How do the French Drink their Coffee?
Coffee culture in France is unique and deeply engrained, with centuries of history behind it. From traditional brasseries to private homes, the French take their coffee seriously and the entire nation has its own wealth of habits and practices. Here we will explore the typical way in which the French drink their coffee, the nuances behind their rituals and investigate why it is a beverage so beloved and respected by the nation.
Brewing Customs and Methods
The French prefer to make their own coffee with ground beans, typically an Arabica-Robusta blend to get the most balanced flavour. Most French homes own a moulin à café – or a coffee grinder – and will pour the ground beans into a French press for brewing. Some of the stronger blends are used for espresso shots and those are prepared with a classic espresso maker. Most of the coffee is robustly brewed and never watered down, a French principle that they call it un café corsé which literally means ‘a strong coffee’.
When it comes to the addition of milk, most French opt for lait demi-écrémé or skim milk as their preferred milk to stir in their coffees. And though the French are known for popularising café au lait all over the world, their own version only contains the thinnest layer of milk foam, preferring an overall bitter, concentrated espresso-like flavour rather than a completely milky, sweet cup.
Coffee Timings
Unlike other nations, the French prefer to keep their coffee breaks separate from their snacks and meals throughout the day. That’s why most cafés will never serve food, but stick to a typical two-hour ‘en-cas’ snack period. During these durations, the French will tend to enjoy a sweet snack along with their coffee, such as a classic croissant or a tartine, so as to not sully the distinctive taste of their brew.
Moreso, the French will have their coffee outside of mealtimes, typically enjoying their morning coffee around 10-11am and their afternoon cup of café around 4-5pm. The French lunch hour will consist of a fruit tea, herbal infusion or some sort of lemon-based iced beverage, foregoing coffee in favour of a lighter refreshment which they will enjoy while they chat and linger over a meal.
Café Culture and Socialising
The French have a particular flair for coffee drinking, one that is deeply rooted in their culture and societal customs. Seeking out coffee is used as an opportunity to socialise, relax and to take a break from the daily grind. That’s why the café culture in France is so essential to the country’s social life, drawing people in with quaint decor and knowledge of the craft. Throughout the nation you can find spaces dedicated to coffee, from well-known traditional brasseries to cosy independent cafés that strive to conjure up more unique beverages such as ‘coffee parfait’ or coffee-infused cocktails.
But regardless of the location, the French often linger over a cup of coffee far longer than the average American beverage stop. It is not uncommon to spot French people nursing a single cup of coffee for hours, the common opinion being that the pleasure of coffee should be savoured and enjoyed in conjunction with companionship.
Relish and Respect for Coffee
This is one of the core values passed down through the generations, as even the French youth value coffee drinking as an integral part of their own social lifestyles. The French take pleasure and pride in the craftsmanship of their coffee, forming an emotional connection with the beverage that is deeply-ingrained in the nation’s history and culture.
So it is no surprise that the French have become the vanguard of coffee culture in Europe, and beyond. Their commitment to good coffee surpasses mere gastronomy, rendering it a more beloved and respected beverage in their nation than anywhere in the world.
Interesting Beverages and Coffee Experiences
The French have managed to develop a distinct culture around the beverage combining tradition, ingenuity and innovation. This can be seen in the interesting variations they’ve incorporated into the craft, from deliciously complex recipes such as Café Marroquain and flavoured lattés to charming, theatrical presentations such as the flaming ‘Irish Coffee’ with a shard of whisky-infused sugar.
The art of consuming coffee has escaped the boundaries of the kitchen and permeated the streets. Coffee carts, stalls and kiosks have become commonplace fixtures in France, bringing the pleasure of a great cup of coffee to the masses minus all the fuss of a fine dining cafe.The experience here is as important as the coffee – minimal outlets with warm openings and a specific experience.
Coffee and its Future Role
As the world evolves, so is the continuation of French coffee culture and traditions is in a state of re-invention. The city of Paris alone holds a wealth of independent establishments where modern presentation and progressive brewing techniques have begun to reflect a more vibrant, evolved coffee-culture driven by passionate baristas that strive to bring the tradition into the 21st century.
The future of French coffee-culture looks optimistic and full of promise as the nation rises to meet the changing values of the evolving world, bringing culture and craftsmanship across the globe for the true coffee connoisseurs.
Coffee and the Crafting of Home Brews
The French also love to use coffee as part of their culinary creations. French patisseries are known for their exceptional tea cakes, éclairs and macarons, but home baking projects also enjoy a generous sprinkle of coffee as a main ingredient.For example, the classic Paris-Brest doughnuts are made with a profiterole pâte à choux base and a filled with a coffee-infused chantilly cream, while the French cheesecake has recently become the new favourite of French home bakers, commonly enhanced with a shot of espresso to bring a sense of unique boldness to its flavour.
Overall, the French have developed a unique history and culture around their coffee-drinking practices and have become a nation of avid coffee connoisseurs. The French have crafted their rituals and practices – collecting, savouring, brewing and tasting in a fashion that has become an inalienable part of their very essence.
The Essential Companion – Food Pairings
Matching food to coffee is a practice mastered by the French, who enjoy enhancing the flavour experience of their coffee with carefully-curated pairings.
The French have a preference for savoury foods, especially those like aged gouda, salami and olives which hold up to the strong, earthy notes of the coffee. Traditional French pastries or tarts pair perfectly with a rich, dark roast, as the sweetness of the dessert helps to balance the bitterness of the brew.
The French may also enjoy a classic ‘café-croissant’ or opt for a rich, indulgent pain au chocolat to reduce the intensity of an espresso while simultaneously allowing the chocolaty notes of the share to come forward in the brew.
Concluding Thoughts
It is clear that the French have a special appreciation for coffee and the culture surrounding it and pay homage to the centuries of tradition that have both shaped and influenced their rituals today. As the country continues to progress, it will be interesting to see how the French will apply their preservation of the essential values, maintaining their citoyenneté to being a nation of passionate coffee lovers.
