The main difference is that Cafe au lait uses normal brewed coffee and steamed milk, while latte uses espresso, steamed milk, and topped with a creamy foam. These variations in both drinks create distinct flavor and texture profiles.
Personally, I’ve been known to have a love affair with both of these milky delights, but my allegiance tends towards as Cafe Au Lait as it contains fewer calories and is very simple to make at home.
In this breakdown, I’ll decode exactly how cafe au lait and lattes vary in their flavor profiles, ingredients, preparation methods, and origins.
What is Cafe au Lait?
Café au Lait is a popular milky coffee beverage, that has its origins in 17th-century France. Its name is derived from the French phrase “café au lait,” which translates to “coffee with milk.”
You can easily prepare this milk-based coffee drink at home without a fancy espresso machine.
This classic French drink is made by combining brewed coffee with hot milk, and it’s the perfect way to start your day or enjoy a relaxing afternoon break.
At Starbucks, a cafe au lait is known as a “Cafe Misto“. It’s a staple on the Starbucks menu, embodying the essence of a classic coffeehouse experience.
If you aim to savor the rich and strong flavors of Café au Lait to the fullest, I always recommend using a French Press to brew coffee, although this doesn’t imply that you cannot prepare it using other brewing methods like pour-over or drip machines.
How to prepare Cafe Au Lait
To make café au lait at home, you only need a
- Coffee maker (French Press preferable)
- Saucepan
- Milk
- Your favorite coffee beans (Dark Roast preferred)
Step-by-step Guide:
- Start by brewing a strong pot of coffee using your coffee maker.
- As the coffee brews, heat the milk on the stove at medium heat. Do not let it boil as it can ruin the flavor and cause scorching.
- Once the milk is hot, pour it into a large mug, filling it halfway.
- Pour the brewed coffee over the top of the milk, filling the mug to the top.
- Stir the coffee and milk together gently, and if desired, add a touch of sugar or vanilla extract.
For a frothy experience, you can add the milk to French Press and give it a few plunges. This will create a nice frothy foam that complements the taste and texture of your drink.
The standard ratio for Cafe Au Lait is 1:1 which means equal parts of milk and brewed coffee. You can prepare it with 4 oz milk and 4 oz Coffee or 6 oz milk and 6 oz coffee depending on how large the serving you want.
What is Latte?
Latte is a popular milky espresso-based that has its roots in Italy, and is named after the Italian word for milk, “latte.”
When you order a Latte, you can expect it to be served in a tall glass with a wide circumference and tapered top, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
It’s no surprise that the Latte has won over the hearts of coffee enthusiasts worldwide – in fact, according to 2020 data, it was the most commonly ordered drink in the UK and the third-most-popular beverage in US coffee shops! Speciality Coffee shops like Starbucks and Dunkin have played a major role in popularizing lattes by offering many variations like Vanilla, Caramel, Pista, Mocha, etc.
Let’s see How you can prepare a Latte
Things you need
- Espresso machine
- Coffee beans (Dark Roast preferred)
- Milk Frother
- Milk (Whole Milk Preferred)
Step by Step guide to prepare a delicious cup of Latte.
- For a delicious and flavorful espresso, use high-quality dark roast beans and grind them just before brewing to maximize freshness and taste.
- Next, prepare a double shot Espresso using your Espresso machine.
- For a perfect latte, steam fresh, cold milk to 150-160°F (65-70°C) with a steaming wand.
- Now combine the espresso and milk to craft your latte. Begin by pouring your freshly brewed espresso into a preheated cup or glass. Next, pour the steamed milk over the espresso, using a spoon to hold back the foam.
- Finally, spoon the milk foam onto the top of the latte, creating a beautiful, creamy texture. For an extra touch of flavor, you can add flavored syrup, such as vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, or chocolate.
The traditional espresso-to-milk ratio for lattes ranges from 1:3 to 1:4, but don’t let tradition hold you back. Adjusting the ratio according to your taste and preference can lead to a customized latte that’s perfect for you.
Cafe Au Lait vs Latte
(Head to head Comparison)
The magic ingredients
Cafe au lait and latte differ in the type of coffee used and the milk preparation method.
A latte is a creamy coffee drink made with strong espresso and frothed milk. The concentrated coffee shot is prepared using an espresso machine, and the milk is steamed and aerated with a steam wand for a velvety texture.
Cafe au lait is a French coffee drink made by combining strong brewed coffee and hot milk. The coffee is typically brewed using a French press or a drip coffee machine, while the milk is heated on the stovetop.
Cafe Au Lait is a perfect milky coffee drink you can easily prepare at home without any fancy equipment.
Which Tastes Better?
Cafe au lait has a stronger coffee taste compared to a latte since it is prepared with a lower proportion of milk. While the Latte offers a sweet and milk-forward taste. The sweetness of the steamed milk overpowers the strong coffee flavor of the espresso and makes the drink smooth and creamy.
I find the combination of steamed milk and strongly brewed coffee in Cafe Au Lait more satisfying and soothing, that’s neither too strong nor too sweet. Overall, Cafe au Lait offers a delicate and well-rounded flavor profile that I enjoy as a coffee lover.
For coffee lovers who crave a sweeter kick, a well-prepared latte is an excellent choice.
Personally, I find latte to be a bit too milky and creamy for my taste. The coffee flavor is overshadowed by the taste of steamed milk, which can make it feel more like a warm milk drink with just a hint of coffee.
Calorie and the Caffeine Content
The Calories in the drink mainly depend on the type and the amount of milk used in the drink. A single serving of Latte has around 8 to 10 ounces of milk while a serving of Cafe Au Lait has around 4 to 6 ounces of milk.
So, Latte obviously has more calories than Cafe Aul Lait.
At Starbucks, a 12 oz serving of latte contains around 150 calories, while a 12 oz serving of Cafe Misto (similar to Cafe Au Lait) has 80 calories.
However, adding sugar, flavored syrups, or whipped cream can significantly increase the calorie count.
The amount of Caffeine in the Cafe Au Lait and Latte is approximately the same.
Latte is prepared with a double-shot Espresso which has around 120-133 mg of caffeine. While the simple serving of brewed coffee in Cafe Au Lait has 80-120 mg of caffeine which varies depending on the type of coffee beans and brewing method.
Variations of Cafe au lait and latte
Café au lait and latte have various variations that can be made to suit different tastes. Here are a few examples:
| Variations of Café au lait | Variations of Latte |
|---|---|
| Chicory café au lait: It is a variation of Cafe Au Lait that is made by adding roasted chicory root to the coffee grounds before brewing. This technique is commonly used in New Orleans-style coffee, which is known for its strong, intense and bitter taste. | Caramel Latte: It is a popular coffee beverage made by combining espresso with steamed milk and caramel syrup. The sweetness of the caramel syrup can balance out the bitterness of the espresso, making it a great choice for those who prefer a sweeter coffee. |
| Spanish Cafe Au Lait: It is made by adding sweetened condensed milk to the coffee instead of steamed milk. | Vanilla Latte: In this variation, a simple Latte is refined with the subtle sweetness of vanilla syrup or extract. |
| French-style Cafe Au Lait: It is typically made with equal parts brewed coffee and scalded milk. | Mocha Latte: Also known as a Cafe Mocha, is a delicious beverage made with the addition of chocolate syrup and cocoa powder to Latte. |
These are just a few examples of the many variations of Cafe Au Lait and Latte that you can find.
The possibilities for customizing these drinks are endless, with options for adjusting the coffee-to-milk ratio or adding numerous different flavors or syrups.
Cafe Au lait vs Latte | So what’s better?
Well, it’s all about personal taste. Cafe Au Lait, with its classic simplicity, offers a comforting coffee and milk balance. On the other hand, the Latte delights with its velvety texture and espresso punch.
Got a clear coffee-milk drink preference after tasting the difference? Let me know in the comments!
Check out the article on 30 different espresso drinks
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