The breve is a coffee drink that takes richness to the next level. Instead of steamed milk, a breve is made with steamed half-and-half (a blend of milk and cream), resulting in an incredibly creamy, velvety, and naturally sweet espresso drink.
The word “breve” means “short” in Italian, but there’s nothing small about its luxurious texture. With a thicker, richer consistency than a latte, the breve is perfect for those who love a decadent coffee experience without added sugar or flavoring.
What Makes a Breve Different?
🔹 Uses Half-and-Half Instead of Milk – Unlike a latte, which is made with steamed milk, a breve is made with steamed half-and-half, making it thicker and richer.
🔹 Naturally Sweeter Than Other Milk-Based Coffees – The added cream content in half-and-half brings out a natural sweetness, making a breve taste slightly sweeter than a traditional latte without any added sugar.
🔹 Extra Creamy & Velvety Texture – Since half-and-half has more fat than milk, a breve creates a full-bodied, silky coffee experience that feels like a true indulgence.
How to Make a Breve
☕ Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (10g) finely ground coffee
- 6 oz (180ml) cold, filtered water (for brewing espresso)
- 4–6 oz (120–180ml) steamed half-and-half
🌡 Temperature Guide
- Brew water: 195–205°F (90–96°C)
- Half-and-half steaming: 145–155°F (63–68°C) (lower than milk to prevent separation)
Step-by-Step Brewing Guide
1️⃣ Brew a Double Shot of Espresso
- Use an espresso machine to extract 2 oz (60ml) of espresso.
2️⃣ Steam the Half-and-Half
- Heat 4–6 oz (120–180ml) of half-and-half until smooth and velvety.
- Be careful not to overheat it, as half-and-half is more sensitive to high temperatures than milk.
3️⃣ Breathe It In
- ☕ Breathe it in. The scent of fresh coffee and warm cream is an invitation to awaken—not just the body, but the soul. That’s why we encourage you to take that extra second or two to pause and enjoy your coffee before drinking by smelling it and thinking, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
4️⃣ Pour the Steamed Half-and-Half Over the Espresso
- Slowly pour the steamed half-and-half into the espresso, ensuring a smooth and creamy blend.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
- A breve is best served in a small 5–6 oz (150–180ml) cup, allowing the rich flavors to shine.
Breve vs. Other Espresso Drinks
✔ Breve vs. Latte: A latte uses steamed milk, while a breve uses steamed half-and-half, making it thicker, creamier, and naturally sweeter.
✔ Breve vs. Cappuccino: A cappuccino has equal parts espresso, milk, and foam, while a breve is mostly rich, steamed half-and-half with a slight frothy top.
✔ Breve vs. Mocha: A mocha has chocolate added, while a breve focuses on pure espresso and creamy half-and-half.
Why Choose a Breve?
- For Those Who Love a Rich, Creamy Coffee Experience – A breve is naturally indulgent, making every sip feel luxurious.
- Naturally Sweet Without Sugar – Thanks to the cream content in half-and-half, a breve has a hint of natural sweetness, perfect for those who prefer unsweetened coffee.
- A Special Treat for Espresso Lovers – Whether as an occasional indulgence or a morning ritual, the breve is a coffee experience that stands out.
☕ Next Up: Café au Lait – The French Classic of Coffee & Steamed Milk
