🇫🇷 France · Drinks
French Morning Coffee (Café au Lait)
By eatmundo · July 6, 2026
A quintessential French morning ritual, Café au Lait combines strong, dark-roasted coffee with an equal amount of hot, steamed milk. It’s a comforting, creamy, and less intense alternative to espresso-based drinks, perfect for dipping your morning croissant.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Brew 150ml of very strong, dark-roasted coffee. French press or drip coffee are ideal for this, using about 2 tablespoons (15g) of freshly ground coffee per serving for robust flavor.
- 2
In a small saucepan, gently heat 150ml of whole milk over medium-low heat until it's steaming hot but not boiling. You'll see small bubbles forming around the edges of the pan. Whisk it lightly to create a little foam, if desired.
- 3
Pour the freshly brewed hot coffee into a large, wide-mouthed mug or a traditional French bowl (bol). The wider opening is perfect for dipping pastries later!
- 4
Slowly pour the hot, steamed milk over the coffee. You can pour it all at once for a uniform blend, or gently from a height to create a subtle two-tone effect.
- 5
If you prefer, add 1-2 teaspoons of sugar to taste. Stir gently. Serve your authentic Café au Lait immediately, perhaps alongside a freshly baked croissant or tartine. Enjoy the simple pleasure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of coffee should I use for an authentic French Morning Coffee?+
For an authentic taste, use a strong, dark-roasted coffee, often brewed in a French press or a drip coffee maker, rather than espresso. The aim is for a robust coffee flavor that stands up to the milk.
How should the milk be prepared for the best Café au Lait?+
The milk should be heated until it's very warm, but not boiling. Traditionally, it's not frothed intensely like a latte, but simply warmed to a comforting temperature.
What is the ideal coffee to milk ratio for Café au Lait?+
A classic Café au Lait typically uses a 1:1 ratio of hot coffee to hot milk. This balance ensures neither the coffee nor the milk overpowers the other, creating a harmonious blend.
What's a common mistake when making French Morning Coffee at home?+
A common mistake is using too weak a coffee, which gets lost when mixed with milk. Also, avoid adding cold milk, as it cools down the coffee too much.
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