Have you ever heard of Galão coffee? I admit that I have just recently discovered this coffee from Portugal. So, if you’re the type who loves exploring your options, hop in, and let’s get to know the Galão coffee.
What is Galão coffee?
Galão coffee is of Portugal origin and is prepared similarly to cappuccinos and lattes. A serving comes in a tall glass of a sweet and milky beverage. Typically, a glass of this coffee is made of ¼ coffee and ¾ foamed milk, which goes well with your breakfast or brunch.
For those who wish to have a stronger cup, ask for a Galão Escuro. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter coffee, get yourself a Galão Claro. Finally, if you want a milkier version, order an Um Galão Clarinho.
Nutritional summary
- Calories: 80 Kcal
- Fat: 4.32 g
- Carbs: 6 g
- Protein: 4.34 g
- Calorie breakdown:
- 48% fat
- 30% carbs
- 22% protein
Galão coffee vs. regular coffee
The way it is prepared is not much of a complex process. Its key difference from other coffee types is the ratio of the components. Additionally, it is served in a tall glass as opposed to the standard latte or cappuccino.
Portugues coffees
Are you planning to visit Portugal anytime soon? One of the things you’d want to learn about before visiting is the different coffee types typically found in coffee shops around the country. Locals all over the place love their coffee hours, and you might want to indulge in the experience!
These coffee types’ origins are still unknown, but they are believed to have surfaced around the 20th century. The three coffee styles famous in Portugal are:
Galão
Galão (phonetically: ɡɐˈlɐ̃w̃) is a measuring unit to determine the volume of liquids in the Anglo-Saxon countries. To simplify, this means a gallon. On top of that, it also means a badge in the cap or a uniform sleeve.
It has been said that this coffee is named this way because of the large quantity per serving with a width that resembles that of the badge in a uniform. Simply put, this is coffee in the form of an espresso shot with lots of foamed milk served in a taller glass than regular coffee. Of course, this comes in a decaf variant too!
Meia-de-leite
Meia-de-leite (phonetically: mɐjɐdəˈlɐjt(ə) and directly translated to half milk) is more intense than the Galão without sacrificing the silky and smooth milk texture we all love. Like the Galão, Meia-de-leite is an espresso shot served with milk, but only with half the milk making it stronger than the former.
Garoto
Garoto (phonetically: gá’rotu) is a coffee beverage that comes in a much smaller cup.
Some documents say his name is because this drink is commonly consumed by Portuguese “boys” (children).
The term Garoto refers to a kid or a boy. It’s milk and coffee, only a lot less per serving.
How to Make Portuguese Galão Recipes
Ingredients:
- 1 shot of espresso
- 1 cup of steamed milk
- Sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- Brew a shot of espresso and pour it into a tall glass.
- Steam a cup of milk using an espresso machine or milk frother.
- Pour the steamed milk into the tall glass, filling it up to about ¾ full.
- Add sugar to taste, if desired.
- Stir the mixture until combined and enjoy!
Variations:
- Add a flavored syrup such as vanilla, caramel or hazelnut to make a flavored Galão.
- Use different types of milk such as almond or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- Add a shot of liquor like Baileys or Amaretto for a boozy twist.
Tips:
- Use freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor.
- Steaming the milk to the right temperature is key. The ideal temperature is around 150°F.
- To make the milk frothy, use a frother wand and whirl the milk around until you get the desired amount of foam.
- Use a tall glass to serve the Galão so that the layers are visible.
- Sprinkle cinnamon on top for an extra burst of flavor.
- For a sweeter taste, use flavored syrups like vanilla or caramel.
- Experiment with the ratio of espresso to milk to find your perfect balance of coffee and cream.
- Use high-quality milk to get a creamy and velvety texture.
- Serve with a side of Portuguese pastries like the Pastel De Nata, to make it an authentic Portuguese experience.
- To make a cold version of Galão, pour the espresso and steamed milk over ice and add sweetener to taste.
Conclusion
Portuguese Galão is a delightful coffee beverage that is easy to make and satisfying to drink. Its rich and creamy texture make it the perfect breakfast companion, but it can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Experiment with the recipe to create your own unique version and indulge in this lovely coffee treat.
Editorial Staff
The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.
