Explore National Latte Day Feb 11: 5 Ways to Celebrate
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Happy National Latte Day
If you’re looking for a sign to treat yourself to a latte, here you go. Today (February 11) is National Latte Day. Let’s explore more about what makes lattes special. Then, I’ll share some fun ways to celebrate the holiday.
For many people, when you say coffee, you mean a latte. This coffee drink has been around for generations and it’s popular all over the world.
Lattes are almost synonymous with coffee culture.
Espresso coffee and steamed milk are its two main ingredients.
Italy created the latte around the late 19th and early 20th century. In Italian, lattes are known as caffè latte, coffee and milk.
Latte means milk in Italian similar to how leche means milk in Spanish.
While other cultures blended coffee and milk for many centuries, Italy’s invention of the espresso machine is what sets this country as the origin of the latte.
Read more here: The Daily Meal and MasterClass.
What differentiates a latte from other types of coffee?
The ratio of espresso to milk. One part espresso to three parts milk is what sets lattes apart. It’s not as bold as cappuccinos or cold brews. Lattes are more subdued. It’s a drink you can savor.
Lattes are also one of the larger coffee drinks, anywhere from eight to sixteen ounces. Compare that to the macchiato, which is two to three ounces.
Variations in espresso, preparation, and infusion bring novelty to the latte and give you something new to explore.
This is Your Sign to Treat Yourself to a Latte
Lattes are great because you can pour so much creativity into your cup. You can sweeten your sip with different cultural recipes or explore your barista skills by practicing latte art.
Your latte can be the gateway for new experiences and connections. Go exploring over coffee to savor your sip.
Espresso Yourself with Latte Art
Try your hand at creating latte art. You can take a class with some friends to make your barista dreams come true.
If you want to start practicing at home first, there are plenty of resources online, too.
Follow along with this beginner latte art tutorial from YouTube creator Annie Dang. She takes you through the step-by-step of prepping materials at home and techniques for different latte art styles.
Enjoy Your Latte the Italian Weekend Way
Slow down and savor your weekend morning start. Italians drink their lattes before 11 am, so enjoy your brew in the morning, too. Pair your latte with a cornetto, a breakfast pastry. To take your experience to the next level, dine at an Italian cafè for an authentic latte and cornetto.
Silvia Nanetti, Gratsi contributor, says, “Breakfast is never rushed or heavy. It’s a simple but meaningful part of the day, always centered around a good cup of coffee and a sense of community.
Learn More About Lattes & Coffee
Read more about latte’s history. Watch a video course to expand your knowledge and skills like MasterClass’ episode on coffee led by World Champion Barista, Dale Harris. Join
Start Your Day with a Latte and an Adventure
Explore and savor. Sip your coffee, then join a food tour to stroll and sample sweet treats. If you’re in the DC-area, take the Cobblestones and Croissants: Morning Food Tour in Georgetown. The tour starts at a cafe before heading out to restaurants and bakeries throughout Georgetown.
This link is an affiliate link. I may earn commission if you register using my link, at no extra cost to you.
Try a New Latte Flavor
Coffee culture can carry you around the world.
The dulce de leche latte adds a caramelized milk flavor and is popular in Argentina and Uruguay. Japan created a pink-tinted latte known as the Sakura latte using Sakura powder derived from cherry blossoms. Lesotho and South Africa enjoy the Rooibos latte, “red latte,” from Rooibos tea. Pumpkin Spiced Lattes welcome in autumn in the U.S., along with the changing leaves.
So many places to explore and lattes to sip!
Celebrate Latte Day with Coffee-Fueled Experiences
This Latte Day, pour in appreciation for this classic coffee drink. Lattes offer comfort, express creativity, represent history, showcase culture, and give space for personal refreshment. Celebrate your sip and explore new experiences inspired by your love for lattes.
Want more coffee culture stories? Listen to my podcast, Exploring Over Coffee, for coffee-inspired adventures to explore on your break.
Alexis Renae is the creator of Exploring Over Coffee, a podcast celebratingbooks, coffee, and seasonal adventures. Subscribe to her newsletter for more event spotlights and community recommendations.
