French-Inspired Coffee Drinks to Enjoy During the 2025 French Open

Celebrate the second week of the French Open with these delightful coffee drinks and a bonus breakfast recipe.

Bonjour, Courtside Coffee coffee lovers! As we watch week two of the French Open, I thought it would be fun to post some French-inspired coffee drinks and breakfast recipes. If you’re up early anyway, you might as well make the morning magnifique.

If you’ve been a regular Courtside Coffee, Coffee Corner reader, you know my philosophy toward recipes: easy and tasty. So, I think you’ll love these, even though they are mostly French in name only.

French Vanilla Cappuccino

Imagine a classic cappuccino, but with a silky vanilla twist and a touch of nutmeg. This French Vanilla Cappuccino is rich, creamy, and easy to make. The following recipe is from Amoretti or you can try to version in the video.

What you’ll need:

• 2 ounces (1/4 cup) freshly brewed espresso (one capsule if you choose).

• 1 teaspoon light brown sugar (or sweetener of choice)

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• Pinch of freshly ground nutmeg

• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

Instructions:

1. Combine espresso, brown sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg in a large mug. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

2. Heat the milk until steaming, then froth until it’s doubled in volume and foamy.

3. Pour the steamed milk and foam over the espresso mixture.

4. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.

French Toast Latte (Hot or Iced)

Craving the flavors of a Sunday brunch? Enter the French Toast Latte: all the maple, cinnamon, and buttery goodness of French toast, in a coffee cup. This recipe includes a homemade syrup that can be used for hot and iced versions. You’ll have to make your own syrup but it’s easy and can be prepared a week in advance. This recipe is from First We Brunch.

What you’ll need for French Toast Syrup:

• 1 cup water

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar

• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp pure maple syrup

• 2 tsp butter, vanilla bakery emulsion (or vanilla extract)

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions for syrup:

1. Combine water, brown sugar, maple syrup, butter vanilla emulsion, and cinnamon in a saucepan.

2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then remove from heat and let cool.

What you’ll need for a hot French Toast Latte:

• 2 oz espresso

• 6 oz steamed milk

• 1-2 tbsp French toast syrup

Combine espresso and syrup in a mug, add steamed milk, and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Instructions for an Iced French Toast Latte:

• Fill a glass with ice.

• Add 1-2 tbsp French toast syrup.

• Pour in 6 oz cold milk.

• Add 2 oz espresso.

• Top with French toast cold foam (2 tbsp milk + 3 tbsp heavy cream + 1 tbsp syrup, frothed together).

• Dust with cinnamon or nutmeg and enjoy.

French Vanilla Iced Latte

Photo by Demi DeHerrera on Unsplash

When the weather warms up or you just want something refreshingly sweet, the French Vanilla Iced Latte is your go-to. It’s creamy, cool, and bursting with vanilla flavor—perfect for sipping on a sunny balcony. Got this recipe from Fork in the Kitchen.

What you’ll need:

Vanilla Syrup:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 tbsp vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract

Instructions to make the syrup:

1. Simmer sugar and water until dissolved.

2. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.

3. Cool and store in the fridge.

For the Iced Latte:

• 3 oz espresso (or 1/2 cup strong coffee)

• 2 tbsp vanilla syrup (adjust to taste)

• 4-6 oz milk of choice

• Ice

Instructions for Vanilla Ice Latte:

1. Stir the espresso and vanilla syrup together.

2. Fill a glass with ice, pour in the espresso mixture, and top with milk.

3. Stir, add a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy, and sip away!

Bonus Recipe: Petite French Toast with Coffee

Most people know how to make French Toast. However, this petite recipe from coffee maker Illy is perfect for one serving on a quiet morning while watching tennis from Roland-Garros. I was skeptical about adding coffee grounds to French Toast preparation. But it’s a nice touch.

I made this on Sunday morning while watching the French Open. I ate my French Toast with honey instead of syrup or jam. I can’t stress how easy yet delightful this recipe is. Preparing the French toast took less time than watching the video.

What you’ll need:

(1 serving)

2 pieces of sliced bread

1 egg

1 pinch of salt

1 pinch of cinnamon

milk

butter

Instructions:

1. Cut the slices of bread into 4.

2. Break the egg in a bowl and beat with a fork.

3. Add a pinch of salt, a pinch of cinnamon and a dash of milk, continuing to mix together.

4. Carefully immerse the bread in the egg-based mixture.

5. Place the pan on the stove, and when it is suitably hot, add a tablespoon of butter.

6. Sprinkle a good pinch of ground coffee over the butter.

7. Add the bread to the pan and brown it on both sides.

8. In the meantime, warm the plate on which the food will be served. 9. Transfer the toast onto the warm plate, preferably with a spoonful of jam and a few strawberries.

10. Sprinkle with ground coffee and serve.