Have you ever wondered how java lovers around the world enjoy a cup of coffee?
Though we all tend to rely on the same kinds of roasted coffee beans to make a morning cup, the way we brew the ground beans differs depending on where you find yourself.
In Vietnam, for example, a drink called Cà Phê Trứng — made with strong coffee, egg yolk foam, and sweetened condensed milk — is often enjoyed.
The Australian flat white consists of a double shot of espresso and four ounces of frothy milk.
And, in some Spanish countries, the café con leche is a popular morning coffee drink. This delicious beverage is something we love here at Roasty Coffee and we’re going to tell you how to make it!
What’s Café Con Leche?
The name “café con leche” literally translates to coffee with milk, and that’s precisely what it is.
Though it’s unknown exactly when or by who, the creamy coffee drink is said to have originated in Spain.
It then made its way across to other countries, as the Cuban version of this drink has become one of the most famous variations.
What’s The Difference Between a Latte and Café Con Leche?
Even though both a latte and café con leche consist of coffee and steamed milk, a few key differences separate the two, the first of which is the origin. A latte is traditionally Italian, while the café con leche is generally consumed in Spanish-speaking countries.
Another distinction lies in the amount of milk used in each coffee recipe. While lattes use a 1:2 coffee-to-milk ratio, the Spanish café con leche is made with a 1:1 ratio. And usually, there isn’t any milk foam on top of the café con leche.
Make a Perfect Café Con Leche Right at Home
If you’re curious as to how to make a café con leche from the comfort of your own home, look no further than our easy-to-follow recipe right here!
You’ll Need:
- 1 shot of espresso
- 2/3 cup of milk
- 2 teaspoons sugar (optional)
- Saucepan
The Process:
Step 1:
Pour milk into a saucepan, and let it steam over medium heat until it becomes frothy.
Traditionally, whole milk is used, but feel free to make necessary substitutions if dairy isn’t an option for you.
Step 2:
Then, use your espresso maker to brew a shot of dark and strong coffee. Using pre-ground beans with your brewer is fine, but if you use whole beans and a burr coffee grinder, the fresh coffee grounds will create a brew that’s quite flavorful.
Pour your hot coffee into a mug or glass.
Step 3:
If you want to add sweetener, now is the time! Spoon a bit of granulated sugar into the freshly-brewed espresso shot and stir until it’s dissolved into the brew.
If you’d prefer to enjoy this beverage sugar-free, however, go ahead and skip to the next step.
Step 4:
Finally, you need to pour the hot milk over the espresso coffee, and you’re all done!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Café Con Leche the Same as Flat White?
While the definition of a flat white can vary depending on who you ask, in most cases a flat white is somewhat similar to the café con leche.
However, a café con leche uses more scalded milk than a flat white which has milk steamed at a slightly lower temperature.
What is the Best Milk to Use For Café Con Leche?
Traditionally, in Spain, café con leche is made with whole milk, but it’s perfectly fine to substitute whatever milk you typically use in your coffee drinks.
What is Coffee with Condensed Milk Called in Spain?
A type of coffee from Spain that contains condensed milk is actually a Valencian coffee beverage called Bombón coffee.
This is a layered drink with condensed milk at the bottom and coffee at the top.
Sip Away
Making this bold coffee drink is a piece of cake, so long as you’ve got an espresso machine (a stovetop espresso maker works as well), freshly ground coffee beans, and means of producing hot milk.
A cup of café con leche makes the perfect breakfast espresso drink, and because the coffee beverage’s ingredients are so basic, it’s sure to appeal to many a coffee drinker.
Happy Caffeinating!
Cafe Con Leche
If you've ever wondered what a good cup of Spanish coffee tastes like, this café con leche recipe is for you. It's easy to make and even easier to enjoy, so it's the perfect way for you to kick off your day!
Ingredients
- 1 shot of espresso
- 2 teaspoons sugar (optional)
- ⅔ cup of milk
Instructions
- Steam milk in a saucepan until frothy.
- Combine espresso and sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Pour milk over espresso and enjoy!
