A beloved classic on Parisian café terraces and a sophisticated end to a restaurant meal, the café noisette is the refined cousin of the cappuccino and latte. If you think it contains Hazelnut syrup, don’t be fooled! It is, in fact, an elegant, simple drink. Discover everything you need to know about this timeless French classic, and how easy it is to make at home.
The café noisette is, quite simply, a delicious blend of a strong espresso and a touch of milk. Crucially, there is no addition of hazelnut syrup. The name noisette (French for ‘hazelnut’) refers solely to the drink’s distinctive colour, which is created by mixing the dark, intense espresso with a dash of milk. This small amount of milk provides a note of softness, perfectly balancing the boldness of the espresso.
Think of it as the middle ground between a straight espresso and a cappuccino, strong and aromatic, yet gently rounded by milk.
A Bit of History and Paris Coffee Culture
The Café Noisette has been a fixture of French cafés for decades. Originating in Paris, it’s the drink of choice for those who want the bold flavour of espresso without the heaviness of milk-based drinks.
Typically served in a small espresso cup, the noisette embodies the art de vivre, simple pleasures, taken slowly. Whether ordered at a bustling Parisian brasserie or enjoyed quietly at home, it remains a symbol of understated sophistication.
How to make a Café Noisette with a Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine
5 min.
Easy
1 pers.
Ingredients
Your favorite coffee beans
10 cl of milk
Sugar (to taste)
Material
Bean-to-Cup machine with a steam wand or integrated milk system
A mug
A milk jug
Preparation
Step 1Grind your whole beans and pull a single espresso shot directly into your cup.
Step 2If your machine has a steam wand, steam a small amount (approx. 1 cl) of cold milk until it is lightly textured. If it has an integrated system, set it to dispense a small dash of foam.
Step 3Gently deposit 1 cl of the milk foam into the espresso. This small addition is what gives the coffee its characteristic hazelnut colour.
Step 4Add sugar to your preference and enjoy your café noisette while it’s hot! The milk foam provides a silky-smooth finish on your palate.
Step 1
Grind your whole beans and pull a single espresso shot directly into your cup.
Step 2
If your machine has a steam wand, steam a small amount (approx. 1 cl) of cold milk until it is lightly textured. If it has…
Step 3
Gently deposit 1 cl of the milk foam into the espresso. This small addition is what gives the coffee its characteristic hazelnut colour.
Step 4
Add sugar to your preference and enjoy your café noisette while it’s hot! The milk foam provides a silky-smooth finish on your palate.
How to make a Café Noisette with a Manual Espresso Machine
5 min.
Easy
1 pers.
Ingredients
Your favorite coffee beans
10 cl of milk
Sugar (to taste)
Material
A manual espresso machine with a steam wand
A coffee grinder
A tamping mat
A coffee distributor
A tamper
A scale
A mug
A milk jug
Preparation
Step 1Grind roughly 14g of coffee into your portafilter.
Step 2Use a distributor and a tamper to achieve a level and firm tamp (around 15 to 20 kg of pressure).
Step 3 Tamp firmly with 15–20 kg of pressure.
Step 4Run a quick flush (a short shot of water) to clean the group head.
Step 5 Insert the portafilter and start the extraction. Stop when your espresso weighs 28 to 42g. Set aside.
Step 6Steam a small amount (approx. 1 cl) of cold milk using the steam wand until it is lightly frothed and reserved.
Step 7Add sugar as desired, and enjoy your warm café noisette immediately!
Step 1
Grind roughly 14g of coffee into your portafilter.
Step 2
Use a distributor and a tamper to achieve a level and firm tamp (around 15 to 20 kg of pressure).
Step 3
Tamp firmly with 15–20 kg of pressure.
Step 4
Run a quick flush (a short shot of water) to clean the group head.
Step 5
Insert the portafilter and start the extraction. Stop when your espresso weighs 28 to 42g. Set aside.
Step 6
Steam a small amount (approx. 1 cl) of cold milk using the steam wand until it is lightly frothed and reserved.
Step 7
Add sugar as desired, and enjoy your warm café noisette immediately!
1 / 7
MaxiCoffee tips for more indulgence
For a truly balanced noisette, we recommend a medium-to-dark roast, preferably a 100% Arabica bean. Look for beans with natural caramel, chocolate, or nutty tasting notes to complement the milk perfectly. Also, always serve your noisette in a small, traditional espresso cup. The small size is essential to maintain the correct proportions and concentration of the drink.
Everything you need to know about café noisette
Is a café noisette a strong coffee?
Yes, it is very strong. Since it is based on a pure espresso shot with only a tiny splash of milk, the flavour of the coffee is dominant. It offers the intensity of an espresso but with a slightly softer mouthfeel.
Café noisette vs macchiato, what difference?
Both drinks blend espresso and milk, but in different ways. A Café Noisette uses a little warm milk (sometimes lightly frothed) to soften the espresso, creating a smooth, rounded texture. A Macchiato, meaning “stained” in Italian, features just a spoonful of milk foam placed on top of the espresso — giving a stronger, more intense flavour. Think of the noisette as the French cousin of the macchiato, slightly creamier and gentler on the palate.
Can I use plant-based milk?
Absolutely. You can use any plant-based milk, such as oat, almond, or soy. Be aware that plant milks may froth differently than cow’s milk, so aim for a very light layer of foam to maintain the traditional noisette look and feel.
What is the difference between a café au lait and a café noisette?
A Café Noisette is made with a shot of espresso and just a dash of warm milk, giving it a hazelnut-brown colour. A Café au Lait, on the other hand, uses much more milk — usually equal parts brewed coffee and steamed milk. The result is a larger, creamier, and milder drink. The noisette is stronger and more concentrated, while the café au lait is smooth and gentle.
Mastering the recipe for a café noisette is a simple way to bring a touch of Parisian elegance into your home. It’s the perfect, sophisticated choice for a mid-morning break or an after-dinner treat. By controlling the quality of your espresso and adding just the right measure of milk, you can enjoy this beautifully balanced classic anytime. Explore our wide selection of exquisite espresso beans on the MaxiCoffee website to craft your perfect noisette today!
