February 11 is National Latte Day, celebrating the popular coffee beverage made with espresso and steamed milk.
National Latte Day is one of many coffee-themed national days. Check out our special list where we’ve gathered all 25 coffee holidays, including coffee weeks and months.
What is a Latte?
A latte is a coffee drink that combines espresso and steamed milk, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture. A light layer of froth is often added on top. What makes a latte distinctive is the ratio of milk to espresso, with more milk than a cappuccino, creating a milder coffee flavor.
Latte can often be customized with additional flavors such as vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, mocha, pumpkin spice, or peppermint. The latter two even have their own national days.
A note from an Italian 🇮🇹: The word latte is of Italian origin and means milk. So if you travel to Italy and ask for a “latte,” you will be handed a glass of warm milk. Always ask for a “caffé latte” to get the coffee drink that is as close as the latte you might get in the US or other countries. Also, in Italy, you would never get flavors in your latte; they prefer to keep it simple.
The Origins of Latte
The term “latte” originated in some regions of Italy where American tourists frequented. American travelers struggled with the bitter and richer flavors of espresso, so warm milk was added to make a more palatable and sweeter drink. However, it was in the 1980s in Seattle, Washington, that the latte was standardized and became the popular drink we know today.
When is National Latte Day?
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | February 11 |
| 2027 | February 11 |
| 2028 | February 11 |
| 2029 | February 11 |
| 2030 | February 11 |
