The Real Story Behind Latte Coffee

When you order a ‘latte’ outside Italy, you might get a tall cup of steamed milk with a thin espresso shot — but ask for a ‘latte’ in Italy, and you’ll just get a glass of milk. So what is a real latte supposed to be? The confusion around this drink goes back centuries, and its true story starts far from Italy — in 17th-century Vienna.

In short: A traditional Italian latte is espresso and steamed milk, no foam. The American version often uses mostly milk and foam. The drink was born in Vienna in 1683 after a man named Franciszek Jerzy Kulczycki introduced coffee to the city using beans abandoned by the retreating Ottoman army.

The Word ‘Latte’ Just Means Milk

The word ‘latte’ is simply the Italian word for ‘milk’. So a ‘caffè latte’ translates directly as ‘coffee with milk’. In Italian coffee culture, ordering just ‘latte’ will get you a glass of milk — not the milky coffee drink you might expect. When people talk about a ‘latte’ in English-speaking countries, they usually mean a ‘caffè latte’ — a drink made with espresso and steamed milk.

The Original Latte Was Invented in Vienna

The first recorded instance of adding milk to coffee happened in Vienna in 1683. That year, the Ottoman Empire launched its second siege of the city. The Polish king agreed to send reinforcements, but someone had to get through the Turkish lines to deliver the message. A Viennese man named Franciszek Jerzy Kulczycki — also known as Jerzy Franciszek Kulczycki or simply Kulczycki — volunteered. He spoke Turkish and managed to bluff his way through the blockade, crossing the Danube to bring back Polish troops.

With Polish and Austrian forces combined, the Ottomans were defeated and fled, leaving behind supplies including 500 bags of coffee beans. At the time, these beans were unknown in Europe and considered worthless by the Viennese. But Kulczycki knew their value — he had learned about coffee during his travels in the Ottoman Empire.

He claimed the beans as his reward for helping save the city and opened Vienna’s first coffeehouse, called ‘The Blue Bottle’. Early customers didn’t like the strong, bitter Turkish-style coffee, so Kulczycki adapted the recipe. He filtered out the coffee grounds and added large amounts of milk — creating a smoother, milder drink. This is believed to be the original version of what we now call a latte.

What’s the Difference: Italian vs American Latte

There are two main styles of latte found today:

• Italian-style latte: A simple drink made with a shot of espresso and steamed milk. No foam, or just a thin layer. The focus is on the balance between espresso and milk.
• American-style latte: Typically made with a shot (or more) of espresso, steamed milk, and a significant amount of milk foam. In many places, especially in the U.S., the drink is mostly milk with a smaller amount of espresso. Some cafés replace steamed milk almost entirely with foamed milk, resulting in a drink that’s very light and milky.

In most English-speaking countries, when people say ‘latte’, they mean the American-style caffè latte — espresso with plenty of steamed (and sometimes foamed) milk. The milk-to-espresso ratio is typically around 3:1 or higher, depending on the café.

The Origins of Coffeehouse Culture in Vienna

Kulczycki’s coffeehouse became a cultural hub. Legend says he served coffee with a glass of water on the side — a tradition that some Viennese cafés still follow. He also reportedly added sugar and milk to make the drink more appealing to local tastes. The success of his coffeehouse helped establish Vienna’s famous coffeehouse culture, which persists to this day.

The original ‘latte’ was thus not just a drink, but part of a broader transformation — turning an unfamiliar Ottoman beverage into a European staple. Over time, the idea of mixing coffee with milk spread across Europe and eventually to America, where it evolved further.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the word ‘latte’ mean?

The word ‘latte’ is Italian for ‘milk’. On its own, ordering ‘latte’ in Italy will get you just a glass of milk. The drink known as a ‘latte’ in English is short for ‘caffè latte’, which means ‘coffee with milk’.

Is a latte originally an Italian drink?

The term ‘latte’ is Italian, but the modern latte drink as known in America was not invented in Italy. The concept of adding milk to coffee originated in Vienna in 1683, created by Franciszek Jerzy Kulczycki using coffee beans left behind by the Ottoman army.

What’s the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?

A traditional cappuccino is made with one shot of espresso, equal parts steamed milk, and foam — typically in a 1:1:1 ratio. A latte (especially the American version) has more steamed milk and less foam, with a higher milk-to-espresso ratio, usually around 3:1 or more.

Did Italians invent the latte?

No, Italians did not invent the latte as it is commonly known today. The Viennese coffee pioneer Franciszek Jerzy Kulczycki is credited with creating the first milk-and-coffee drink in 1683. The Italian version is simpler: espresso and steamed milk, often with little or no foam.

What is an American latte made of?

An American latte typically consists of one or more shots of espresso, steamed milk, and a layer of milk foam. The drink is mostly milk-based, with a common milk-to-espresso ratio of around 3:1 or higher, making it creamier and milder than espresso alone.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Lattes

For crafting a classic latte, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend is an excellent starting point — designed for smooth milk drinks with rich crema, even on home machines. Its balanced, approachable profile works well under milk. For a fruitier twist, try the Strawberry Candy Espresso, which brings sweet berry notes that shine through steamed milk. Both blends are optimized for espresso brewing and pair nicely with the silky texture of a well-steamed milk. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.