Café con leche facts for kids
Café con leche from Lugo, Spain
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| Alternative names | Cafebar |
|---|---|
| Course | Beverage |
| Place of origin | Spain |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Coffee, milk |
| Variations | Café au lait, caffè e latte |
Café con leche means "coffee with milk" in Spanish. It is a very popular coffee beverage in Spain and many Latin American countries. This drink is made by mixing strong coffee, usually espresso, with hot milk. People often add sugar or a sweetener to make it taste just right. It is similar to the Italian caffè latte and the French café au lait.
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Where Did Café con Leche Start?
This tasty coffee drink began in Spain. We don't know exactly who created it or when. But after it became popular in Spain, it quickly spread to other Spanish-speaking countries and communities around the world. For example, in Florida, you can often find Cuban restaurants with a special window called a ventanita where they serve café con leche.
When Do People Drink It?
Café con leche is often enjoyed as a breakfast drink in many countries. Because it has milk, it feels a bit heavier and more filling than just plain coffee. It's a great way to start the day!
How Is It Made?
Making café con leche is quite simple. First, a shot of strong espresso coffee is brewed. Then, milk is heated using a steam wand until it is very hot, almost boiling. Sometimes, sugar is added to the milk while it's heating up. Finally, the warm milk is poured over the espresso and stirred together.
Different Ways to Enjoy Café con Leche
There are many ways to prepare and enjoy café con leche, depending on what you like!
- Light or Dark: You can ask for your café con leche to be clarito (light), which means it has more milk. Or you can ask for it oscurito (dark), which means it has less milk and a stronger coffee taste.
- A Pinch of Salt: Sometimes, a tiny bit of salt is added to the drink. This can bring out the flavors of the coffee and milk.
- Hot or Iced: While it's usually served hot, you can also make café con leche iced, especially on a warm day.
- Different Milks: Most people use whole dairy milk. But you can also use other types of dairy milk or even non-dairy milks. Just remember, changing the milk can change the taste and how creamy it feels.
- Sweetness Level: The amount of sugar added can be different for everyone. Some like it very sweet, while others prefer less sugar.
- Make Your Own: If you order a café con leche yo lo preparo, it means the espresso and steamed milk are served separately. This way, you can mix them yourself exactly how you like!
Ready-Made Café con Leche
If you're in a hurry, you can also find café con leche in convenient forms. Some companies make coffee pods, instant coffee, or even canned coffee versions of café con leche.
