From Italy to Salt Lake City: The Latte’s Wild Ride to Fame
The year is the late 17th century. Somewhere in Europe, coffee is gaining popularity after being introduced by traders from the Ottoman Empire. In Italy, coffee houses are flourishing, and locals are experimenting with ways to soften the intense flavor of espresso. One such experiment involves mixing coffee with milk, a practice inspired by earlier traditions in Austria, where “Kapuziner” (coffee with cream) was already popular. Thus, the latte (“caffè latte” or “milk coffee”)begins to emerge as a comforting morning beverage.
Fast forward, a few centuries, and the latte becomes a staple in Italian homes and cafés, served in small cups and savored alongside breakfast. Enter the Americans. During their post-World War II fascination with European culture, they brought back an appreciation for espresso-based drinks. Of course, being Americans, they think, “What if we made this bigger? And maybe added flavored syrups? Also, can we take it to go?” Italy raises an eyebrow, but the latte’s global journey begins.
The Latte Goes West
By the late 20th century, the latte has become a symbol of cosmopolitan kewl. It finds its natural habitat in Seattle, where rain-soaked hipsters and ambitious baristas embrace it wholeheartedly. Here, the modern latte undergoes its first major transformation: the birth of latte art. Hearts, tulips, and elaborate swan designs grace the tops of these milky masterpieces. Drinking a latte isn’t just about caffeine anymore; it’s about Instagram likes.
But the latte isn’t content with just Seattle. Like a caffeinated pioneer, it ventures further into America, eventually landing in Salt Lake City. Now, this is where things get interesting.
The Coffee Meets the Valley
Salt Lake City is a place of contrasts. It’s a hub of outdoor adventure and a center of religious conservatism. One thing everyone agrees on, though, is their love for a good coffee. It could be the allure of a warm drink after a chilly hike in the Wasatch Mountains. It may be the secret thrill of indulging in something that feels just a bit fancy. Either way, the coffee takes root.
The coffee culture in the valley began around 1887 when Hewlett Bros. Co. opened a coffee, spice, jelly, and extract company. This marked the start of local coffee commerce and laid the foundation for future coffee establishments. These local businesses, like Scowcroft & Sons Co. who introduced Scowcroft coffee around the 1920s, played a significant role in shaping the coffee culture of Salt Lake City. Scowcroft coffee, a brand roasted in Utah and named after Brent Scowcroft, a Utah native and avid coffee enthusiast, was renowned for its exceptional quality, taste, and flavor, setting it apart from other Utah-roasted coffees.
In the 1950s, Russel’s Cafe and other food-based cafes began offering coffee to their patrons. Straw Ibis in Logan, established in 1976, likely marked the first establishment that closely resembled the coffee shops we see today. Salt Lake City didn’t witness the emergence of similar shops until the 1980s, and the coffee scene experienced a significant surge in the 21st century.
A Latte Explosion
Fast forward to today, and you can’t throw a reusable straw in Salt Lake City without hitting a coffee shop. From cozy, indie cafés tucked into Sugar House, such as the Coffee Garden, to sleek, minimalist spots downtown like Salt Lake Roasting Company and Jack Mormon, the valley is practically swimming in lattes. They come in every imaginable variety: vanilla, caramel, matcha, oat milk, almond milk, pumpkin spice, lavender honey, you name it, someone’s foamed milk over it.
But why did Salt Lake City, of all places, become a latte hotspot? Some say it’s the city’s growing tech scene, where caffeine fuels innovation. Others believe it’s the thriving arts community, where creatives sip lattes while sketching, painting, or pretending to work on their screenplays. And let’s not forget the city’s rising population of transplants, bringing their West Coast coffee obsessions with them.
The Utah Twist
Of course, Salt Lake City adds its own spin to the latte game. Here, you’ll find “dirty sodas”—a curious mix of soda and cream—sharing menu space with traditional lattes. Some coffee shops even offer a “Mormon Latte” to appease the LDS population (spoiler: it’s just steamed milk and flavored syrups, no coffee). Because when in Utah, you get creative.
From Experiment to Modern Day
Who would’ve thought that a practical experiment with coffee and milk would become the caffeinated lifeblood of Salt Lake City? The latte’s journey from European coffee houses to the valley is a testament to its universal appeal. Whether you’re sipping a classic espresso-and-milk combo or indulging in a lavender oat milk latte with extra foam, one thing is clear: the latte is here to stay. And in Salt Lake City, it’s thriving—one foamy cup at a time.
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