How To Make Café au Lait (Quick & Easy Recipe)

Have you ever felt like traveling to another country just to try a coffee? That’s exactly how I felt when I stumbled upon a reel of someone making Café au Lait.

The smooth pour of hot milk over strong coffee and the steam swirling up. It felt great and, well, very French.

Now, I haven’t made it to France yet (though it’s definitely on my bucket list). But the beauty of this drink is that you don’t need a plane ticket to enjoy it. You can create that café-in-Paris vibe right at home with just a few simple ingredients and techniques.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making a perfect Café au Lait. From its origins to step-by-step instructions, plus tips for customizing it to your taste, you’ll be sipping your way to French mornings in no time. So, let’s get brewing!

What Is a Café au Lait?

Café au lait, which translates to “coffee with milk” in French, is a classic drink that perfectly blends strong coffee with warm and creamy milk.

Traditionally, the coffee-to-milk ratio is about 1:1. This creates a smooth and balanced drink that’s easy to enjoy anytime.

As you can see, café au lait is pretty simple. All you need is a cup of strong-brewed coffee and some hot milk. So, no fancy espresso machines are required!

Usually, it’s served in a wide-rimmed bowl in France, which adds to its rustic charm. The coffee is brewed strong, often with a French press or drip coffee maker, and the milk is gently heated and then poured in equal parts with the coffee.

Origins of Café au Lait

This coffee has its roots firmly planted in the rich culinary history of 18th-century France. The drink emerged in the bustling cafés of Paris, where the tradition of blending strong brewed coffee with warm milk became a breakfast staple.

It was a natural match for a culture that loved its bustling coffeehouses and rich dairy products, from creamy milk to delicious cheeses.

Over time, café au lait’s popularity spread beyond France, and colonists and travelers carried it to places like North Africa, the Caribbean, and even New Orleans. Where it found a cozy spot on the menu alongside powdered-sugar-dusted beignets.

It’s a timeless classic that’s still enjoyed worldwide. Often as a cozy morning drink or paired with pastries for a comforting treat.

Café au Lait vs Latte

While both have coffee and milk, their preparation and flavor make them different. So crush any confusion you might have; here’s a comparison:

Feature	Café au Lait	Latte
Coffee Base	Brewed coffee (e.g., French press, drip)	Espresso
Milk	Steamed or warmed milk	Steamed milk with a layer of foam
Flavor Intensity	Milder due to brewed coffee	Richer and bolder due to espresso
Milk-to-Coffee Ratio	Typically 1:1	Usually 2:1 or 3:1 (more milk-heavy)
Foam	Minimal or none	A noticeable layer of frothy foam
Serving Style	Often served in a large mug or bowl	Typically served in a tall glass or cup
Cultural Origin	French	Italian

Tips for the Perfect Café au Lait

So, here are some little touches I’d like to add:

1 – Choose the Right Coffee

The foundation of a perfect café au lait is strong, flavorful coffee, and a bold dark roast works best to complement the creaminess of the milk.

• Death Wish Coffee: I love its rich, intense flavor; it’s perfect if you want a coffee that packs a punch.
• Kicking Horse Coffee’s Kick Ass Dark Roast: For something slightly smoother but still bold and subtle hints of chocolate and smoky notes.

Note: Freshly ground beans are always ideal. For this reason, invest in a good grinder if you can!

2 – Control Milk Froth

I suggest heating your milk gently on the stove and whisking just enough to aerate it slightly because you want it to be creamy rather than bubbly. The problem is too much froth can overpower the coffee, and the balance is everything in this drink.

3 – Experiment with Ratios

Finding the ideal coffee-to-milk is the main part of getting this coffee right. So, start with equal parts coffee and milk, then tweak as you go.

If you prefer a bolder taste, increase the coffee slightly. For a creamier cup, add a splash of more milk. The key is to play around until you find what makes your taste buds sing!

Other Variations of Café au Lait

Here are a few creative spins on this timeless drink that I’ve tried and loved!

Iced Café au Lait

When summer rolls around, I swap my steaming mug for a cool, refreshing Iced Café au Lait. To make it, I brew a strong pot of coffee, chill it in the fridge, and then pour it over a tall glass of ice.

I top it off with cold milk, equal parts, of course, and sometimes a splash of vanilla syrup for a subtle sweetness. I always marvel at how the chilled milk blends smoothly with the bold coffee flavor.

Nut Milk Version

If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, give this one a try. I’ve experimented with almond and hazelnut milk, and both add a subtle nuttiness that complements the rich coffee.

As I mentioned, hazelnut milk gives the drink a slight praline-like sweetness that feels like a treat. But you can also try almond or cashew milk and see how it goes.

Spiced Café au Lait

I love this version for fall or winter mornings. All you need is to add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom stirred into the milk while it’s warming up. This gives you a warm and aromatic twist on the classic recipe.

Sometimes, I sprinkle a little cinnamon on top. It’s like wrapping yourself in a blanket while sipping your coffee.

Last Thoughts

Okay, we got to the end. As you can see this coffee is simple to make at home. But make sure to get the right ration and milk texture.

Anyway, what’s your favorite way to enjoy a café au lait? Do you have a secret ingredient or unique twist you’d love to share? Drop your tips, questions, or favorite combinations in the comments. And with that voilà!