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As a coffee lover, I’ve spent many mornings trying out new coffee drinks. Breve coffee is one of my favourites. It’s a rich and decadent treat that turns a simple shot of espresso into a creamy, lovely experience.
This article will explain what a cafe breve is, where it comes from, and how to make it at home. It’s great for people who are new to espresso-based drinks or just want to try something new.
What does a breve coffee mean?
You can call this drink breve coffee or breve latte. It is made with espresso and hot half-and-half instead of milk. Half-and-half has more fat than regular milk, so it has a richer, creamier texture than a cafe latte made with normal milk.
A short word from Italian, “breve” means “short.” Even though it’s not as well known as a latte or cappuccino, people who like the naturally sweet and rich taste of milk and cream together love it.
How Breve Coffee Came to Be:
The artistic change that led to the Breve coffee we enjoy today came from the traditional Italian latte. Italians have liked drinks like lattes and cappuccinos for a long time, but American coffee culture is all about coming up with new ideas and making things your own.
Most likely, half-and-half was first added to espresso drinks in the U.S., where people wanted stronger coffee drinks, which led to the creation of drinks like Breve lattes and iced Breve coffees. Over time, this creamy replacement became more popular in coffee shops around the world.
Why is it different?
This coffee is different because it is naturally sweet, so you don’t need to add sugar. The flavour is perfectly balanced when you mix high-quality coffee beans with half-and-half, which has a thicker, creamier texture.
Being different from other espresso drinks, Breve coffee tastes like a treat. It tastes and feels smoother than a latte or cappuccino, and it goes well with flavouring syrups or toppings like whipped cream. This is the ultimate treat for coffee fans, whether they drink it hot or cold as an iced breve.
What You Need for This Coffee
These things are needed to make a this coffee:
- 1 shot of espresso (made with good coffee beans)
- 1/2 cup of milk and cream
- flavoured syrups (like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut), whipped cream, and toppings like cinnamon or nutmeg are all extras that you can choose to add.
To make a great breve latte, you need to use fresh, ground coffee and steam the half-and-half until it’s the right consistency.
How to Make Breve Coffee, Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Get your tools ready.Set up an espresso machine or an espresso maker on the stove to begin. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use an Aeropress or French press instead, but the results will be better with an espresso maker.
2. Make the coffee.
Grind good coffee beans until they are very fine. For one shot of espresso, you’ll need about 1 tablespoon of ground coffee. Make the espresso and make sure it smells strong and good.
3. Steam the half-and-half.
You can put half-and-half into a bowl that is foaming. For hot and foamy coffee, use the steam brush on your espresso machine. Aim for a thickness that is creamy and a little thicker.
4. Mix with food and serve
Add the hot half-and-half slowly to your favourite mug after adding the espresso. Mix everything together slowly.
5. Add toppings (not required)
Add whipped cream or flavoured syrup to your breve tea to make it better. For a cosy touch, add some cinnamon on top.

Breve Coffee
Ingredients
- Espresso double shot, about 2 ounces
- Half-and-half about 5 to 6 ounces
- Optional: flavored syrup or spices for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Espresso: Brew a double shot of espresso using a quality dark roast coffee.
- Steam the Half-and-Half: Heat the half-and-half until it is hot and lightly frothy, being careful not to overheat or overly foam.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the hot steamed half-and-half over the espresso in a pre-warmed mug. Stir gently to blend.
- Garnish (Optional): Add a dash of flavored syrup or a sprinkle of spices like cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
Notes
Different Types of Breve Coffee
1. Iced Breve
2. Flavored Breve
3. Seasonal Breve Drinks
Start with Fresh Ingredients
Choose High-Quality Beans
Perfect the Frothing Technique
Pair it with a Pastry
Breve Latte vs. Café Latte
Breve Coffee vs. Cappuccino
Breve Coffee vs. Flat White
Syrup Pairings
Decadent Toppings
Infused Half-and-Half
1. Can you make a breve with regular coffee?
Yes, use strong-brewed coffee and steamed half-and-half for a creamy twist.
2. How do you make a breve coffee at home?
Brew espresso, steam half-and-half, and combine them in a mug.
3. How do you make a breve latte coffee?
Follow the same steps as a breve coffee but use more half-and-half for a latte texture.
4. When did coffee shops start using Breve?
Breve became popular in U.S. coffee shops in the mid-20th century.
5. Which coffee shop sells Breve?
Most chains like Starbucks and local cafes offer breve upon request.
6. What is a breve coffee?
Breve coffee is an espresso drink made with steamed half-and-half instead of milk.
7. Is breve coffee healthier than a latte?
It is creamier but contains more calories and fat than a latte.
8. Can Breve coffee be iced?
Yes, iced coffee is made by pouring espresso and cold half-and-half over ice.
9. Does Breve coffee need sugar?
No, half-and-half’s natural sweetness eliminates the need for added sugar.
10. What are good toppings for Breve coffee?
Whipped cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, or flavored syrups enhance its richness.