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2025.07.22

Iced Cafe au Lait Recipe Made with Cold Milk | Enjoy the Cafe Feel at Home

冷たい牛乳で作るアイスカフェオレのレシピ|自宅でカフェ気分を楽しもう

During the hot season, you crave a cool, refreshing drink. Iced cafe au lait is perfect for those times, as it can be easily enjoyed at home. The mellow flavor of coffee and milk makes it a great way to wake up or enjoy a snack.

This time, we will introduce a basic iced cafe au lait made using cold milk.
This is a recipe that can be easily made using coffee you have at home, such as drip or instant coffee, so please give it a try.

What is the difference between iced cafe au lait and iced cafe latte?

"Iced cafe au lait" and "iced cafe latte" are often confused. Both are cold drinks made with coffee and milk, but there are differences in the coffee used and the way they are made.

Iced cafe au lait

It is common to mix equal parts of medium-strength coffee, such as drip coffee or instant coffee, with milk. This creates a milky taste while still allowing you to fully enjoy the coffee flavor.

Iced Cafe Latte

This style is made by adding cold milk to an espresso base, bringing out the richness and bitterness of the coffee, creating a more powerful taste.

This time, we will introduce how to make "iced cafe au lait", which can be made without any special equipment.

Basic recipe for iced cafe au lait made with cold milk

[Ingredients] (for 1 cup)

  • Strong coffee (hot or iced): 100ml
  • Cold milk: 100ml
  • Ice: appropriate amount
  • Gum syrup or honey (as desired)

*You can use any milk you like, such as unsweetened, low-fat, soy milk, oat milk, etc.

【How to make】

1. Brew your coffee strong

The key is to brew drip or instant coffee a little stronger than usual. Taking into account that it will be diluted with ice, it will have a strong flavor.
*If you brew it hot, it will taste even better if you chill it thoroughly in the refrigerator beforehand.

2. Add ice to the glass

Using a clear glass will give it a cool and stylish look, and adding plenty of ice will help keep the drink cold for longer.

3. Pour cold milk

Pour 100ml of cold milk into a glass filled with ice. By pouring the milk first, it will be easier for the coffee to separate into two layers.

4. Pour the coffee slowly

Slowly pour the coffee over the milk. The two layers will separate, creating a beautiful gradation. You can enjoy the appearance without mixing, or lightly stir before drinking.

5. Add sweetness to taste

Add some gum syrup or honey to adjust the sweetness to your liking. A slightly sweeter drink will taste just like something you'd get at a cafe.

Differences in taste depending on the type of coffee

The impression of iced cafe au lait changes greatly depending on the type of coffee used. Try the following beans to find the flavor that suits you best.

Dark roast (e.g. French roast)
It goes well with milk, bringing out its fragrant and rich flavor.

Medium roast (e.g. city roast)
The acidity and bitterness are well balanced, resulting in a light taste.

instant coffee
It's easy to make, and the trick to making it delicious is to make it a little thicker.

If you want to avoid caffeine, we also recommend decaffeinated coffee.

Easy arrangements and lots of fun ways

With a little ingenuity, you can create a new flavor from the classic iced cafe au lait. By adding the following arrangements, you can create a cafe-like atmosphere even at home.

A pinch of cinnamon
The spicy aroma gives it a mature taste.

A few drops of vanilla extract
It has a sweet and gorgeous aroma, making it enjoyable like a dessert.

Add milk foam
Topping it with frothed milk gives it a cafe-style finish.

Topped with vanilla ice cream
It's a luxurious treat that feels like a dessert, and is perfect for entertaining guests.

FAQ

Q. Will the coffee separate if I use cold milk?

A. If you use rapidly cooled coffee, it will mix well with the milk and will be less likely to separate. If this bothers you, we recommend mixing it well before drinking .

Q. Can I use any type of milk?

A. Yes, you can choose from whole milk, low-fat milk, skim milk, soy milk, oat milk, etc. Whole milk is recommended for a richer taste, and low-fat milk is recommended for a lighter taste.

Summary | Make your own cup of coffee with your favorite beans

Iced cafe au lait is a simple way to enjoy the cafe atmosphere by simply combining cold milk and coffee.
It's perfect for hot days, as well as when you want to refresh your mood or relax.

If you find your favorite coffee beans at an online store, be sure to try this recipe to make your own iced cafe au lait.

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