In France, “cafe creme” is a beloved coffee beverage that consists of an espresso topped off with foamed milk. This rich and creamy drink is perfect for dipping croissants or day-old baguettes, as the French do.
History and Origin
The cafe creme has deep roots in French coffee culture, dating back to the early 20th century when espresso machines first arrived in Parisian cafes. As espresso became the standard way of brewing coffee in France, locals quickly began adding steamed milk to soften the intensity. The term “creme” refers to the creamy layer of milk foam on top, not to actual cream. Over the decades, the cafe creme became a breakfast staple across France, from corner bistros to grand boulevard cafes. It represents a distinctly French approach to milky coffee – one that prioritizes the quality of the espresso base while balancing it with silky, well-textured milk.
Unlike its cousin the cafe au lait, which is traditionally made with brewed filter coffee and hot milk, the cafe creme always starts with a proper espresso. This distinction is important to the French, who consider the espresso base essential to a quality milky coffee.
How It’s Made
A cafe creme starts with a single shot of espresso pulled from a commercial machine. The barista then steams milk until it reaches a velvety texture with a thin layer of microfoam on top. The steamed milk is poured over the espresso, filling the cup to create a smooth, balanced drink. The ratio is roughly half espresso, half milk, though this can vary from cafe to cafe. Some establishments use a slightly larger cup and add more milk, while others keep it compact and strong.
How to Order
To order a cafe creme in France, simply say: “Je voudrais un cafe creme, s’il vous plait” (zhuh voo-DREH uhn ka-FAY KREM, seel voo PLEH). You can also shorten it to “un creme” and any French barista will know exactly what you mean. In more casual settings, you might hear locals just say “un creme” at the counter without any extra pleasantries.
When and Where Locals Drink It
The cafe creme is almost exclusively a morning drink in France. You will find locals ordering it at breakfast, often alongside a croissant or tartine with butter and jam. Ordering a milky coffee after lunch or dinner is considered unusual by the French, who prefer a straight espresso or cafe noisette later in the day. You can order a cafe creme at virtually any cafe, brasserie, or restaurant in France, though the quality and size may vary. Parisian terrace cafes are a classic spot to enjoy one while watching the world go by.
Variations
There are several drinks in the cafe creme family worth knowing about. A grand creme is simply a larger version served in a bigger cup with more milk. Some cafes offer a cafe creme with plant-based milk options like oat or soy, though this is still relatively uncommon outside major cities. You might also encounter the terme “cafe latte” on menus in tourist-heavy areas, which is essentially the same drink rebranded for international visitors.
Cafe Creme vs Cafe au Lait
These two drinks are often confused, but they are not the same thing. A cafe creme is made with espresso and steamed milk, while a traditional cafe au lait uses brewed filter coffee and hot (not steamed) milk. The cafe creme has a richer, more concentrated flavor thanks to its espresso base, whereas the cafe au lait is lighter and more mellow. In modern French cafes, the lines have blurred somewhat, but purists maintain the distinction. If you want the espresso version, ask for a creme. If you want something gentler, go for the au lait.
How to Make a Cafe Creme at Home
You do not need a commercial espresso machine to enjoy a cafe creme at home, though it helps. Start by pulling a single shot of espresso using a machine, Moka pot, or strong Aeropress brew. Heat about 4 ounces of whole milk until it is steaming, and froth it with a milk frother, French press plunger, or steam wand until you get a smooth microfoam. Pour the steamed milk over your espresso and enjoy. For the most authentic experience, use a medium-roast French coffee blend and whole milk.
Ingredients
Half Coffee + Half Milk
How to order a Cafe Creme in France?
"Je voudrais un cafe creme, s'il vous plait."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cafe creme?
A cafe creme is a French coffee drink made with a shot of espresso topped with steamed and foamed milk. It is similar to a latte but typically smaller and with a stronger espresso flavor.
Is cafe creme the same as cafe au lait?
No. A cafe creme uses espresso as its base, while a traditional cafe au lait is made with brewed filter coffee and hot milk. The cafe creme has a richer, more concentrated taste.
When do French people drink cafe creme?
Cafe creme is almost always a morning drink in France. Ordering one after lunch or dinner is uncommon and might get you a raised eyebrow from locals.
Can I order a cafe creme with oat milk?
Some modern cafes in Paris and other major French cities offer plant-based milk alternatives, but it is not standard. Ask if they have lait d’avoine (oat milk) when ordering.
