France is renowned for its exquisite cuisine, fine wines, and rich cultural heritage. Among these, the tradition of coffee holds a special place in the daily lives of the French. From bustling Parisian cafés to qualint countryside bistros, coffee is more than just a beverage; it is a cherished ritual, an art form, and a symbol of French joie de vivre.

Whether you're visiting Paris 2024 or want to enjoy a taste of France at home, exploring local coffee specialties and their recipes is a delightful way to dive into French culinary traditions. Here are some must-try French coffee drinks and how to make them.

Café au Lait 

The café au lait is a quintessential French coffee drink, perfect for breakfast. It combines strong coffee with steamed milk, creating a creamy, comforting beverage. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of strong brewed coffee or espresso
• 1 cup of whole milk

Instructions:

1. Brew the Coffee: Brew a strong cup of coffee using a coffee maker, or make a cup of espresso with an espresso machine.
2. Steam the Milk: Froth 1 cup of whole milk using a milk frother until it’s smooth and creamy with a light foam on top. If you don’t have a frother, heat the milk in a saucepan until hot but not boiling, then whisk vigorously to create foam.
3. Combine: Pour the hot coffee into a large mug. Slowly add the steamed milk, holding back the foam with a spoon, and then spoon the foam on top.
4. Serve: Enjoy your café au lait immediately while it’s hot.
   
   
   
   

Café noisette

The noisette, named for its nutty color, is a small espresso drink “stained” with a dash of steamed milk, similar to a macchiato. 

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of espresso
• 1-2 teaspoons of steamed milk

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Espresso: Brew a single shot of espresso using an espresso machine.
2. Steam the Milk: Froth a small amount of milk until it’s smooth and creamy with a light foam on top.
3. Combine: Pour the shot of espresso into an espresso cup. Gently add 1-2 teaspoons of steamed milk or milk foam on top.
4. Serve: Enjoy your noisette immediately while it’s hot.
   
   
   
   

Café Crème 

Café crème is a popular French coffee drink similar to a latte, but with a richer, creamier texture. It’s made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk. 

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of espresso
• 1 cup of whole milk

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Espresso: Brew a single shot of espresso.
2. Steam the Milk: Froth 1 cup of whole milk until it’s smooth and creamy.
3. Combine: Pour the espresso into a large cup. Slowly add the steamed milk, mixing thoroughly.
4. Serve: Enjoy your café crème while it’s hot.

French coffee specialties offer a delightful blend of strong coffee and creamy textures, perfect for any time of day. Explore these traditional brews and experience the elegance of French coffee culture.