Café au lait
Café au Lait is a traditional French coffee drink consisting of brewed coffee combined with steamed milk. It is similar to a Latte but typically uses drip or French press coffee instead of espresso.
Preparation
Café au Lait is prepared by mixing equal parts of strong brewed coffee and steamed milk. Unlike cappuccinos or lattes, the milk in a café au lait is steamed but not frothed, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture.
Cultural Context
Café au Lait is commonly consumed at breakfast in France and other French-speaking countries. It is often served in large cups or bowls, sometimes accompanied by bread or pastries.
Variations
Variations include using espresso as the coffee base or adding sugar and spices such as cinnamon or vanilla. Similar drinks exist in other cultures, such as the Italian caffè latte or American coffee with milk.