February 17: A Toast to Café au Lait
Hello, my dear coffee-loving friend! ☕
It’s National Café au Lait Day on February 17, and if you know me, you know I can’t pass up the chance to spotlight this French classic. Café au lait is one of those magical coffee drinks that proves simplicity can be stunning. Imagine a bold cup of coffee swirled with perfectly steamed milk—equal parts elegance and comfort.
But let’s dig deeper because, as a coffee lover, you deserve the full scoop on what makes café au lait unique compared to its frothy, velvety siblings.
Café au Lait: The French Darling
At its heart, café au lait is a cozy combination of strong brewed coffee (hello, French press lovers!) and steamed milk. No fancy froth, no espresso base—just the pure harmony of coffee and milk. It’s the drink I reach for when I want to slow down and savor.
How It Stands Apart from the Coffee Crowd
Here’s where the beauty of coffee culture really shines—each country gives its own twist to coffee + milk:
- Café Latte (Italy): Think café au lait’s Italian cousin, but this one starts with espresso. It’s creamy, luxurious, and topped with a thin layer of foam. Latte lovers, you know what I’m talking about!
- Coffee con Leche (Spain): Bold brewed coffee meets steamed milk, but with a heartier coffee-to-milk ratio and often a little sugar. Sweet, strong, and satisfying—a Spanish staple.
- Café Cortado (Spain): Espresso-based and minimalist, a cortado is for those moments when you crave intensity but want a splash of milk to take the edge off. Small, strong, and utterly delightful.
Why Café au Lait Stands Out
What I love most about café au lait is its approachable charm. It’s like the friend who always makes you feel at home—warm, welcoming, and unpretentious. Perfect for mornings when you want to ease into the day or evenings spent curled up with a good book.
Want to Make Your Own Café au Lait?
Let’s keep it simple, just like the drink itself:
- Brew a strong cup of coffee. A French press is ideal, but drip coffee works too.
- Heat your milk until steamy (no froth needed here, but if you can’t resist, go for it).
- Combine equal parts coffee and milk in your favorite mug.
- Take a sip, close your eyes, and pretend you’re in a Parisian café.
Pro tip: For a little extra indulgence, sprinkle some cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cocoa powder on top. Pair it with a buttery croissant, and you’ve got yourself a moment to savor.
Coffee Culture is Our Bond
Do you lean more toward café au lait or its espresso-based cousins like the latte, con leche, or cortado? Let’s nerd out about it—email me back or find me on Instagram @coffeewithnora. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Here’s to celebrating coffee in all its forms and to the simple beauty of café au lait. Happy sipping, friends!
Warmly,
Nora ☕
Today's good mood is sponsored by coffee!
