A café au lait is a classic coffee-and-milk beverage commonly enjoyed in European homes and cafés.
Traditionally French in style and preparation, the café au lait is the French counterpart of the Italian caffè latte. Many European countries have their own variations: Spain’s café con leche, Poland’s kawa biała (literally “white coffee”), Germany’s Milchkaffee, Austria’s Melange, Portugal’s café com leite, and the Netherlands’ koffie verkeerd.
Though its name and classic preparation are French, versions of the drink have been popular across Europe since the mid-20th century, appearing in cafés and homes in Italy, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden.
In the United States, a café au lait typically combines strong coffee or espresso with scalded milk in roughly equal parts. One well-known American variation comes from New Orleans, where Café du Monde popularized a blend of coffee and chicory. The addition of chicory lends a bitter, roasted note that balances well with sweet pastries like beignets.
The New Orleans style often uses scalded milk—milk gently warmed to just below simmering—rather than the steamed milk common in espresso-based drinks. This technique produces a different mouthfeel and a slightly cooked-sugar aroma that pairs nicely with the bold coffee-chicory base.
Most modern café au laits are made with an espresso machine equipped with a steam wand to heat and texture the milk, but you can also prepare an excellent version using a high-quality drip coffee maker or a moka pot.
Basic ingredients for a café au lait: 2 cups scalded milk, 2 cups strong brewed coffee or espresso, and about 1 rounded tablespoon of sugar, adjusted to taste. For a chocolate variation, add cocoa or chocolate syrup as a flavor enhancer.
Simple preparation method:
- Gently simmer the milk over low heat until scalded (do not boil).
- Brew a strong coffee or prepare espresso.
- Combine sugar and any optional flavorings (such as cocoa) with the coffee.
- Pour the hot milk into the coffee, stirring or briefly whisking to blend evenly.
- Serve immediately, traditionally with pastries or biscuits.
Adjust the coffee-to-milk ratio, sweetness, and any added flavors to suit your preference. A café au lait is a simple, comforting drink that celebrates the balance between robust coffee and warm, creamy milk.