National Cafe au Lait Day
Treat yourself to a delicious cup of cafe au lait on National Cafe au Lait Day - the perfect way to start your day!
Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about the perfect blend of strong coffee and scalded milk. National Café au Lait Day is that special time of year when we pause to appreciate the creamy, smooth French classic that has warmed hearts from the streets of Paris to the historic coffee houses of New Orleans. Whether you’re pairing it with a fresh beignet or just enjoying a quiet morning moment, this day is all about celebrating simplicity and the art of the perfect pour. Grab your favorite oversized mug and let's dive into the delicious world of café au lait!
☕ National Cafe au Lait Day Countdown
Wednesday
17
February 2027
Loading...
National Cafe au Lait Day Timeline
1692
Inception in Louisiana
The original recipe for cafe au lait is believed to have been created by French colonists in Louisiana.
1800s
Spread Across Europe
Throughout the 1800s, café au lait became a staple in French and European cafés, blossoming in popularity.
1915
Café Au Lait Bowls
Special wide-rimmed bowls were designed for café au lait, further enhancing the distinct drinking experience of this beverage.
1980s
Global Awareness
The popularity of café au lait continues to grow, with coffeehouses worldwide adding it to their menus, introducing the drink to a wider global audience.
2005
Celebrating Café Au Lait
National Café Au Lait Day is recognized for the first time, celebrating the rich history and taste of the traditional French drink.
How to Celebrate National Cafe au Lait Day
1
Visit a cafe
Take a trip to your local cafe and get your fix of cafe au lait. Ask your barista to make you their favorite version of the classic drink.
2
Make some latte art
Create some latte art with your cafe au lait. Whether it's a heart, a flower, or just a swirl, practice your latte art skills and see what you can come up with.
3
Try an iced version
Try an iced version of the classic by brewing cold brew coffee and mixing it with cold milk. Add sugars or honey for sweetness.
4
Brew up some coffee
Brew up a pot of your favorite coffee and mix it with hot milk for a homemade cafe au lait. Add a bit of sugar or honey to sweeten it up.
5
Host a cafe au lait party
Invite your friends over and host a cafe au lait party. Have everyone bring their favorite brand of coffee and have some fun experimenting with different versions of the classic drink.
Why We Love National Cafe au Lait Day
A
Cafe au lait is delicious
This French coffee drink is the perfect mix of strong, smooth espresso and steamed milk. It has a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with pastries like croissants or biscotti for a delicious breakfast or snack. And because it's lower in caffeine than other coffee drinks, it's the perfect way to start your day!
B
Cafe au lait is easy to make
Making cafe au lait at home is simple and doesn't require any special equipment. All you need is some freshly brewed espresso (or regular coffee!), steamed milk, and sugar to taste. Or if you're feeling adventurous, why not try out different flavor combinations and come up with your own signature twist?
C
Cafe au lait is customizable
Whether you like your cafe au lait sweet, rich or extra creamy, there are lots of ways to customize this classic drink. You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, use alternative milk options like almond or coconut, or even top it off with a dollop of homemade whipped cream!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Café au Lait Day?
It is a dedicated food holiday in the United States meant to celebrate the delicious French-style coffee made with equal parts strong coffee and hot, steamed milk.
When is National Café au Lait Day?
Get your mugs ready because we celebrate this creamy delight every year on February 17th, and it falls on a Wednesday in 2027.
What is the difference between a café au lait and a latte?
While they look similar, a café au lait uses strong brewed coffee (like French press) and steamed milk, whereas a latte is made with espresso and a thicker layer of micro-foam.
How do you make an authentic café au lait at home?
Just brew a very strong pot of your favorite coffee and heat up an equal amount of milk until it’s hot but not boiling, then pour them into your cup at the same time.
Why is New Orleans famous for café au lait?
New Orleans has a deep French heritage, and the world-famous Café Du Monde made the drink a staple by mixing coffee with chicory to create a unique, bold flavor.
Is café au lait served with sugar?
Usually, it’s served unsweetened to let the milk's natural sweetness shine, but many people in the US love adding a bit of sugar or enjoying it with sweet beignets.
What kind of milk is best for café au lait?
Whole milk is the traditional choice for that rich texture, but oat milk and almond milk have become super popular modern alternatives in American cafes.
What is the best food to pair with café au lait?
You can't go wrong with a buttery croissant, a chocolate éclair, or the classic New Orleans-style powdered sugar beignets.
Does café au lait have more caffeine than a latte?
It often does! Because it uses a full cup of brewed coffee rather than just a shot or two of espresso, you might get a bit more of a morning kick.
Can I use a regular coffee maker for café au lait?
Absolutely! Just make sure you use a dark roast or brew it a bit stronger than usual so the coffee flavor isn't lost when you add the milk.
Why is it called café au lait?
The name literally translates from French to "coffee with milk," perfectly describing its simple and honest two-ingredient soul.
Is café au lait a morning or evening drink?
In France and the US, it’s traditionally a breakfast drink served in a large bowl or mug, but it’s honestly a perfect "pick-me-up" for any time of day.
Are there any deals on National Café au Lait Day?
Many local coffee shops and French bakeries offer discounts or "buy one get one" deals to encourage people to try this classic brew.
How can I celebrate this holiday on social media?
Post a photo of your cozy coffee setup, use the hashtag #NationalCafeAuLaitDay, and tag your favorite local barista to show some love!
Top Emojis for National Cafe au Lait Day
☕
The Coffee Classic
This is the ultimate go-to for any coffee lover; it perfectly captures that cozy, steaming mug feeling we all crave on this special day.
🥛
The Creamy Touch
Since café au lait is all about the milk, this emoji highlights the smooth, dairy-rich goodness that sets this drink apart from a standard black brew.
🇫🇷
French Roots
A nod to the origins of the drink, this flag is widely used to celebrate the "French-style" coffee culture that gave us the café au lait.
🥐
The Perfect Pairing
In the US, people love showing off their "coffee and a treat" aesthetic, and nothing says French breakfast like a café au lait and a croissant.
⚜️
New Orleans Vibes
Because New Orleans is the café au lait capital of America, this symbol is a favorite for those celebrating the iconic chicory-coffee tradition.
🤍
Pure Comfort
The white heart is the trendy way to express a love for the "light and milky" aesthetic of this specific beverage.
National Cafe au Lait Day Dates
Year
Date
Day
2026
Feb 17
Tuesday
2027
Feb 17
Wednesday
2028
Feb 17
Thursday
2029
Feb 17
Saturday
2030
Feb 17
Sunday
National Cappuccino Day
Nov 8th ☕
National Coffee Day
Sep 29th 🥤
National Hot Chocolate Day
Jan 31st 🍫
National Hot Buttered Rum Day
Jan 17th 🧈
National Croissant Day
Jan 30th 🥐
National Espresso Day
Nov 23rd ⚡
National Chocolate Milk Day
Sep 27th 🥛More Events on This Day
National Cafe au Lait Day
Currently viewing