In short, they're both a combination of drip coffee and milk; however, their milk proportions vary greatly. Cafe au lait is a homemade coffee drink but is also served at most coffee shops in France, especially with breakfast, and the Cafe Misto is usually served in Starbucks. Regarding espresso drinks, most people believe that the only distinction is the quantity of hot milk utilized. This is not the case, though. Milk is the crucial distinction between these two beverages. In a café au lait, the coffee is topped with hot, whole milk. Cafe Mistos, however, are made with frothed milk; therefore, this drink is less creamy. In the case of a Cafe Misto, however, frothed milk is added to the coffee. This adds creaminess to the drink and makes it somewhat sweeter than a café au lait.