Meia De Leite Recipe
Make Meia De Leite Recipe in just 12m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Coffee Base
Steamed Milk
Sweetening & Garnish (optional)
Method
Coffee Base
Brew coffee
Brew 1 cup of strong coffee using your preferred method (drip, pour-over, French press). Aim for a concentrated brew similar in strength to drip coffee made with slightly more grounds than usual (about 1.5–2 tablespoons coffee per 6 oz water). Serve hot.
If you want a stronger coffee flavor similar to an espresso sensitivity, dissolve 1/2 tsp instant espresso powder into the hot brewed coffee and stir until fully dissolved.
Steamed Milk
Heat milk
Pour 1 cup whole milk into a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until it reaches 140–150°F (60–65°C), or until it is steaming and small bubbles form at the edges but not boiling. This should take about 3–5 minutes on a stovetop.
Texture the milk
For a traditional meia de leite, you want smoothly heated milk with a small amount of foam. Use a handheld milk frother or whisk vigorously for 20–30 seconds to create a light microfoam (about 1–2 tablespoons). If you have a steam wand, stretch and texture the milk to produce velvety microfoam and 1–2 tbsp of foam on top.
If you prefer less foam, simply pour the heated milk without frothing.
Assembly & Serving
Sweeten and garnish
If desired, stir in up to 1 tsp sugar to taste until dissolved. Lightly dust the top with a pinch (about 1/4 tsp) of ground cinnamon or cocoa powder for aroma and presentation.
Serve immediately while hot. Meia de leite is traditionally served in a glass or small cup and enjoyed at once.