In Brazil, the day begins with a large cup of Café com Leite – strong coffee, poured with hot milk, lightly sweetened, and incredibly warming. This simple drink is much more than just breakfast: it is a ritual that connects generations and is a staple in every Brazilian household.
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- 4 tbsp ground Brazilian coffee (e.g., Café Pilão roasted & ground)
- 250 ml hot water
- 250 ml whole milk
- 1–2 tsp sugar (to taste) – e.g., fine cane sugar
Preparation
- Brew the coffee with the hot water – ideally using a coador (Brazilian cloth filter) or a drip coffee maker. The coffee should be strong and concentrated.
- Heat the milk in a saucepan until it is just about to boil – do not foam it.
- Pour the coffee and hot milk into the cup at the same time, in a 1:1 ratio.
- Sweeten to taste and enjoy immediately.
Tips
- Coffee quality is key: For an authentic result, be sure to use Brazilian coffee – its mild, chocolatey character harmonizes perfectly with the milk.
- Adjust the ratio: Those who prefer it stronger can increase the coffee ratio to 2:1. For children, more milk is traditionally used.
- Serve with: Pão de Queijo, Tapioca, or simple white bread with butter – a typical Brazilian breakfast.
Discover our selection of Brazilian Coffee & Tea and find your favorite coffee for the perfect Café com Leite.
Cover image: AI-generated image for illustration purposes.
0 comments