Description
This Holiday Spiced Café au Lait is a cozy, festive beverage perfect for winter mornings or holiday gatherings. Combining strong brewed coffee with warm, spiced milk infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a hint of vanilla, it offers a comforting twist on a classic café au lait. Topped optionally with whipped cream and a cinnamon garnish, this easy-to-make drink brings seasonal warmth and aromatic flavor in every cup.
Ingredients
Spiced Milk Mixture
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Coffee
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso
Optional Garnishes
- Whipped cream
- Cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Spiced Milk: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves. Whisk continuously to blend the spices and sugar into the milk, heating it until it becomes hot and steamy but not boiling. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract to infuse the milk with a delicate aroma.
- Brew Coffee: Brew 1 cup of strong coffee or espresso using your preferred method. Pour the brewed coffee into a large mug, filling it halfway to leave room for the spiced milk mixture.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the warm spiced milk mixture over the coffee in the mug. Stir gently to combine the flavors evenly. Optionally, top the drink with whipped cream and garnish with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for added flavor and festive presentation. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with oat milk or almond milk.
- Adjust the spice quantities to suit your personal taste preferences.
- You can use decaffeinated coffee for a caffeine-free evening treat.
