Cafe au Lait
A beloved New Orleans tradition, this rich and creamy coffee drink combines dark-roast coffee with chicory and perfectly steamed milk. Simple, comforting, and utterly delicious, it's the perfect way to start your day, Big Easy style.
For 2 servings
4 steps. 8 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Brew the Coffee
- b.Place the finely ground coffee with chicory into a French press or your preferred coffee maker.
- c.Pour 1 cup of hot (not boiling) water over the grounds.
- d.Allow the coffee to brew for 4-5 minutes to develop a strong, robust flavor. If using a French press, press the plunger down slowly and completely.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Heat the Milk
- b.While the coffee is brewing, pour the whole milk into a small saucepan.
- c.Heat over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until it is steaming and small bubbles appear around the edges. Be careful not to let it boil or scald.
- d.For a frothier texture, use a milk frother to create a light foam.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.This step is key to the traditional preparation. Warm two large, bowl-shaped mugs.
- c.Hold the pot of brewed coffee in one hand and the pitcher of hot milk in the other.
- d.Simultaneously pour the coffee and milk into the mugs from a slight height, dividing them evenly. This technique ensures they mix perfectly and creates a lovely integrated flavor and texture.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Sweeten and Enjoy
- b.If desired, add sugar to taste and stir until dissolved.
- c.Serve immediately, ideally alongside fresh beignets for the full New Orleans experience.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, seek out a coffee blend specifically made for New Orleans-style coffee, which will have the right proportion of chicory.
- 2The traditional ratio is equal parts coffee and milk, but feel free to adjust this to your personal preference for a stronger or milkier drink.
- 3Pouring from a height (the 'high pour') helps to cool the drink to a perfect temperature and creates a bit of natural foam.
- 4Always warm your mugs with hot water before pouring; this keeps your café au lait hot for longer.
Adapt it for your goals.
Iced Café au Lait
Brew the coffee and let it cool completely in the refrigerator. Pour the chilled coffee and cold milk over a glass full of ice.
Non Dairy VersionNon-Dairy Version
Substitute whole milk with oat milk or soy milk. Heat gently as they can separate or curdle more easily than dairy milk.
Spiced Café au LaitSpiced Café au Lait
Add a pinch of cinnamon or a drop of vanilla extract to the milk while it's heating for a warm, aromatic twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Energy Boost
The caffeine from the dark roast coffee provides a significant mental and physical energy boost to help you start your day.
Source of Calcium
Whole milk is an excellent source of calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth.
Potential Gut Health Support
Chicory root is a natural source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that can help nourish beneficial gut bacteria and support digestive health.
Frequently asked questions
A café au lait is made with strong brewed coffee (traditionally drip or French press) and steamed milk, typically in a 1:1 ratio. A latte is made with a shot of espresso and steamed milk, and usually has more milk than coffee.