Want a more decadent coffee experience? Go beyond the lattes and cappuccinos and try Breve coffee. Unlike classic Italian espresso-based coffee drinks, Breve coffee is an American super decadent beverage made with espresso and half-and-half. This delightfully rich drink goes by different names like Caffé Breve or Breve Latte. Despite its Italian name, it is not a part of Italian coffee culture. Coffee fans like to consume it as a dessert beverage at any time of the day. You can easily make it at home even if you don’t have an espresso machine. Read on to learn what Breve coffee is and how to make it at home!
What is Breve coffee?
Breve is a decadently rich coffee that combines one espresso (one or two shots) with streamed half-and-half (half whole milk and half cream) instead of whole milk. It is finished off with the topping of frothed milk foam.
| Breve Coffee | |
|---|---|
| Recipe | Espresso + half-and-half |
| Coffee roast | Dark roast with bold flavor |
| Brew time | 10 minutes |
| Taste | Super creamy and rich |
| Milk fat | Between 10 and 12% |
| Caffeine | 80-120 mg |
| Calories | 74kcal (5oz.) |
| Served in | Latte, Gibraltar, or Cortado glass |
How to Make Breve Coffee at Home?
Making a rich Caffè Breve at home is super easy. All you need are high-quality coffee, half-and-half, and an espresso machine. A French Press, manual espresso maker, or Moka pot can be the worthy alternative if you don’t have access to an espresso machine at your home. Heat and froth half-and-half and combine with a single or double shot of espresso to make Breve coffee. Here’s the step-by-step process to make it at home.
Step-by-Step Process to Make Breve Coffee at Home:
You are just three steps away from enjoying a rich, creamy coffee drink in the comfort of your home. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Prepare the Espresso
The first step to making Breve coffee is to prepare a single or double shot of espresso using finely ground coffee.
Pull a shot or two of espresso for the Breve using an espresso machine, depending on the desired strength you want the drink to be.
Step 2: Steam or froth Half-and-half
In the next step, you need to first steam the half-and-half and then froth it using a steam wand or milk frother. It is recommended to use a steam wand to achieve a silky and smooth texture due to the dry steam it injects into the cold milk.
Pour 2 ounces of half-and-half into a cup and heat it until the temperature reaches about 140℉ to 160℉. Froth and allow it to set.
Hold the foamed milk back with a spoon in the frothing pitcher.
Step 3: Combine Espresso and Half-and-Half
The final step is to assemble your drink by combining strong espresso and rich half-and-half.
Add the espresso to the latte or cortado glass and pour the half-and-half over it as slowly as you possibly can.
Then spoon the saved milk foam on top. If you want to add some extra flair, sprinkle cocoa powder or any other topping you like on the top.
Frequently Asked Questions
The type of dairy used in both drinks is the main difference between Caffé breve and the standard latte. Breve combines espresso and half-and-half, while a traditional cafe latte is made with whole milk and espresso.
When making breve coffee, always stick to the 1:1. If you double the ratio of dairy, it will dilute the bold taste of espresso.
Breve is a delicious Americanized latte that has a rich and creamy taste with milky sweetness. It needs no added sugar, but some breve fans add sweet syrups when they want a bit of a decadent treat.
When you order a Breve at Starbucks, you will be served a cup of steamed half-and-half. While at Dutch Bros, a Breve refers to a latte made with steamed half cream and half milk instead of whole milk.
Breve Coffee
Equipment
- 1 espresso machine
- 1 milk frother
- 1 spoon
- 1 Cortado or gibraltar glass for serving
Ingredients
- 2 oz espresso finely ground
- 2 oz half & half
Instructions
- Prepare the Espresso. Prepare a single or double shot of espresso using finely ground coffee.
- Steam or froth half-and-half. Pour 2 ounces half-and-half into a cup and heat it until the temperature reaches about 140℉ to 160℉. Froth and allow it to set.
- Combine espresso and half-and-half. Add the espresso to the cortado or Gibraltar glass and pour the half-and-half over it as slowly as you possibly can, holding the foamed milk back with a spoon in the frothing pitcher. Then spoon the saved milk foam on top. If you want to add some extra flair, sprinkle cocoa powder or any other topping you like on the top.
