Café au lait—French for “coffee with milk”—is a timeless beverage that balances the boldness of brewed coffee with the smooth richness of steamed milk. Unlike lattes made with espresso, café au lait is traditionally brewed with strong coffee and equal parts hot milk, making it a cozy and creamy option for those who love a mellow coffee experience.
If you’re looking to recreate that café-quality creamy café au lait at home, this guide will walk you through the process with step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and variations to match your taste.
What Is Café au Lait?
Café au lait is a popular drink in France and other parts of Europe, typically made with equal parts of strong brewed coffee and steamed milk. It differs from a latte in that it’s made with regular coffee instead of espresso and uses less foam.
Key Characteristics:
- Smooth and creamy texture
- Milder flavor compared to espresso drinks
- Perfect for morning or afternoon relaxation
- Easy to make without specialized equipment
Ingredients You’ll Need
To prepare a classic creamy café au lait, you’ll need the following:
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee (French press or drip)
- ½ cup steamed milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Optional sweeteners: sugar, honey, or syrup
- Optional flavorings: vanilla, cinnamon, or cocoa powder
Tip: Use freshly brewed coffee and high-quality milk for the best taste.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Café au Lait
Step 1: Brew Strong Coffee
Start by making a strong cup of coffee. French press, pour-over, or drip coffee makers work well. Use a coffee-to-water ratio of about 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water for a more robust flavor.
Tips:
- For best results, use medium to dark roast beans.
- Avoid weak coffee—it should be bold enough to balance the milk.
Step 2: Heat the Milk
While your coffee brews, heat your milk. You can use:
- Stovetop: Warm the milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Don’t boil it—heat until steaming (about 150°F or 65°C).
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm and steamy.
- Milk frother or steam wand: Ideal for creating a creamy texture.
Tip: Whole milk creates the creamiest result, but oat and soy milks also work very well and froth nicely.
Step 3: Froth the Milk (Optional)
For a café-style experience, froth the milk to create a velvety texture.
- Use a milk frother or French press: Pour heated milk into a clean French press and pump the plunger up and down rapidly until it becomes creamy and slightly foamy.
- You don’t need dense foam—just a smooth, silky texture.
Step 4: Combine Coffee and Milk
In a large mug or coffee bowl:
- Pour the brewed coffee
- Add the steamed milk slowly over the coffee
- Maintain a 1:1 ratio for the classic café au lait balance
Gently stir to combine, or let the layers remain visible for a more artistic presentation.
Step 5: Sweeten and Flavor (Optional)
Customize your café au lait with optional add-ins:
- Sweeteners: Add sugar, agave, maple syrup, or honey to taste.
- Flavors: Try vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of cocoa powder.
- Toppings: For indulgence, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a swirl of whipped coconut cream.
Tips for the Perfect Café au Lait
- Use fresh beans: Grind coffee just before brewing for maximum flavor.
- Choose the right milk: Whole milk offers richness, while non-dairy options like oat milk provide a similar creamy texture.
- Avoid overheating milk: Milk that’s too hot can taste burnt. Keep it under boiling.
- Preheat your mug: Pour hot water into the mug beforehand, then discard before adding the coffee. This keeps your drink warm longer.
Best Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these delicious café au lait twists:
1. Spiced Café au Lait
Add a pinch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg to the milk before steaming for a warming, spiced version.
2. Iced Café au Lait
Brew strong coffee and let it cool. Pour over ice and add chilled milk for a refreshing cold version.
3. Vanilla Maple Café au Lait
Add 1 tsp of vanilla extract and 1 tbsp of maple syrup to the milk before steaming.
4. Mocha Café au Lait
Stir 1 tbsp of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup into the coffee before adding milk.
Café au Lait vs. Latte: What’s the Difference?
While both drinks include coffee and milk, they differ in origin and preparation:
| Feature | Café au Lait | Latte |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Base | Brewed coffee | Espresso |
| Milk Ratio | 1:1 (coffee:milk) | 1:3 (espresso:milk) |
| Milk Texture | Steamed, lightly frothed | Steamed with more foam |
| Flavor | Milder | Stronger coffee presence |
Café au lait is simpler to make at home because it doesn’t require an espresso machine.
When to Enjoy Café au Lait
Café au lait is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed:
- With breakfast pastries or toast
- As a mid-morning break
- On quiet afternoons with a book
- In the evening, made with decaf coffee for relaxation
Pair with croissants, muffins, or biscotti for a true café experience at home.
Cozy Comfort in a Cup
Café au lait is the perfect drink when you want something warm, creamy, and not too strong. Its simplicity and balance make it an ideal choice for everyday enjoyment. With just a few ingredients and a little attention to detail, you can craft a delicious café au lait that rivals your favorite coffee shop.