30% condensed milk, 70% coffee
etc...

Fernando

I love Spanish coffee but the other day I had a cappucino at my local Starbucks, and you know, it wasn't half bad;). I also like their cakes, especially the apple and caramel crumbly things......My only complaint is that I find their prices rather high and the portions rather small. Although it was delicious, my favourite cake measured about 4 square inches.