Description

This Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait is a warm, cozy beverage blending strong coffee with spiced, steamed milk for a festive twist on the classic French coffee drink. Infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla, it’s sweetened lightly with maple syrup or brown sugar to create the perfect comforting drink for chilly winter days or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Coffee Base

1 cup strong brewed coffee or ½ cup espresso + ½ cup hot water

Spiced Milk Mixture

1 cup milk (whole, oat, or almond)
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of ground cloves (optional)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or brown sugar (to taste)

Garnish

Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Coffee: Brew the coffee or prepare espresso and dilute with hot water if using espresso, setting it aside in a large mug.
Heat Spiced Milk: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, optional cloves, vanilla extract, and maple syrup or brown sugar. Heat gently, whisking occasionally until the mixture is warm and steamy but not boiling.
Froth Milk: Use a milk frother or whisk vigorously to froth the spiced milk mixture, creating a light foam to top the drink.
Combine and Serve: Slowly pour the spiced milk into the mug with coffee, holding back the foam, then spoon the foam on top.
Garnish: Sprinkle with a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg, if desired, and serve warm immediately.

Notes

For a richer flavor, substitute half-and-half for milk.
This drink pairs wonderfully with holiday cookies or spiced cakes.
To enjoy iced, chill both the spiced milk and coffee, then pour over ice cubes.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: French-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 mug
Calories: 90
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 45mg
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg