Café au Lait
Café au lait uses brewed coffee rather than espresso. Its equal milk-to-coffee ratio makes a softer, larger cup with no syrup required.
Non-alcoholicMake it like a pro.
- 01
Brew half a cup of coffee at normal drinking strength.
- 02
Warm the whole milk gently until steaming but not boiling; whisk briefly for a little fine foam if desired.
- 03
Pour coffee and milk together into a prewarmed cup.
Tools for This Recipe
Helpful equipment for making this recipe at home.
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Easy swaps
- Use 2% milk for a lighter cup.
- Use decaf brewed coffee if avoiding caffeine.
Mixpert tips
- Do not boil milk; it develops a cooked taste.
- Use a wide cup so the equal parts mix evenly.
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Café au Lait FAQs
What coffee roast works for café au lait?
Choose a brewed coffee with enough body to remain noticeable when mixed with an equal portion of hot whole milk. Medium-dark or dark roast can work, but grind and brew strength matter too. Taste the coffee before adding milk; this recipe does not depend on espresso.
Is café au lait the same as a latte?
No. This version uses brewed coffee, while a café latte starts with espresso.
Do I need a steam wand?
No. Heat the milk in a pan or microwave and whisk if you want a little foam.