National Cafe au Lait Day

National Cafe au Lait Day is a delightful beverage holiday observed on February 17. This day celebrates the classic French method of preparing coffee with hot milk, a practice that has become a staple in coffee houses worldwide. Unlike a latte which uses espresso, a cafe au lait typically uses strong drip or French press coffee, resulting in a smooth, balanced drink that is easy to prepare at home.

Read also about International Coffee Day

History of National Cafe au Lait Day

The history of cafe au lait began in Europe during the late 1600s. While coffee was traditionally consumed black, French physicians began recommending the addition of milk for its perceived medicinal benefits and to soften the acidity of the brew. By the 18th century, the “café au lait” became the standard breakfast drink in French households, usually served in large porcelain bowls rather than cups. This allowed for the traditional dipping of baguettes or croissants into the mixture.

In the United States, the drink found a famous home in New Orleans during the mid-1800s. Due to coffee shortages during the American Civil War, residents began mixing roasted chicory root with their coffee to stretch their supplies. This created a unique, slightly bitter flavor profile that paired perfectly with scalded milk. The Cafe Du Monde, established in 1862, popularized this version of cafe au lait, serving it alongside powdered sugar-covered beignets and turning the drink into a cultural icon of Louisiana.

Why is National Cafe au Lait Day important?

National Cafe au Lait Day is important because it highlights a specific brewing tradition that emphasizes simplicity and comfort over complex machinery. While modern coffee culture often revolves around pressurized espresso and flavored syrups, cafe au lait relies on the basic harmony between strong brewed coffee and heated milk. The day encourages coffee lovers to slow down and enjoy a preparation method that has remained largely unchanged for over three hundred years.

The celebration also recognizes the cultural influence of the French and Creole communities on American culinary habits. It serves as a reminder of how resourcefulness, such as the addition of chicory, can lead to the creation of a world-renowned flavor. By observing this day, people support local cafes and roasteries while celebrating the social aspect of coffee culture, which often serves as a catalyst for conversation and community gathering.

• The holiday promotes the traditional French method of enjoying coffee at breakfast.
• It recognizes the unique chicory-blended coffee heritage of New Orleans.
• The day encourages the use of simple home-brewing tools like the French press.
• It highlights the nutritional value of milk as a source of calcium and protein.
• Coffee houses use the occasion to introduce customers to various milk and bean pairings.

How to Celebrate National Cafe au Lait Day

Celebrating National Cafe au Lait Day is best done by preparing the drink using the traditional ratio of one part strong coffee to one part steamed or scalded milk. To achieve the best results at home, use a dark roast bean and brew it slightly stronger than usual. Heat the milk in a small saucepan until it is hot but not boiling, then pour both the coffee and milk into a large mug or bowl simultaneously to ensure they mix thoroughly.

Many people choose to observe the day by visiting a local coffee shop to try a professional version of the beverage. If you want to be authentic to the New Orleans style, look for a coffee blend that contains chicory and pair your drink with fried dough or a buttery pastry. It is also a great time to experiment with non-dairy alternatives like oat or almond milk, as the high heat used for cafe au lait helps these milks blend smoothly with the coffee.

• Brew a strong pot of coffee and mix it with equal parts hot milk at home.
• Visit a local bakery to find a fresh croissant to dip into your cafe au lait.
• Try a chicory-root coffee blend to experience the traditional New Orleans flavor.
• Share a photo of your morning coffee bowl on social media to mark the occasion.
• Invite a friend to a local cafe to enjoy a mid-morning break together.

National Cafe au Lait Day Dates Table