Café con Leche
| Type | Regional & specialty |
| Origin | Spain |
| Ingredients | Strong coffee, hot milk |
| Served | Hot |
Café con leche is a coffee drink made with strong coffee and hot milk. It’s popular in Spain and across Latin America, and is typically served in a larger cup than espresso drinks, often as a breakfast coffee.
Origin
Café con leche is closely tied to Spanish café culture and later became a staple in many Latin American countries, with small regional differences in coffee strength, milk ratio, and sweetness.
How it’s made
- Brew strong coffee (espresso or strong drip/moka pot coffee).
- Heat milk (steamed or simply hot).
- Combine coffee and milk, commonly around a 1:1 ratio, adjusted to taste.
- Add sugar if desired.
Taste profile
- Smooth and milky
- Medium coffee intensity (depends on the brew strength)
- Comforting, lightly sweet if sugar is added
Variations
- Iced café con leche (less traditional, but common in warm climates)
Serving
Usually served hot in a medium to large cup, often alongside breakfast or pastries.