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How to Make Cafe Au Lait Like Cafe du Monde

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Have you ever visited New Orleans, returned home, and remembered those delicious beignets dipped in coffee? Today I’m not talking beignets, unfortunately; but I am going to tell you how you can make your own cafe au lait at home.

café au lait in a cup

For those of you who have followed me a while, you may know a thing or two about my love affair with coffee. As a CEO and mom to three kids, I honestly wouldn’t survive without it! Really, I can’t.

When I moved to Louisiana in 2000, the love affair began. Unlike the coffee I had previously enjoyed in California, the one served in New Orleans has a rich, bold flavor, which is from the added chicory. Tourists come from all over the world just to have a café au lait and hot beignets at Café du Monde. And let me tell you, it is totally worth it!

Laura drinking a cup of café au lait in a bed

But unfortunately, I can’t go to Café du Monde every day (although I wish I could), so I began making my own café au lait’s at home! They are a lot easier to make than you would expect. If you think a cafe au lait is a fancy drink enjoyed on occasion; you are quite mistaken. Most of us drink a cafe au lait nearly every day at home.

Also after further looking into chicory, I found out it has a lot of health benefits. It actually prevents against liver damage and is said to prevent colon cancer as well. It has an anti-inflammatory component. So my morning coffee… has health benefits people. I’ll drink a second mug just for that!

café au lait with a laptop and recipe book

Speaking of mugs… See the one I’m holding in the photo? It’s one of those Starbucks mugs from their “I was Here” collection. They sell them in each city. It’s the only thing I collect. So… if you are reading this, and you live somewhere other than where I live, email me! I’d love to have a mug of where you are!

To top my need for good coffee, I also work from home. Working from home does have its perks…even if it took some getting used to.  Some of you may think working from home means working in your PJ’s, which I occasionally do if they are cute and comfy. Some weekends, when I am working on a deadline I might not get out of my pjs all day. If you were wearing cute pjs like the ones I’m wearing from P.J.Salvage, you would stay in them all day long too!

Laura drinking a cup of café au lait in a bed

Okay back to the coffee now. Making your own café au lait’s is really easy, but first you have to start with the right blend. As a teenager, I worked at a coffee roasting company in California. In March every year, we would sell a “Mardi Gras Blend”. We would mix a French Roast with ground chicory for the clients. The ratio however was the most important part. If you start with a great blend, you can make awesome café au laits!

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Coffee & Chicory Blend & Cafe au Lait Recipe

café au lait in a cup
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★★★★★

4.6 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Laura Fuentes – SuperGlueMom
  • Yield: 1 cup

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup ground French Roast coffee beans
  • ¼ cup ground chicory

Instructions

  1. In a medium sized bowl mix the ground coffee and ground chicory.
  2. Store in a sealed container.

To Brew:

  1. Measure 1 tablespoon chicory coffee blend to 1 cup water (a little less next time if it’s too strong).

Cafe Au Lait:

  1. Heat ½ cup whole milk.
  2. Pour heated milk into a mug and pour equal amounts of brewed coffee and chicory.

Notes

This new orleans blend is stronger than traditional french roast coffee. If 1 tablespoon per cup of liquid is too strong, reduce the ratio. Brewed coffee and chicory will be stronger and darker than traditional coffee. You shouldn’t be able to see through it as you pour it.
Alternatively, you can use a New Orleans Coffee Blend that already has chicory in it.

Did you make this recipe?

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Reader Interactions

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    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Steve H.

    August 16, 2021 at 3:11 pm

    I see many people are asking about the brew method. For even stronger brew try a drip pot. That’s how we have always brewed it. Native New Orleans

    ★★★★

    Reply
  2. Ben Guitreaux

    May 31, 2021 at 7:26 am

    I live about half way between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Whenever the opportunity arises, my wonderful wife of 48 years (we were both only 19 when we married) and I, enjoy cruising down to the Big Easy to the Cafe du Monde for cafe au lait and beignets early on a Sunday morning. We like to get there just as the sun begins to rise and sit out on the terrace. As the fog rolls in from the Mighty Mississippi, we enjoy the rich flavorful coffee and fresh hot beignets while the city comes alive with the sights and sounds, not to mention the smell of coffee brewing and bread frying. That, my friend, is just plain good for the soul!
    I encourage everyone to make the trek to New Orleans, and be sure to visit the French Quarter. It is bucket list worthy.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  3. Kris Moczkowski

    September 20, 2018 at 6:43 am

    Hi,
    I found original Cafe du Monde in the Chinese Market, 2 for $10 bucks :D))

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      September 24, 2018 at 1:50 pm

      Score!!!

      Reply
  4. Jes goss

    August 07, 2018 at 1:02 pm

    Hi Laura! Stumbled across this recipe trying to duplicate that New Orleans taste. Went once and feel absolutely in love. Thanks so much for posting! Do you have a NC mug? I’m in Asheville and I don’t think they have specific Asheville ones but can certainly pick you up a NC one.

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      August 09, 2018 at 2:30 pm

      Hi Jes! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I do have a NC one, thank YOU! I cannot wait to go back and visit.

      Reply
  5. Meli Davis

    July 28, 2018 at 12:42 pm

    Just got back from New Orleans (live in Sulphur LA) and did have to make a stop at Cafe Du Mond. It makes my husband’s morning! We bought the Cafe Du Mond coffee pods and can’t wait to make our own coffee on our Keurig! I just need the right amount of milk to add. Would it still be 1/2 cup of hot milk to each coffee pod? Might just try it this afternoon (this was typed at 12:41 PM.) Thanks again for sharing.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      August 01, 2018 at 9:39 pm

      The k-pods are not as strong. Half the amount of milk. Enjoy!

      Reply
  6. Terri

    January 26, 2018 at 8:50 am

    I’m now waiting for UPS with my order from Cafe Du Monde- Thank You for posting this recipe. If you need a Birmingham, Alabama mug I got you 😉

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      January 26, 2018 at 11:45 am

      I have an Alabama mug. Thank you! Wait. Do they make Birmingham? don’t have that one.. 😉 you are going to love to your Au Lait Terri. Enjoy!

      Reply
  7. Nicole

    August 21, 2017 at 11:48 pm

    I just got back from New Orleans a few days ago and fell in love with Cafe du Monde. Thanks for posting the Cafe Au Lait recipe. I currently live in MA if you need a Boston or Cambridge Starbucks mug.

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      August 22, 2017 at 2:53 pm

      Thanks so much Nicole! I have both from my recent trip to Boston. I can’t wait to go back!

      Reply
  8. Chrystal Thurston

    August 19, 2017 at 3:52 pm

    I too am addicted to coffee and can’t wait to try your recipe, thank you. If you need a mug from Indiana or Michigan let me know I’m right on the border.

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      August 20, 2017 at 6:46 pm

      I need both!! Do you collect them? I’m in New Orleans. Happy to send one your way or Paypal you. That would be amazing.

      Reply
  9. Marcus J.

    April 24, 2017 at 5:07 pm

    Hey there,

    Just stumble upon your site as I’m currently in New Orleans and just bought some coffee chicory blend .
    I also collect coffee mugs from Starbucks whenever I get a chance to travel to a new city/country. I’m from Vancouver so if you don’t have a mug from “Raincouver” yet feel free to give me a shout.

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      April 25, 2017 at 10:46 pm

      Hi Marcus! I would love Vancouver! Sending you a private email on this. Thank you!

      Reply
  10. Aris

    January 29, 2017 at 6:47 pm

    Hello, what measure is your stated cup of water? 4 oz, 6 oz or 8 oz?
    Thanks, Rs

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      January 29, 2017 at 8:31 pm

      A “cup” of water is 8 liquid ounces.

      Reply
  11. KBM

    September 07, 2016 at 2:06 pm

    My recipe for NOLA cafe au lait:
    1/3 strong expresso roast coffee
    1/3 Chicory
    1/3 Raw Organic Cocao
    Brew per your drip coffee maker
    You can modify ratio’s per taste preference.
    Serve in a coffee cup with a large serving of whipped cream inside.

    ★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      September 08, 2016 at 2:11 pm

      This sounds amazing!

      Reply
  12. Amy

    February 24, 2016 at 8:47 pm

    I’m super excited to try this! I just found chicory coffee sold here at home so this is a bonus recipie, Thank you!! I live in Colorado so if you don’t have a mug from here I can send one to you!

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      February 27, 2016 at 2:15 pm

      I’m so glad the recipe will help! yes, I have a Colorado mug but thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  13. allen

    September 02, 2015 at 4:35 am

    hey laura,

    how you doing? 🙂 i’m stumped on something. you know the cafe du monde brand. i been noticing quality difference in psychoactive effect(buzz) as of late. i tried a couple can and they just didn’t work like earlier cans.

    i tried other chicory coffee brands and non chicory ground brands. even beans. i even tried mixing dark roast grounds from french roast cafe du monde can that was lying around with some chicory i got and it just doesn’t work. 🙁

    you have any idea what cafe du monde’s formula was? i just been noticing it just different from other brands in coffee buzz? is there some profound secret to how they make their chicory coffee that give it that mental buzz?

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      September 02, 2015 at 6:22 am

      Sorry Allen. I am not sure either why the quality is different. I now purchase another type of coffee; although from time to time I enjoy a cafe au lait.

      Reply
  14. Tim

    May 15, 2015 at 12:13 pm

    Nice recipe. Also using sweetened condesned milk heated via stove top then poured in is another method used. Have familu down in Abita and spend lots of time down there. But I am gonna try your blend and recipe out. Cheers!

    PS: If you are still looking for mugs and don’t have any from Bentonville,AR hit me up and I can hook ya up with one.

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      May 18, 2015 at 11:49 am

      I would LOVE a mug from AR! Need a New Orleans one? I’ll send you an email. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Dustin

        October 28, 2016 at 9:16 pm

        Did you ever get a new Orleans mug

        Reply
        • Laura Fuentes

          November 01, 2016 at 10:29 am

          I do have a New Orleans mug 😉

          Reply
  15. Carol Thompson

    February 23, 2015 at 12:41 pm

    Ok so you have mastered the Cafe du Monde but can you do the King Cake flavor?

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      February 25, 2015 at 12:33 pm

      That’s a tough one! why not just dip a piece of king cake IN the coffee? kidding. cinnamon, vanilla…. yum.

      Reply
  16. Tiffeny Williams

    January 15, 2015 at 8:46 am

    When I visited New Orleans it was hot, so I fell in love with the FROZEN Cafe Au Lait from Cafe Du Monde. How can I make this recipe frozen for the summer time without diluting the taste?

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      January 15, 2015 at 10:35 am

      the coffee and chicory is so strong I don’t think you’ll dilute the taste. brew coffee, let it cool in fridge. instead of doing half milk and half coffee, blend coffee with ice and cream. that should do it.

      Reply
      • Laura

        January 05, 2018 at 8:28 am

        lol! I read to blend the coffee with ice cream… which sounds AMAZING!!!! but anyway…

        Reply
    • Daniel

      October 02, 2021 at 2:11 pm

      Make the ice cubes out of cafe au lait! Or just simply milk.

      Reply
  17. Frances

    October 09, 2014 at 1:14 pm

    Thank you so much, Laura! I will try both methods.

    Reply
  18. Frances

    October 07, 2014 at 11:09 am

    How do you brew the coffee? Do you use a French press?

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      October 07, 2014 at 1:53 pm

      I currently use a french press. I love it. However, the coffee and chicory is stronger and when brewed in your coffee pot is also stronger.

      Reply
      • e. mcnabb

        March 11, 2016 at 3:40 pm

        French Market Blend also comes in K-cups for those who use that kind of coffee maker. When I was younger we would visit family members in NO and go to the French market for the coffee and donuts. Then they had the heated kettles of coffee and heated kettles of milk which they poured together simultaneously. The coffee then was to kill for. now they have the pressurized dispensors for both the coffee and the milk and the coffee is not worth drinking, at least in my opinion. I suspect it is the milk from the dispensiors that I object to. The secret to the good coffee is the heated milk from the kettles or if at home from a pot on the stove. Please do use whole milk or better half-half. I don’t know why but the dispensors have ruined the coffee at café du mounde.

        Reply
        • Laura Fuentes

          March 12, 2016 at 3:53 pm

          It definitely tastes different now but I agree that whole milk, heated, is the secret to a good au lait.

          Reply
  19. Kelly Lester (@EasyLunchboxes)

    July 17, 2014 at 12:06 am

    When my husband and I visited New Orleans for the first time we fell in LOVE with Cafe Du Monde’s chicory coffee! We had never taste anything like it. Ever since, I have been buying icans of it by the case pack from them, and they ship it to me in CA. It’s THAT GOOD.
    I had no idea I could make it myself! So this I gotta try. Just tell me though … if I make my own, will I look as good as you when I work in my pajamas? I hope so!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura Fuentes

      July 18, 2014 at 8:20 am

      The pajamas definitely make it taste better Kelly…. 😉

      Reply

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