The café au lait is a smooth and balanced coffee drink that combines strong brewed coffee with steamed milk in equal parts. Unlike a latte, which is made with espresso, café au lait is prepared with drip coffee or French press coffee, making it an easy and delicious option for those who prefer a milder yet creamy coffee experience.
Ingredients
- ½ cup of strong brewed coffee (French press or drip coffee)
- ½ cup of steamed milk (whole, skim, or plant-based)
- Sugar or sweetener (optional)
How to Make Café au Lait
- Brew the Coffee – Use a French press, drip coffee maker, or pour-over method to make ½ cup of strong coffee. A dark roast coffee works best for authentic flavor.
- Heat the Milk – Warm the milk in a saucepan over low heat until hot but not boiling. If using a microwave, heat it in 30-second intervals.
- Froth the Milk (Optional) – For a smoother texture, whisk the milk or use a milk frother to create a light foam.
- Combine the Coffee and Milk – Pour the hot brewed coffee into a cup, then slowly add the steamed milk in equal parts.
- Sweeten If Desired – Add sugar, honey, or a flavored syrup for extra sweetness.
Preparation Time
- Total time: 5–7 minutes
- Active preparation time: 5 minutes
- Heating time: 2 minutes
Tips for the Perfect Café au Lait
- Use Dark Roast Coffee: A bold coffee enhances the richness of the milk.
- Try It With Chicory: In New Orleans, café au lait is traditionally made with chicory coffee, giving it a nutty, slightly bitter flavor.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use oat, almond, or soy milk for a vegan version.
- Extra Frothy? Froth the milk lightly for a smoother mouthfeel.
- Serve It Right: A café au lait is best enjoyed in a large bowl-style mug, just like the French do!
More About Café au Lait
The café au lait (which means “coffee with milk” in French) has been a staple in French coffee culture for centuries. Unlike a latte, which uses espresso, this drink is made with regular coffee, making it an easy-to-make classic at home.
Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, café au lait is a smooth, comforting, and elegant coffee drink that pairs wonderfully with pastries, croissants, or toast. Now that you know how to make it, enjoy this French favorite right in your own kitchen!