Café au Lait 🥛☕ Smooth, Mellow, and Comfortingly Creamy

— A French-Inspired Classic With Equal Parts Bold and Soft

The Café au Lait is the perfect balance of strong brewed coffee and warm steamed milk. It’s simple, elegant, and gently creamy without being heavy — like a latte without the espresso machine.

Ideal for slow mornings, cozy afternoons, or whenever you want a softer, more comforting cup of coffee.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

• ½ cup strong brewed coffee (French press or drip)
• ½ cup steamed milk (dairy or plant-based)
• Optional: sugar, cinnamon, or vanilla to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Brew the Coffee

1. Brew a strong cup of coffee using a French press or drip method (double strength recommended).
2. Pour into your favorite mug, filling it halfway.

Step 2: Steam or Heat the Milk

1. Gently heat milk in a saucepan until steaming but not boiling (about 150°F / 65°C).
2. Froth if desired, but traditionally the milk is lightly aerated or just warm.
3. Pour the steamed milk over the coffee in equal parts.

Step 3: Customize (Optional)

• Sweeten with sugar, honey, or maple syrup
• Stir in a dash of vanilla extract or cinnamon
• Top with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cocoa powder

Flavor Variations

🍯 Honey Almond

• Add 1 tsp honey + a splash of almond extract

🍫 Mocha au Lait

• Stir in 1 tsp cocoa powder or chocolate syrup before adding milk

🧂 Salted Caramel

• Use caramel syrup + a pinch of sea salt + steamed oat milk

Pro Tips

• Use freshly brewed strong coffee to balance the milk
• Froth milk with a milk frother, French press, or blender for extra creaminess
• Preheat your mug so the drink stays warmer longer
• Use equal parts coffee and milk for a true café au lait — adjust if you like it stronger or lighter

Final Thoughts

The Café au Lait is all about comfort and balance — bolder than a milk-heavy latte, gentler than black coffee. It’s a French classic that feels like a hug in a mug, ready to be dressed up or enjoyed plain.

Brew strong. Steam smooth. Sip slow. 🥛☕

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