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International Coffee Drinks

 

# French Café au Lait

 

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/)

 

Category: [International Coffee Drinks](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/international-coffee-drinks/)Tags: Cafe Au Lait French Coffee Filter Coffee Dairy

 

Active time: approximately 5 minutesYield: 1 serving

 

## 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.

 

![Three cups of coffee with milk foam.](https://www.coffeejay.com/assets/editorial/three-milk-coffee-cups.avif)

Three cups of coffee with milk foam.

## 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](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/milk-drinks/cappuccino-vs-latte-vs-flat-white/).

## 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](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/classic-caff-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**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espresso) and [milk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milk), see Wikipedia.

[Back to International Coffee Drinks](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/international-coffee-drinks/) 

## Frequently 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.

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/). [Read our editorial approach](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/editorial-policy/).

This recipe is an editorial starting formulation, not a documented CoffeeJay kitchen test. Adjust flavour and quantities to your ingredients and equipment.

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- [Home-Style Café Cubano](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/international-coffee-drinks/home-style-caf-cubano/)

- [Spanish Café Bombón](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/international-coffee-drinks/spanish-caf-bomb-n/)