French Coffee 101: How to Enjoy Coffee Like a Parisian
Whether you’re traveling to France or simply want to enjoy a day of French lifestyle, why not try drinking coffee like the locals? You might be curious about the most popular coffee drinks and how to order them. You could be surprised by the truth behind common myths about French coffee…
Keep reading to become a connoisseur of French coffee! You’ll feel like a local in no time.
What is French coffee
French coffee refers to the unique way that the French enjoy their coffee. It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s made with French-roasted beans (in terms of roasting level), nor does it imply that it’s brewed using a French press. Typically, French coffee is a small cup of espresso enjoyed at outdoor cafes or restaurants.
Is the French press actually from France
Surprisingly, the French press wasn’t actually invented by the French. Although two Frenchmen came up with it in 1852, it didn’t gain popularity until 1928 when two Italians patented the design. Since then, the French press has become widely popular around the globe, particularly in France where coffee lovers primarily prefer espresso.
8 Most Popular French Coffee Beverages
1.coffee
In France, ordering a simple café won’t get you just a plain black coffee. Similar to many parts of Europe, the quintessential coffee in France is espresso. When you ask for a café, you’ll be served a small cup of Italian-style espresso.
2.Café Crème (Cream Coffee)
Coffee cream is basically a cappuccino—though calling it that might upset the French! This creamy beverage is made with an espresso shot and steamed milk.
3.Americano (Café Americain)
In French, this is how you refer to American coffee—a shot or two of espresso diluted with hot water. If you’re in France and want a black coffee, this is what you should ask for!
4.Creamy Espresso (Noisette)
In French, “noisette” translates to “hazelnut,” but this coffee doesn’t actually have any added flavors. The name is derived from the drink’s light brown color, making it essentially a macchiato. It’s an espresso shot with just a touch of steamed milk.
5.Double Espresso (Café serré)
This French-style coffee beverage is crafted exclusively for true coffee aficionados! It’s an espresso brewed with half the usual amount of water, yielding a highly concentrated and quite bitter cup.
6.Vienna Coffee (Café viennois)
Do you prefer something a bit sweeter? Café viennois combines espresso, fresh cream, and cocoa powder. So artistic!
7.Decaf coffee (Café déca)
If you’ve had too much caffeine, you’ll appreciate this: “déca” in French means “decaffeinated”! Order a coffee and enjoy your favorite drink without the caffeine.
8.Coffee dessert (Café gourmand)
Don’t like drinking coffee on an empty stomach? There’s a French term for that! Order a Café gourmand, and you’ll get a classic espresso along with a plate of small pastries (like macarons).
Milk and Sugar
Yes, the French do drink coffee with milk and sugar—sometimes. Sugar typically comes with the coffee, either on the saucer or tray. Some French people even dip sugar cubes into their espresso, let them soak briefly, and then drink up! You can order a café au lait (coffee with milk) at restaurants or cafés, but it’s more commonly enjoyed at home.
Pastries
What do French people eat with their coffee? Classic breakfast options include croissants, baguettes, or tarts. Later in the day, you might come across sweets like petits fours or éclairs. If you order café treats, you’ll get an espresso paired with a variety of pastries!
