Cafe Au Lait Recipe

Brew

Brew 1 cup of strong coffee (or pull two single shots of espresso, ≈ 2–3 fl oz). Aim for a concentrated brew so the final drink is coffee-forward when combined with milk.

If your brewed coffee is very strong and you prefer a slightly milder strength, add up to 1/4 cup hot water to adjust to taste.

Heat milk on stove

Pour 1 cup whole milk into a small saucepan and heat over medium-low until it reaches 150–160°F (warm and steamy, small bubbles forming at the edge). Do not boil. Remove from heat.

Froth

Froth the heated milk using your preferred method: a handheld milk frother (20–30 seconds) or a french press (pump the plunger vigorously 8–12 times). If you have a steam wand, create velvety microfoam. You want silky steamed milk with a light layer of foam on top (about 1–2 Tbsp). If using extra milk to stretch, add up to 1/4 cup cold milk before frothing.

Preheat a 10–12 fl oz mug by rinsing with hot water, then empty it.

Pour the brewed coffee or espresso into the warmed mug, filling roughly half to two-thirds of the cup (about 1 cup coffee).

Hold back the foam with a spoon and pour the steamed milk into the coffee slowly, filling the mug to the top. Aim for approximately a 1:1 ratio of coffee to milk (coffee ~1 cup + milk ~1 cup). Spoon the remaining foam on top (about 1–2 Tbsp).

Taste and sweeten if desired: stir in 1 tsp granulated sugar or simple syrup, or to taste.

Sprinkle a pinch (about 1/4 tsp) of ground cinnamon or cocoa powder on top as a garnish, if desired.

Serve immediately while hot. Enjoy with a biscotti or pastry if desired.