How to Make Café au Lait: A Simple French Coffee Drink
How to Make Café au Lait: A Simple French Coffee Drink
Contents
A café au lait is a classic French coffee made with equal parts strong brewed coffee and steamed milk (typically 1:1 ratio). Unlike lattes, it uses brewed coffee instead of espresso, resulting in a milder, coffee-forward taste. Traditionally served in a large bowl, it’s an easy-to-make drink requiring no special equipment. Here’s how to prepare it at home.
What You’ll Need
- Coffee: 6 oz (180ml) strong brewed coffee (French press, drip, or moka pot)
- Milk: 6 oz (180ml) whole milk (or plant-based alternatives like oat/soy)
- Grind: Medium-coarse for French press, medium for drip, fine for moka pot
- Equipment:
- Coffee maker (French press, drip machine, or moka pot)
- Small saucepan or milk frother
- Thermometer (optional, for milk heated to 150–160°F/65–71°C)
- Large mug or bowl
Step-by-Step
- Brew strong coffee: Use a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio (e.g., 20g coffee per 300ml water) for a robust flavor. Dark or medium-dark roasts with chocolate/nut notes work best.
- Heat the milk: Warm milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steamy (150–160°F) or use a frother. Avoid boiling to preserve sweetness.
- Combine equal parts: Simultaneously pour 6 oz coffee and 6 oz milk into a bowl or mug. For layering, pour milk first, then slowly add coffee.
- Adjust to taste: Add more milk for a milder drink or a sprinkle of cinnamon/vanilla for variation.
Tips
- Use freshly ground beans for optimal flavor.
- Froth milk lightly for a creamy texture without thick foam.
- Preheat your mug to keep the drink warmer longer.
Common Mistakes
- Boiling milk: Destroys sweetness; stop heating at 160°F (71°C).
- Weak coffee: Brew it stronger than usual to balance the milk.
- Unequal ratios: Stick to 1:1 unless preference dictates otherwise.
Variations
- New Orleans-style: Add chicory root to coffee grounds before brewing.
- Spiced: Infuse milk with cinnamon, cardamom, or vanilla syrup (see Winter Spice recipe).
- Iced: Combine cold brew with cold milk over ice (detailed here).
Café au Lait vs. Similar Drinks
| Drink | Coffee Base | Milk Ratio | Foam Level | Serving Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Café au Lait | Brewed coffee | 1:1 | Minimal | Large mug or bowl |
| Latte | Espresso | 1:3 | Thin layer | Tall glass |
| Cappuccino | Espresso | 1:1:1 | Thick | Small cup |
| Flat White | Espresso | 1:2 | Microfoam | Small cup |
Note: Conflicting sources exist—some cafes use espresso for café au lait, but the French tradition specifies brewed coffee.
FAQ
Is café au lait the same as a latte?
No. Lattes use espresso and more milk (1:3 ratio), while café au lait uses brewed coffee and equal parts milk (1:1).
Can I make it without an espresso machine?
Yes! Brewed coffee methods (French press, drip, etc.) are standard for café au lait.
Does café au lait have sugar?
Traditionally no, but add sweeteners like vanilla syrup if desired.
Best milk alternatives?
Oat and soy milk froth well; use “barista” versions for creaminess.
How much caffeine is in it?
Depends on the coffee strength—about 95mg per 6 oz of brewed coffee (milk has none).
Related guides
- How to Brew Coffee with an AeroPress: A Complete Guide
- Coffee Grind Size: The Complete Guide for Every Brewing Method
- How to Brew Coffee with a Chemex: Clean, Crisp, and Balanced