Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Café con Leche is the ideal drink for those who love coffee but prefer a smoother, creamier texture. The rich espresso is balanced beautifully by the sweetness of the steamed milk, making each sip smooth and velvety. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for breakfast, a mid-morning pick-me-up, or an afternoon treat. Whether you enjoy it as is or with a little extra sugar, this Spanish favorite is sure to become a regular in your routine.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup brewed espresso (freshly brewed)
Directions
- Heat the Milk: Add the whole milk and sugar to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir the milk as it heats and allow small bubbles to form around the edge of the saucepan, but be careful not to let it boil.
- Brew the Espresso: While the milk is heating, brew the espresso. Freshly brewed espresso is key to creating the rich flavor of Café con Leche.
- Combine: Pour the freshly brewed espresso into two coffee cups. Then, top each cup with the steamed, sweetened milk.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, creamy Café con Leche!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Variations
- Dairy-Free Version: You can use any plant-based milk like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk as a substitute for whole milk to make this drink dairy-free.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the sugar to your taste. You can add more for a sweeter version or skip the sugar altogether for a less sweet, more robust flavor.
- Flavored Café con Leche: Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the milk as it heats for a flavored twist on this classic drink.
Storage/Reheating
Café con Leche is best served fresh, as the milk will lose its texture and warmth over time. If you have leftovers, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, although the quality may not be the same as when it’s freshly made.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?
While traditional Café con Leche is made with espresso for its strong, rich flavor, you can use strong brewed coffee as a substitute if you don’t have an espresso machine.
2. Can I make this drink iced?
Yes! To make an iced version, brew the espresso and allow it to cool. Then, pour the cooled espresso into a glass with ice and top it with cold, steamed milk.
3. Is Café con Leche the same as a latte?
The main difference between Café con Leche and a latte is that Café con Leche is typically made with equal parts espresso and milk, while a latte contains more milk than espresso. Café con Leche has a stronger coffee flavor compared to a latte.
4. Can I add flavorings to my Café con Leche?
Yes, feel free to add flavorings like vanilla syrup, cinnamon, or cocoa powder to customize the flavor of your drink.
5. Can I make this drink without a milk frother?
Yes, you don’t need a milk frother. Simply heat the milk in a saucepan as described, ensuring it’s hot and slightly foamy. If you have a whisk, you can use it to create more foam in the milk before pouring it into the coffee.
6. What type of coffee beans are best for making Café con Leche?
Espresso beans or any dark-roast coffee beans work best for Café con Leche because they provide a rich, strong coffee flavor that balances perfectly with the milk.
7. How do I make a stronger Café con Leche?
To make a stronger version, simply use a higher ratio of espresso to milk or brew a more concentrated shot of espresso.
8. How can I make my milk froth more?
To get more froth, you can use a handheld milk frother or vigorously whisk the milk while it heats. This will create a light foam that makes the drink even creamier.
9. Can I make Café con Leche ahead of time?
It’s best to make this drink fresh, but you can prepare the espresso and milk separately ahead of time. Reheat them together before serving for the best taste and texture.
10. Can I use skim or low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
Yes, you can substitute skim or low-fat milk if you prefer, but whole milk gives Café con Leche a creamier and richer texture.
Conclusion
Café con Leche is a simple yet delicious Spanish coffee drink that offers a perfect balance of rich espresso and creamy milk. It’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying, whether you enjoy it as a morning treat or a mid-day pick-me-up. With a few simple ingredients and minimal time, you can bring the flavors of Spain into your home and enjoy this comforting drink whenever you like!
Café con Leche
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Brewing
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Café con Leche is a classic Spanish espresso drink made with freshly brewed espresso and steamed milk, offering a smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor. It’s the perfect balance of coffee and milk for a comforting and satisfying drink.
Ingredients
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup brewed espresso (freshly brewed)
Instructions
- Heat the whole milk and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir as it heats, ensuring small bubbles form around the edge without letting it boil.
- While the milk is heating, brew the espresso.
- Pour the brewed espresso into two coffee cups and top each cup with the steamed, sweetened milk.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Café con Leche!
Notes
For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk.
Adjust the sugar to your taste for a sweeter or less sweet version.
For a flavored twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the milk as it heats.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
