February 17 is National Café au Lait Day - the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy a great cup of coffee.

The History of Café au Lait

Café au lait, French for “coffee with milk,” is a classic coffee drink made with drip coffee and steamed milk in equal parts. Unlike a latte, it has no froth or foam on top, creating a smoother, creamier texture.

The origins of café au lait trace back to 17th-century France. Coffee first arrived in Paris in the early 1600s, and by the late 17th century, the phrase "café au lait" began appearing in letters written by Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, the marquise de Sévigné, a French aristocrat known for her lively correspondence.

In the United States, New Orleans is home to one of the most famous café au lait traditions. For over 150 years, Café du Monde  has served a unique variation made with chicory coffee, which gives the drink a bold, slightly bitter flavor and a thicker consistency. This tradition dates back to the Civil War era, when coffee shortages led to the widespread use of chicory as a substitute to stretch supplies.

Many cultures have put their own spin on the café au lait, adjusting the ingredients while keeping the essence of rich coffee blended with milk:

  • Italy: The caffè latte is espresso with steamed milk, often served in a larger glass.
  • Spain: The café con leche combines equal parts espresso and scalded milk, typically enjoyed at breakfast.
  • Portugal: The café com leite follows a similar formula, using brewed coffee and hot milk.

While the ingredients may vary, the essence of café au lait remains the same - a simple yet comforting blend of coffee and milk that has stood the test of time. blend of coffee and milk that has stood the test of time.

Why People Love the Café au Lait

The café au lait has been around for centuries, and for good reason:

  • It’s simple yet indulgent. No espresso machine? No problem. All you need is brewed coffee and warm milk to create a rich, velvety cup.
  • It’s smoother than black coffee. The steamed milk softens the acidity and bitterness, making it an easy drink to sip throughout the day.
  • It’s a cultural staple. From Parisian cafés to New Orleans brunch spots, the café au lait is a drink that brings people together.

How to Celebrate National Café au Lait Day

For multifamily properties, National Café au Lait Day is an easy way to create meaningful resident experiences while using an amenity they already love - coffee. 

Here’s how property managers and multifamily teams can celebrate:

  • Surprise & Delight in the Lobby – Set up a DIY café au lait station in the morning to surprise residents. A warm cup of coffee with steamed milk is a great way to start the day — and a low-cost, high-impact way to engage residents and encourage them to use your spaces.
  • Latte & Learn – Host a short and interactive coffee-themed class. Bring in a local barista to teach residents how to steam milk, create simple latte art or craft their perfect café au lait using your coffee amenity.
  • Café au Lait & Live Music – Bring in a local acoustic musician for a relaxed coffeehouse-style event in your common area. A warm drink and live music create an inviting space for residents to unwind and connect.
  • Share the moment on social media. Encourage residents to snap a photo of their café au lait in your community spaces, tag your property and use the hashtag #NationalCafeAuLaitDay to join the celebration. Not only does this create an interactive experience for residents, but it also offers a glimpse into the welcoming atmosphere of your property. When potential renters see real residents enjoying your amenities, it adds authenticity and makes your community feel like home. Share the best moments on your property’s Instagram or Facebook page to highlight the engaging lifestyle your community offers.

Making Coffee More Accessible in Multifamily

While many communities recognize the value of coffee as an amenity, maintaining high-quality coffee options can be challenging. Issues like equipment upkeep, supply management and consistency can make it difficult for properties to offer a coffee experience that truly stands out.

This is where SipWithMe provides a practical solution. Instead of traditional, high-maintenance coffee setups, properties can offer barista-quality, self-serve coffee stations that are easy to manage while enhancing daily resident experience.

More than just convenience, it’s about creating spaces where residents naturally gather and interact. Coffee has been doing that for centuries. National Café au Lait Day is just a reminder of why it works.

Coffee & Connection

For multifamily teams looking to enhance resident engagement with coffee-themed experiences, our Coffee Calendar highlights key dates to celebrate all year long, including National Irish Coffee Day, National Gingerbread Latte Day, National Peppermint Latte Day, National Espresso Day, National Cappuccino Day and many more. 

📩 [Download the free calendar here]

Coffee holidays like National Café au Lait Day present the perfect opportunity to bring residents together! If your coffee amenity could use a jolt, let’s talk.

Whether you take your café au lait sweet, strong or somewhere in between, take a moment to enjoy today - preferably with good company and a great cup of coffee.