National Latte Day is celebrated on February 11 every year worldwide. On the day people enjoy this delicious coffee drink made of espresso and steamed milk. Lattes are among the most popular drinks that have been a part of American and European culture for a long time. Typically, the latte is served hot but as coffee shops have evolved, cold varied of lattes have begun to be served. National Latte Day honours the popularity and deliciousness of this versatile drink.
History of National Latte Day
National Latte Day highlights how delicious and versatile the cafe latte is. Lattes originated in Italy and are a kind of milk coffee which are made of a base of espresso topped with steamed milk.
The drink is typically served at breakfast. Italians enjoy cafe lattes for breakfast made with espresso brewed on a Moka pot on the stove. It is served with hot milk without sugar. It has been part of European cuisine since the 17th century, however, it began showing up in coffee houses only after the 20th century.
The new version of the cafe latte usually known as latte, is believed to have been invented in America. Likewise, as modern coffee started gaining popularity, cafe lattes also became more popularized, especially in Seattle.
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Furthermore, today, the cafe latte is made in the same way as it has always been in Italy. However, outside of Italy, lattes are made with espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam in coffee shops. Lattes are like cappuccinos, but the cappuccinos are served with a thicker layer of milk foam.
Moreover, Ices lattes are popular too. In an iced latte, the chilled milk is poured over espresso on ice. Similarly, they can be prepared with blended ice and several flavouring syrups based on the client’s preference.
Also read, National English Toffee Day – January 8, 2025
Timeline of National Latte Day
| 1867 (Cafe Lattes are Named) | William Dean Howells writes an essay on his travels in Italy in which he mentions the ‘caffè e latte’, which means coffee with milk. |
| 1950s (Modern Cafe Latte is Invented) | Caffe Mediterraneum of Berkeley, California, claims that one of their owners likely invented the modern cafe latte. |
| The 1980s (Cafe Latte Becomes Popular) | The latte becomes popular in Seattle and Washington and, later, throughout the country. |
| 2019 (National Latte Day is Announced) | Jefferson’s Coffee decides to celebrate this popular drink by announcing National Latte Day. |
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.
Five Interesting Facts About Cafe Latte
You have to be specific in Italy: If you just order a latte in Italian, you will only get milk as the latte means milk – you need to ask for a ‘cafe latte’.
The flat white is a latte variation: Popular in Australia and New Zealand, the flat white does not have any milk foam and is sometimes called a wet cappuccino.
It can be served in a bowl: In some places in Europe, lattes are served in bowls which are called ‘cafe au lait.’
Calling people latte drinkers can be insulting: A common political insult is someone as latte drinkers to imply that the people who drink lattes are elitists.
There are tea lattes as well: The lattes have been reinvented coffee base which is replaced with tea to make tea lattes in South Asia, East Asia, and North America.
Frequently Ask Question
When is National Latte Day?
National Latte Day occurs annually on February 11.
What are the origins of the latte?
The latte originated in Italy and is traditionally made with espresso and steamed milk, typically served at breakfast.
How do lattes differ from cappuccinos?
Lattes are similar to cappuccinos but are served with a thicker layer of milk foam in cappuccinos, while lattes have steamed milk.
Can lattes contribute to weight gain?
Lattes themselves do not cause weight gain; coffee may actually help with weight loss by boosting metabolism and aiding appetite control.
Are lattes sweet?
Lattes are traditionally served sweet, but the sweetness can vary based on personal preference.
What activities can people do to celebrate National Latte Day?
Activities include grabbing a latte from a favourite coffee shop, learning how to make a latte at home, or buying a latte for a barista.
What is a flat white?
A flat white is a variation of a latte commonly found in Australia and New Zealand, characterized by the absence of milk foam.
Can you order a latte in Italy?
In Italy, simply ordering a “latte” will get you milk; you must specify “cafe latte” to receive the coffee drink.
Are there variations of lattes beyond coffee?
Yes, tea lattes exist where the coffee base is replaced with tea, popular in regions like South Asia and North America.
You may also like to read, National Chocolate Fondue Day – February 5, 2025
