Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait Recipe
Treat yourself to pure winter magic with this Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait Recipe. Rich, smooth coffee meets velvety milk and a festive blend of warming spices—imagine sipping this cozy cup while wrapped in a blanket, with all the scents of the holidays swirling around you. Whether you’re sneaking in a quiet moment before the holiday hustle or serving friends fireside, this is the drink you’ll want to make (and crave) all season long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Café Au Lait:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso
- 1 cup whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
Spice Mix:
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Sweetener and Flavoring:
- 1–2 teaspoons brown sugar or maple syrup (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping:
- Whipped cream and a pinch of extra spices (optional)
How to Make Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait Recipe
Step 1: Warm and Spice the Milk
Pour your milk of choice into a small saucepan along with the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and your brown sugar or maple syrup. Place it over medium-low heat and whisk every so often until the milk is hot and steamy—but be careful not to let it reach a simmer or boil, as you want the milk to stay smooth and creamy. The fragrances of those holiday spices will start filling your kitchen, and that’s your cue: you’re on your way to the ultimate Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait Recipe.
Step 2: Infuse With Vanilla
Once your milk is warmed through, remove it from the heat and add in the vanilla extract. Whisk well to combine. This simple step is what gives your spiced milk a lovely rounded sweetness—think of it as a little hint of sugar cookie aroma in every pour.
Step 3: Brew the Perfect Coffee
Make a strong cup of your favorite coffee or espresso. For a true café au lait, you want the coffee to be nice and robust, ready to shine alongside all those warm spices. Pour it into your favorite mug and get ready for the main event.
Step 4: Create Frothy Spiced Milk
Froth the spiced milk using a hand frother or a whisk until it’s light and foamy on top—this texture is part of what makes café au lait so irresistible. If you don’t have a frother handy, you can add the milk to a jar, screw on the lid tightly, and shake vigorously for a makeshift froth.
Step 5: Combine, Top, and Serve
Pour the frothed, spiced milk over your brewed coffee. Top with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg if you like a little extra flair. Sip slowly and let every warming note of this Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait Recipe remind you why holiday mornings should be filled with a little extra magic.
How to Serve Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait Recipe
Garnishes
A festive mug deserves a festive finish! Add a generous dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of your Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait Recipe. If you’re feeling extra, nestle a cinnamon stick as a stirrer for an aromatic touch and added holiday charm.
Side Dishes
Pair your cozy cup with a platter of holiday cookies, gingerbread, or almond biscotti. This spiced café au lait also goes beautifully alongside breakfast pastries like croissants or pumpkin bread—treat yourself to a little sweet crunch with every sip.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, set up a DIY Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait Recipe bar, complete with toppings like chocolate shavings, crushed candy cane, or orange zest. Elegant glass mugs, festive straws, or even serving with a tiny “holiday cheer” note tucked next to each cup will make your presentation truly memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extra spiced milk, let it cool and transfer it to an airtight jar or container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days—the flavor actually deepens a bit as it rests!
Freezing
While freezing isn’t typical for this café au lait, the spiced milk can be frozen in ice cube trays for a fun twist. Drop a couple into a mug of hot coffee for an instant, creamy holiday boost whenever you’d like.
Reheating
Warm the refrigerated spiced milk gently over the stovetop or in the microwave, whisking to blend everything back together. Once hot, simply froth again and pour over fresh coffee. Quick, easy, and just as delicious as day one.
FAQs
Can I use non-dairy milk for the Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait Recipe?
Absolutely! Almond, oat, or coconut milk all froth up beautifully and complement the spice blend. Just pick your favorite dairy-free option and follow the recipe as written.
How can I make this drink sweeter without refined sugar?
For a naturally sweetened twist, use pure maple syrup or even a drizzle of honey. Both options enhance the holiday flavors and add richness without processed sugar.
What kind of coffee works best in the Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait Recipe?
A strong, medium-to-dark roast or a classic espresso works best for that satisfying balance with the spices and milk. If you’re using drip coffee, simply brew it a bit stronger than usual.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a group brunch?
Definitely! Pre-mix a larger batch of the spiced milk, then reheat and froth just before serving. Set out fresh-brewed coffee and a toppings bar for guests to personalize their own creations.
Is it possible to make this an iced version?
Yes! Chill the brewed coffee and spiced milk, then pour them over ice. Froth the milk cold and top with whipped cream and your favorite holiday sprinkles for a refreshing twist.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find as much comfort and joy as I do in sharing this Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait Recipe with your loved ones—it’s a simple way to bring the warmth and happiness of the season into every morning. Don’t wait for a special occasion; brew it up and savor the magic today!
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Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of the holiday season with this delicious Holiday Spiced Café Au Lait recipe. A perfect blend of coffee, warm spices, and creamy milk topped with whipped cream, it’s a delightful treat for a chilly day.
Ingredients
Café Au Lait:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso
- 1 cup whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
Spice Mix:
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Sweetener and Flavoring:
- 1–2 teaspoons brown sugar or maple syrup (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping:
- Whipped cream and a pinch of extra spices (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spiced Milk: In a small saucepan, combine the milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and sweetener. Heat over medium-low, whisking occasionally, until warm and steamy but not boiling.
- Finish the Café Au Lait: Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract. Brew coffee or espresso, pour into a mug. Froth the spiced milk until foamy, then pour over the coffee.
- Enjoy: Top with whipped cream, sprinkle with spices if desired, and savor the cozy holiday flavor.
Notes
- This drink pairs perfectly with holiday cookies or breakfast pastries.
- Adjust spice levels to your preference.
- To make it extra indulgent, consider adding a splash of eggnog or a cinnamon stick for stirring.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
