Cafe au Lait
A classic French-style coffee made with equal parts strong hot coffee and steamed milk. This velvety, comforting drink is perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon break, requiring just two ingredients and five minutes.
For 2 servings
- prep · ~3 min
Brew the coffee strong and hot.
Brew 1 cup of strong coffee using 4 tablespoons of freshly ground medium-roast coffee in a French press, drip machine, or pour-over. The coffee should be concentrated and robust.
TIPUse twice the amount of coffee grounds you normally would for a bold flavor that stands up to the milk. - simmer · ~3 min
Heat and steam the milk.
Pour 1 cup whole milk into a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Warm until steaming and small bubbles form at the edges without letting it boil. If using a frother, steam until hot with a thin layer of foam.
TIPDo not boil the milk. Scalding the milk at too high a temperature changes its flavor and texture. - assemble · ~1 min
Combine coffee and steamed milk.
Pour the hot brewed coffee into two pre-warmed cups. Slowly pour the steamed milk into the coffee in a 1:1 ratio, holding back any thick foam with a spoon. Stir gently to combine.
TIPPre-warm the cups with hot water first to keep the Cafe au Lait hot longer. - garnish
Top with a thin layer of milk foam and serve immediately.
Spoon a thin layer of the remaining warm milk foam over the top of each cup. Serve the Cafe au Lait hot, with optional sugar on the side.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a dark or medium-dark roast for a robust coffee flavor that stands up to the milk.
- 2Heat the milk gently to 150–160°F; boiling ruins the sweetness and texture.
- 3Pre-warm your cups with hot water so the drink stays hotter longer.
- 4For a silky texture, use a handheld frother or steam wand instead of a saucepan.
- 5If using a French press, press the plunger slowly to keep sediment out of the cup.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dairy-free
Substitute whole milk with oat milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lactose-free version that still steams well and complements the coffee's richness.
icedIced
Chill the strong brewed coffee, then pour over ice and add cold milk for a refreshing summer version. Skip the steaming step entirely.
sweetenedSweetened
Stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of vanilla syrup, brown sugar, or honey before adding the milk for a subtly sweet café-style drink.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Calcium
Each serving of whole milk provides about 300 mg of calcium, which supports strong bones and teeth.
Natural Energy Boost
Coffee's caffeine content offers a gentle, sustained energy lift without added sugars or artificial stimulants.
Contains Antioxidants
Coffee is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but the classic 1:1 ratio delivers the signature balanced flavor. Adjust to 2 parts milk, 1 part coffee for a milder drink.
