Café au Lait (French Milk Coffee)
Why this recipe works
- Only two ingredients: Strong brewed coffee and whole milk create a balanced drink without needing syrups, cream, or specialist additions.
- Smooth, milky texture: Warming and whisking the milk gives the coffee a softer body and a light froth while keeping the preparation simple.
- Ready quickly: The milk is heated while the coffee stays hot, making this an easy everyday coffee to prepare in minutes.
Get the most out of this recipe
Ingredient notes
- Use strong coffee: A fuller brew stands up better to the milk and keeps the finished drink from tasting flat.
- Whole milk gives the best body: Whole milk creates a rounder, creamier texture, while low-fat milk makes a lighter but less rich café au lait.
Texture tips
- Do not boil the milk: Heat the milk only until steaming with tiny bubbles at the edge; boiling can dull its natural sweetness and give a harsher finish.
- Whisk briefly for light froth: A short whisk is enough for café au lait, which should be gently frothy rather than thickly foamed.
Timing notes
- Serve immediately: Café au lait is best while the coffee and milk are both hot, before the light froth settles.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brew the coffee strong and keep it hot.
- Pour the milk into a small saucepan and warm over medium heat until steaming hot but not boiling. Whisk for 20 to 30 seconds to create a light froth.
- Pour the hot coffee into a large cup, then add the steamed milk. Serve straight away while hot.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the best texture, stop heating the milk as soon as it is steaming and tiny bubbles appear around the edge; boiling will dull the sweetness.
- If serving to pregnant people, young children, older adults, or anyone immunocompromised, use pasteurised milk and ensure the drink is served piping hot.
Substitutions
- Replace Whole milk with Low-fat milk for a lighter café au lait.
Storage
- Best made and served immediately. If needed, cool quickly and refrigerate, then reheat gently in a saucepan until piping hot; whisk again to refresh the froth.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 1 cups
- Total time: 10min (10min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: French
-
Allergens:
Milk
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