The History of Latte Coffee and How It Was Invented

You’ve heard the phrase ‘I’m not at the café, I’m on my way there.’ But do you know where the modern milk coffee — the latte — actually comes from? Most coffee lovers assume it’s Italian. But the true origin story is set in 1683 Vienna, during a dramatic siege and a surprising act of bravery that brought coffee — and eventually steamed milk — to Europe.

In short: The first latte-like coffee was invented in Vienna in 1683 by Francesco Procopio’s unofficial predecessor, a Pole-turned-Viennese citizen named Francesco Procopio’s forerunner, Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli’s unofficial forerunner — actually, a local man named Franz Georg Kolschitzky (or Jerzy Franciszek Kulczycki), who added milk to filtered coffee to create a smoother, more palatable drink for non-Muslim Europeans.

The Vienna Siege That Changed Coffee Forever

In 1683, Vienna was under siege by the Ottoman Empire for the second time. Christian forces, led by Poland’s King Augustus II and Austria’s Emperor Leopold I, were ready to relieve the city — but only if someone could break through the Turkish lines to deliver the message. Enter Franz Georg Kolschitzky.

How a Hero Brought Coffee to Vienna

Kolschitzky, who had lived in the Ottoman Empire and spoke fluent Turkish, volunteered. Disguised and using his language skills, he crossed the Turkish lines and successfully summoned Polish reinforcements. The Ottomans retreated, leaving behind valuable supplies — including 500 sacks of green coffee beans, previously unavailable in Europe outside Muslim lands.

The First Vienna Coffeehouse and the Milk Solution

Kolschitzky claimed the coffee as his reward and opened Vienna’s first coffeehouse, called ‘Blue Bottle’. But early European customers struggled with the strong, bitter, unfiltered Turkish-style coffee — grounds and all. To make the drink more appealing, Kolschitzky filtered out the grounds and added large amounts of milk, creating a smoother, milder beverage. This innovation became the prototype for the latte as we know it today.

What Exactly Is a Latte?

The word ‘latte’ is simply Italian for ‘milk’. In coffee terms, a latte refers to an espresso-based drink with a large proportion of steamed milk — typically around a 1:3 to 1:5 espresso-to-milk ratio. The original Viennese version was essentially the same concept: filtered coffee with plenty of milk to soften the bitter edge. Today, a latte usually consists of one or two shots of espresso with 200–250ml of steamed milk, creating a creamy, mild drink with a thin layer of foam.

Why Milk Transformed Coffee Culture

Milk softened the harshness of early coffee for European palates. By filtering out coffee grounds and adding dairy, coffee became approachable to non-traditional drinkers. This shift helped spread coffee beyond niche Muslim trade circles and into mainstream European society. Over centuries, the milk-heavy coffee evolved regionally — in Italy into the caffè latte, and later globally as part of third-wave coffee culture, often brewed with single-origin espressos and carefully textured microfoam.

The Link to Modern Coffee Blends

Today, brewing a great latte requires more than just milk and espresso — it starts with the right beans. At FrontStreet Coffee, several blends are ideal for crafting the smooth, balanced shots needed for a classic latte. Their Classic Blend is engineered for crema and easy extraction, even on home machines, making it perfect for milk drinks. The Black Cocoa Blend delivers rich body and a velvety texture without high cost, while the Strawberry Candy Espresso offers fruity sweetness that complements milk well. These blends highlight how modern coffee roasters continue evolving the milk coffee tradition Kolschitzky started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the latte coffee originate?

The latte coffee originated in Vienna in 1683, created by Franz Georg Kolschitzky, who added milk to filtered coffee to make it more palatable for European drinkers. It was not invented in Italy, though the name ‘latte’ is Italian for ‘milk’.

Who first added milk to coffee?

The first recorded person to add milk to coffee in Europe was Franz Georg Kolschitzky, a Viennese entrepreneur, after the 1683 siege of Vienna. He used milk to soften the strong, bitter taste of unfiltered Turkish coffee for non-Muslim consumers.

What was the first latte made of?

The first latte-like drink was made from filtered coffee (with the grounds removed) and a large amount of milk. It lacked espresso as we know it but shared the essential milk-and-coffee balance that defines the modern latte.

Why did people start putting milk in coffee?

Milk was added to coffee to reduce bitterness and harshness, especially in early unfiltered brews. It made the drink smoother and more accessible to European tastes unfamiliar with the strong, dark Muslim-style coffee.

Is a latte originally an Italian drink?

Although called ‘latte’ (Italian for milk), the drink was not originally Italian. The concept of milk with coffee was pioneered in Vienna. Italians later developed the caffè latte, which became part of the global latte culture.

What beans are best for making a latte?

For making a latte, beans with good crema and smooth profiles work best. FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend is ideal for home and commercial espresso with rich crema. The Black Cocoa Blend is cost-effective with full body, while the Strawberry Candy Espresso adds fruity sweetness. All are suitable for milk-based drinks.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Lattes

For crafting classic lattes, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend offers excellent crema and smooth extraction, even for beginners — ideal for silky milk drinks. The Black Cocoa Blend provides rich body and deep flavours at a great value, perfect for balancing milk. For something fruitier, the Strawberry Candy Espresso brings sweet soft notes that complement steamed milk beautifully. All three blends are tailored for espresso-based milk coffees. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.