In Brazil, the “pingado” holds a special place in everyday coffee culture, embodying a tradition that blends simplicity with comfort. The name “pingado” refers to the act of “dropping” a small amount of hot milk into freshly brewed coffee, resulting in a mild, balanced flavor where the boldness of the coffee is softened by the creaminess of the milk. This ritual is commonly enjoyed in bakeries, often paired with fresh bread or other pastries, making it a cozy way to start the day or recharge during the afternoon.
While the “pingado” shares some similarities with other coffee-and-milk beverages, such as the famous French “café au lait,” there are notable differences between the two. A café au lait is typically made with filtered coffee and a larger proportion of hot milk, resulting in a creamier, milk-forward drink. In contrast, the “pingado” uses just a splash of milk, allowing the flavor of the coffee to remain more prominent. Additionally, “café au lait” is usually served in a larger cup, while the “pingado” is often enjoyed in smaller portions, closer to an espresso size, highlighting its simplicity and the fast-paced lifestyle of Brazilians. These distinctions reflect the different ways cultures embrace the coffee ritual, making each version a unique expression of flavor and tradition.
👩🍳 How to Make a Perfect Pingado
Recreate this Brazilian classic at home with this simple recipe:
☕ Yield
1 cup (180ml)
🌱 Ingredients
- 150ml freshly brewed coffee
- 1 shot (30ml) of hot milk
- Add sugar to taste (optional, but recommended)
🔥 How to prepare
- Brew 150ml of your favorite coffee using a drip machine, French press, or espresso maker.
- Heat 30ml of milk until hot but not boiling.
- Gently drizzle the hot milk into the coffee, creating a light layer on top.
- Stir lightly if desired and enjoy your pingado!
💡 Tip: Extra-strong coffee is common in Brazil, which is why the “pingado” is so popular for the sweetness it gains from the milk, often complemented by just a touch of sugar.
🎮 Play Conradito Cafézito!
This recipe is based on a game for computers, called Conradito Cafézito, and is available for download and play on the Steam platform! 🚀
In the game, in addition to discovering all the coffee recipes and their curiosities, you also play to grow your coffee shop into a coffee empire! Buy recipes, unlock new ingredients, hire staff, open branches, and plant and harvest your own coffee to sell!
