National Cafe au Lait Day – February 17, 2025

National Café au Lait Day is observed on February 17 annually. The French treat ‘Café au Lait’ meaning ‘coffee with milk’ is a delicious drink made from freshly brewed coffee as a base and then topped with steamy hot delicious milk. National Cafe au Lait looks similar to Italian ‘caffè latte’(coffee, espresso, and steamed milk), Spanish ‘café con Leche’ (espresso and scalded milk), and Portuguese ‘café com Leite’ (coffee with hot milk) among several variants. However, they slightly differ in terms of ratios, and the way they served.

History of National Cafe au Lait Day

Coffee is a drink made from the coffee plant’s seeds (coffee beans). It is believed that it was discovered in Ethiopia, Kaffa province, a century ago. Initially, it was eaten as food before it spread across the world.

After when coffee reached Yemen, it became a drink. Then the popularity of coffee spread through the Middle East to Europe by the 17th century and then to the rest of the world. The preparation of coffee includes drying, roasting, and crushing the coffee beans.

According to popular belief, the deliciousness of milk was first found in 8000 B.C. in Europe when cows’ milk was used to create dairy products. European farmers are traditionally credited for milk consumption. However, recent research argues that dairy drinking started at least 6,000 years ago in Kenya and Sudan.

‘Cafe au Lait’ (meaning ‘coffee with hot milk’) originated back in the 1600s in France when the French began the mixing of milk with coffee. There is usually confusion between Italian ‘caffè latte’ and ‘Cafe au Lait’  as they both look similar.

The difference between them is that the Italian ‘caffè latte’ is made from with espresso, steamed milk, and some foam and can be served either hot or cold whereas Cafe au Lait’ is prepared from freshly brewed coffee and steamed milk and must be served hot.

There is no detailed info about the origin of Cafe au Lait Day. However, nobody can deny that this drink has delighted tons of taste buds. ‘Cafe au Lait’ is made with equal amounts of coffee and milk and is typically light brown.

Also read, National I Want Butterscotch Day – February 15, 2025

Timeline of National Cafe au Lait Day

5 Interesting Facts About Coffee

1. The most expensive coffee in the world: Black Ivory Coffee is the most expensive coffee in the world. Its price is more than $1,000+ per pound on average.
2. World’s biggest coffee drinker: Finland is the top country for coffee consumption pe capita with a figure of 26.45 pounds per person per year.
3. First coffee sold commercially: Nescafe is the first branded coffee which sold commercially to the public in 1879.
4. Origin of mixing milk with coffee: Polish spy Jerzy Franciszek Kulczycki, was among the first people to open a café in Vienna in the 17th century and to create the coffee-and milk mix.
5. ‘Coffee’ word origin: The word ‘coffee’ came from the Arabic ‘qahwah,’ to changed into Ottoman Turkish ‘kahve,’ to Dutch ‘koffie,’ and then in 1582, to the English language.

5 Different Types Of Coffee You Must Try

Arabica: This one is among the most consumed coffee beans all around the globe. People like it pretty well for its creamy, subtle taste and nice acidity. Mostly cultivated at higher elevations in places like Latin America, Africa and Asia. Arabica beans can be sweet and fruity or floral but also have a chocolatey-nutty flavour profile. Based on research, these beans have a caffeine value of 0.8% to 1.4%. Best for those who avoid caffeine.

Robusta: Robusta beans offer bold, strong flavour and higher caffeine content compared to Arabica beans. These beans are usually used in espresso blends to impart a rich crema and a strong, earthy taste. Robusta is grown at lower altitudes. It is mostly found in regions like Africa and Southeast Asia. We add 2% of Robusta in our coffee to add a rich bold flavour.
Liberica: Liberica beans provide a distinctively fruity and floral flavour profile with hints of woody and smoky notes. It was originated in West Africa and characterized by its larger size and asymmetrical shape. This makes them a unique addition to any coffee aficionado’s collection.

Excelsa: Excelsa was formerly classified as a variety of Liberia. Since then it has been recognized as a distinct species. These beans are best known for their complex flavour profile, which often features fruity, spicy, and tart notes. Primarily, Excleasa beans are grown in Southeast Asia and are often used to enhance the depth and complexity of blends.

Typica: Typica is considered one of the oldest cultivated varieties of coffee. Typica beans are best known for their delicate flavour and mild acidity. This bean originated from Yemen and has a smooth, well-balanced profile with subtle floral and fruity notes. Though these beans are less grown than Arabica and Robusta, they are highly valued by coffee connoisseurs for their quality and consistency.

Frequently Ask Question

How is Café au Lait different from Café Latte?

Café au lait is made with brewed coffee and steamed milk, whereas café latte, of Italian origin, consists of espresso and steamed milk.

When did the tradition of mixing milk with coffee begin?

The tradition of mixing milk with coffee originated in France in the 1600s.

What historical significance does coffee have?

Coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia and when it reached Yemen, it became popular as a drink and then after it spread throughout Europe and beyond.

What is the most expensive coffee in the world?

Black Ivory Coffee is the most expensive coffee which costs more than $1,000 per pound.

Which country consumes the most coffee per capita?

Finland is the top country for coffee consumption per capita with a figure of 26.45 pounds per person per year.

What year was Nescafé first sold commercially?

In 1879 Nescafé became the first branded coffee to be sold commercially.

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