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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!

Wednesday

February 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEFebruary 17

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYCoffee

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get your coffee mugs ready to celebrate National Cafe au Lait Day on Feb. 17! This special day is dedicated to celebrating the warm and delicious beverage called cafe au lait, which has been around for centuries. The drink is made from half brewed coffee and half hot milk, and it can be enjoyed both hot or cold. It's believed that the original recipe for cafe au lait was created in 1692 by French colonists in Louisiana, and since then it has become a favorite among coffee enthusiasts all over the world. So grab your favorite mug, brew up a cup of cafe au lait, and enjoy this amazing beverage!

TIMELINE

National Cafe au Lait Day Timeline

Inception in Louisiana

The original recipe for cafe au lait is believed to have been created by French colonists in Louisiana.

Spread Across Europe

Throughout the 1800s, café au lait became a staple in French and European cafés, blossoming in popularity.

Café Au Lait Bowls

Special wide-rimmed bowls were designed for café au lait, further enhancing the distinct drinking experience of this beverage.

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.

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.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Cafe au Lait Day

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.

BREW

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.

TRY

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.

MAKE

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.

HOST

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 THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Cafe au Lait Day

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?

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!

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!