One of the world’s most popular beverages originated in Africa when, legend has it, goats in the highlands of Ethiopia became agitated after consuming coffee berries. Informed of the news, nearby monks began to brew coffee to help them stay alert for prayer. Eventually, news about the wonderful beans spread to Arabia and later, the rest of the world. Coffee drinkers through the years have come up with myriad ways to enjoy the brew. Adding milk and sugar is a popular option.

Things You'll Need

American-style Coffee

Pour brewed coffee into a cup or mug. The more milk you want to add, the larger the cup should be.

Add sugar and stir.

Add milk and stir again.

Check to see if the coffee is cool enough to drink. Enjoy!


Make espresso according to your home machine directions. Most home machines require you to scoop roasted, ground beans into the press portion of the machine, add water to the water compartment, and let the espresso brew into a cup.

Heat milk to steaming. Some home espresso machines include a milk steaming compartment. If you have to heat the milk yourself, use a saucepan and bring the milk to the point where bubbles are just beginning to form around the edges of the pan. Whisk the milk until it is frothy.

Pour 1 to 1.5 ounces of espresso into the cup, then add the steamed, whisked milk.

Sweeten to taste.

Cafe au Lait

Brew coffee by the drip method (pouring hot water through the grounds once), or using a French coffee press (which involves adding water to freshly ground coffee, waiting a few minutes, adding more water, and pressing down on the grounds with a plunger).

Heat milk until bubbles just form around the edges of the surface.

Pour the coffee into a mug or bowl and add as much hot milk as you like.

Add sugar to complete the beverage. Drink it and/or dip breakfast pastries in it before eating.