How To Brew Coffee With Milk (Step-By-Step Guide)

Last updated on December 30th, 2024 at 04:31 pm

Have you ever thought about brewing coffee with milk instead of water? It’s one of those weird things that didn’t cross my mind until I found someone on Reddit talking about it.

At first, I thought, “Why would you even do that?” But then curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to give it a shot.

Spoiler alert: It’s not as simple as swapping water for milk. The first time I tried, I ended up with a burnt mess at the bottom of my French press—it turns out milk heats differently than water; who knew?

I learned a lot from my mistakes, like how certain methods, like the Moka pot, work surprisingly well with milk. And don’t even get me started on the cold brew version, which totally took me by surprise. The key is understanding how to adjust your brewing method, milk type, and heat for the best results.

If you’ve ever been curious about experimenting with milk as your coffee base, this guide will break down all the methods, pros, and cons so you can get started without making the mistakes I did!

Key Takeaways

• Brewing coffee with milk is possible, but it requires adjustments in your brewing method and careful control of heat to avoid burnt flavors or mess.
• Different methods work better with milk, such as cold brew or a Moka pot, while others like French press may need extra care to avoid curdling or scalding the milk.
• Choosing the right milk is crucial—whether it’s dairy or plant-based, your choice will affect the texture, flavor, and overall brewing experience.

Can We Brew Coffee In Milk?

Absolutely, but it doesn’t work quite like brewing in water. Milk’s thickness, along with its proteins and fats, affects extraction. For this reason, the result is often a weaker or more muted flavor.

Plus, there’s the risk of scorching or curdling if you’re using hot methods like a stovetop. It usually creates a sticky mess that’s way harder to clean than brewing with water.

After trying it a few times, I found myself scrubbing my French press or AeroPress longer than usual. This is definitely one of the biggest reasons I avoid brewing coffee directly in milk.

That said, cold brew in milk works surprisingly well since there’s no heat involved. It creates a creamier and richer drink. However, you may not get the same depth of flavor as with water.

Note: Brewing in milk is possible but tricky, and it may not give you the same enjoyable taste as brewing in water and adding milk afterward.

Exploring Different Coffee Brewing Methods With Milk

If you’re like me and want to try brewing with milk then I’ll explain some methods I’ve tried and what you can expect:

French Press With Milk

I’ve tried a few times, and while it works, it’s not without its challenges. The biggest issue is making sure the milk doesn’t scald during the brewing process.

You’ll need to heat the milk to just the right temperature—too hot, and you’ll end up with that burnt flavor; too cool, and the extraction suffers. When done right, though, it gives you a rich, creamy cup that blends the coffee and milk flavors well.

Cold Brew Coffee In Milk

This method is less common but surprisingly good! Cold brewing with milk instead of water is an interesting twist. You get a smoother and more velvety coffee with a creamy texture.

However, since milk doesn’t extract coffee as effectively as water, the resulting coffee is milder, which can be both a pro and a con, depending on your taste. I love it for summer days when I want a cold and rich coffee drink without the added bitterness.

Moka Pot With Milk

Brewing with milk in a Moka pot is tricky because of the high pressure and heat involved. It’s easy to scorch the milk, so you need to be careful. That said, it does create a thicker, more robust coffee, almost like a poor man’s latte.

I wouldn’t recommend this method for everyday brewing. But if you’re looking to experiment, it’s worth a try.

AeroPress With Milk

Using milk in an AeroPress is actually one of my favorite ways to get a quick and creamy coffee. The beauty of the AeroPress is its versatility, and brewing with milk betters the body of the coffee while maintaining its clarity of flavor.

You’ll need to warm the milk beforehand. But once you’ve got the process down, it’s a smooth experience with minimal cleanup.

Drip Coffee With Milk

Brewing drip coffee with milk is a bit unconventional, and it comes with the same issues of scorching and uneven extraction. However, it can work if you’re looking for a very mild coffee flavor.

The downside is that the milk can clog your drip machine over time. So it’s not something I’d recommend for regular use.

Additional Considerations When Brewing Coffee With Milk

I want to talk about three important aspects you’ll want to think about before you make the switch.

1 – Choosing the Right Milk

The type of milk you use can make a huge difference in the outcome of your coffee:

• Whole Milk: This is often the go-to for a creamier, richer flavor.
• Low-Fat or Skim Milk: A lighter option, though it might not provide the same level of creaminess as whole milk.
• Almond Milk: A plant-based option that adds a nutty flavor to your coffee, though it may not froth well.
• Oat Milk: Offers a great balance of creaminess without overpowering the coffee—one of my personal favorites.
• Soy Milk: Another plant-based choice that adds a slightly sweet taste, but be mindful of its tendency to curdle in hot coffee.

Each milk brings something different to the table. For this reason experiment to find which one works for you!

2 – Temperature and Texture

Milk can be tricky when it comes to temperature. Too hot, and you’ll scald it, leaving a burnt taste in your coffee (not what you want).

Ideally, heat the milk to about 140-150°F (60-65°C) to get that perfect silky texture. If you’re using a frother or steaming the milk, keep an eye on the foam.

For a smooth coffee experience, aim for microfoam, which gives you a velvety texture rather than large and airy bubbles. I’ve had my fair share of frothing fails, but the right technique makes all the difference.

3 – Health and Dietary Aspects

Your choice of milk can also affect the nutritional content of your brew. Whole milk adds more calories and fat, while plant-based milks might offer fewer calories but can vary in nutrients like protein and calcium.

It’s also worth considering dietary needs—some people are lactose intolerant or have specific preferences for dairy-free options.

I like to switch it up depending on the day—sometimes, I crave the richness of whole milk, while other days, I go for almond milk for a lighter option.

Last Thoughts

Always remember that the type of milk, its temperature, and even your brewing method all make a difference. So don’t be afraid to get creative.

If you’ve tried brewing coffee with milk or have any tips, feel free to share them in the comments below! Or do you have questions? Then drop those too—and with that voilà!