If you love coffee with a creamy twist, you’ve probably heard of café au lait. But how do you make café au lait at home that tastes just right? This classic French coffee drink is easy to prepare and perfect for those cozy mornings or relaxing afternoons. Let’s dive into the art of making the perfect café au lait, step by step, with tips to get the best flavor and texture.
What Is Café au Lait?
Café au lait literally means “coffee with milk” in French. Unlike a latte, which uses espresso, café au lait is traditionally made with strong brewed coffee combined with steamed milk in equal parts. It’s smooth, creamy, and less intense than straight espresso drinks, making it a favorite for many coffee lovers around the world.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Strong brewed coffee (French roast or espresso)
– Whole milk (or your preferred milk alternative)
– Optional: sugar or sweetener to taste
How to Make Café au Lait: The Traditional Way
Step 1: Brew Strong Coffee
The key to a great café au lait is strong coffee. You can use a French press, drip coffee maker, or moka pot to brew your coffee. For an authentic New Orleans-style café au lait, many use a blend of French roast coffee mixed with roasted chicory, which adds a unique depth and slight bitterness to the coffee.
Step 2: Heat and Steam the Milk
Heat your milk gently to about 150°F (65°C). This temperature is ideal because it warms the milk without scalding it, preserving its natural sweetness and texture. If you have a steam wand, use it to steam the milk with minimal froth — café au lait is all about smooth, hot milk, not foam. If you don’t have a steamer, warming milk on the stovetop or microwave works just fine.
Step 3: Combine Coffee and Milk
Pour equal parts of your hot brewed coffee and steamed milk into a bowl or large cup. Traditionally, café au lait is served in a wide, shallow bowl, known as a café au lait bowl, which helps the drink cool slightly and enhances the experience. Stir gently to mix.
Step 4: Sweeten If Desired
Add sugar or your preferred sweetener to taste. Some people enjoy their café au lait plain to savor the rich coffee and creamy milk flavors, while others like a touch of sweetness.
Tips for the Perfect Café au Lait
– Use whole milk for a richer texture, or try oat or barista-style plant-based milks for a dairy-free option that still steams well.
– If you want a stronger coffee flavor, you can brew a double shot of espresso and dilute it with hot water before adding steamed milk.
– Avoid overheating milk above 170°F (75°C), as it can develop a burnt taste and unpleasant texture.
– Experiment with different coffee blends to find your favorite flavor profile. Chicory blends add a traditional New Orleans twist.
Variations to Try
– Espresso-Based Café au Lait: Brew a double shot of espresso and add steamed milk without foam for a stronger coffee taste.
– New Orleans Style: Use a French roast coffee blended with chicory and serve with equal parts steamed milk for a bold, slightly nutty flavor.
– Iced Café au Lait: Brew strong coffee, chill it, and combine with cold milk over ice for a refreshing summer treat.
Serving Suggestions
Café au lait pairs wonderfully with pastries like beignets, cinnamon coffee cake muffins, or classic scones. The creamy coffee complements sweet baked goods perfectly, making your coffee break even more delightful.
Café au lait is a simple yet elegant coffee drink that you can easily make at home. With just strong coffee and steamed milk, you can enjoy a creamy, comforting beverage anytime. Whether you prefer it traditional or with a modern twist, mastering café au lait is a fantastic way to elevate your coffee routine. Enjoy!