International Coffee Drinks
French Café au Lait
Quick answer
The recipe uses brewed coffee rather than espresso, so the flavor depends on the filter brew’s strength. Use coffee you enjoy black and prepare it with a measured dose. If the finished drink tastes too mild, adjust the coffee recipe on the next attempt instead of adding more milk to the same cup.
Key takeaways
- The recipe uses brewed coffee rather than espresso, so the flavor depends on the filter brew’s strength.
- Heat the milk until warm but not boiling, then combine it with the coffee.
- Café au lait uses brewed filter coffee and warm milk.
Ingredients
- 120 ml freshly brewed filter coffee
- 120 ml whole milk.
Method
- Brew the filter coffee.
- Heat the milk without boiling and pour both into a large cup.
Warm the milk gently
Heat the milk until warm but not boiling, then combine it with the coffee. A saucepan or milk-steaming tool can work; follow the equipment instructions and watch the pan closely. Café au lait does not need a thick foam cap, so keep the texture simple.
Café au lait or latte?
Café au lait uses brewed filter coffee and warm milk. A latte is built on espresso and usually has steamed milk. The two drinks can both be milky, but the coffee base creates a different flavor and body. For an espresso-based comparison, see latte and other milk drinks.
Choose coffee with enough body
Milk softens brewed coffee, so begin with filter coffee that tastes satisfying without milk. If the cup becomes too mild after combining, adjust the coffee dose or brew strength in a future preparation rather than reducing the milk immediately. Use the same brewer and grind while comparing changes.
Warm the milk separately
Heat only until warm, then pour it into the coffee. A microwave-safe vessel or small pan may work; avoid boiling the milk and handle the hot container carefully. The recipe does not require foam, so a simple warm pour keeps the drink close to its café au lait style.
Serve in a large mug or bowl while warm. For a drink made with espresso rather than filter coffee, compare a caffè latte.
Serving the two ingredients together
Pour the warm milk into the brewed coffee shortly before serving so the cup does not cool while it waits. A large mug leaves room to combine both liquids without spilling. If you prepare coffee for more than one person, keep the milk and coffee separate until each cup is poured so guests can choose their own balance.
Further reading
For background on espresso and milk, see Wikipedia.
Back to International Coffee DrinksFrequently asked questions
Café au lait or latte?
Café au lait uses brewed filter coffee and warm milk. A latte is built on espresso and usually has steamed milk. The two drinks can both be milky, but the coffee base creates a different flavor and body. For an espresso-based comparison, see latte and other milk drinks.