Two Classic French Coffee Drinks: Cafe a la Jet Set & Cafe au Lait

If you’ve ever wondered what French villagers—especially grape harvest workers—drank after a long day in the fields, the answer lies in two iconic coffee styles: one boozy and creamy, the other simple yet strictly served in separate vessels. These aren’t barista competitions or Instagram trends. They’re real drinks with measured ratios, regional roots, and historical context worth knowing if you take your coffee seriously.

In short: Cafe a la Jet Set blends 75cc of dark roasted coffee with 20cc of Cointreau, topped with 20cc of stirred cream and orange peel. Cafe au Lait is served the French way—with 200cc of dark coffee and 150cc of hot milk kept in separate pitchers.

What Is Cafe a la Jet Set?

Cafe a la Jet Set (literally “Jet Set Coffee”) is a traditional coffee drink from southern France, particularly popular among grape field laborers after work. It’s not a latte, not an affogato—it’s a specific combination of strong brewed coffee, orange liqueur, cream, and citrus garnish, served in a particular sequence.

Ingredients & Measurements

• Dark roasted coffee: 75cc (brewed, not espresso)
• Cointreau (or similar orange liqueur): 20cc
• Stirred cream (whipped cream, lightly mixed): 20cc
• Orange peel: a few slices for garnish

How to Assemble It

To make it the authentic way: pour the 20cc of Cointreau into the cup first, then add the 75cc of dark coffee. Float 20cc of stirred cream on top, and finish with a few orange peel slices. This layered presentation is part of the experience—don’t stir it unless you want to.

Why Serve Coffee and Milk Separately in Cafe au Lait?

Cafe au Lait (“coffee with milk”) may sound like just a diluted coffee to some, but in France, it’s traditionally served in a very specific way: not mixed together in one cup, but poured from two separate containers. One small pitcher holds the coffee, another the hot milk. Both are served on a tray with the cup. This method preserves control over strength and temperature and reflects the drink’s upper-class origins.

The Traditional French Method

In older, classic French cafés—and even some modern ones that respect tradition—you’ll still see Cafe au Lait presented with two small pitchers alongside the cup. The coffee portion is 200cc of dark brewed coffee. The milk is 150cc of hot milk. That’s it. No syrup, no foam, no blending. Just controlled, balanced pouring.

Modern Adaptations

While many cafes now serve Cafe au Lait as a single cup with milk already added, the original, more formal approach uses separate containers. Historically, this method was so standard in aristocratic households that serving it from a pot was a mark of proper service. The ritual remains in select traditional spots.

How Are These Two Coffees Different?

Cafe a la Jet Set and Cafe au Lait might both be French and both include coffee and dairy (in one form or another), but they’re fundamentally different experiences:

• Cafe a la Jet Set is a dessert-like coffee cocktail with Cointreau, stirred cream, and orange peel. It’s 75cc coffee, 20cc alcohol, 20cc cream. Strong, boozy, and aromatic.
• Cafe au Lait is a balanced, milky coffee drink with 200cc coffee and 150cc hot milk, served either mixed or (traditionally) from separate pitchers. It’s a breakfast or post-meal drink, not a cocktail.

Where Would You Find These Drinks?

Cafe a la Jet Set was historically ordered in small-town cafés and bars in southern France, especially by grape pickers ending their shifts. It’s not a mainstream café staple today but remains a known regional specialty. Cafe au Lait, meanwhile, is widely found across France—from corner bistros to elegant cafés—but the traditional two-pot service is now mostly limited to heritage locations.

Can I Make These At Home?

Absolutely. Cafe a la Jet Set requires just four ingredients and a glass or coffee cup. Start with freshly brewed dark coffee (not espresso), measure your Cointreau and cream precisely, and layer them in the described order. For Cafe au Lait, brew strong dark coffee and heat milk separately. Serve them in separate pitchers or pour directly into your cup, depending on your preference.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for French-Style Coffee Drinks

For these classic French coffee drinks, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Yirgacheffe or Brazil Queen Manor beans. The Yirgacheffe offers bright acidity and floral-fruity notes—perfect for balancing the sweetness of Cointreau in Cafe a la Jet Set. For Cafe au Lait, the Brazil Queen Manor provides a smooth, low-acidity profile with nutty and chocolatey undertones that pair beautifully with hot milk. Both are dark-roast friendly and bring out the best in traditional French serving styles. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.