Want a more decadent coffee experience? Go beyond lattes and cappuccinos and try Breve coffee. Unlike classic Italian espresso-based coffee drinks, Breve coffee is an American, super-decadent drink made with espresso and half-and-half. This wonderfully rich drink has different names, such as Caffé Breve or Breve Latte. Despite its Italian name, it is not part of Italian coffee culture. Coffee lovers like to consume it as a dessert drink at any time of the day. Even without an espresso machine, you can simply create it at home. Discover what Breve coffee is and how to prepare it at home by reading on!

What is Breve Coffee?

Breve is a decadently rich coffee that combines an espresso (one or two shots) with streamed half (half whole milk and half cream) instead of whole milk. The topping is made of skimmed milk foam.

Breve coffee

Letter coffee

Espresso + half and half recipe

Coffee roasting: Dark roast with strong flavor

Brew time 10 minutes

Tastes super creamy and rich

Milk fat between 10 and 12%

Caffeine 80-120 mg

Calories 74 kcal (5 oz.)

Served in a latte, gibraltar or cortado glass

How to make Breve coffee at home?

Making a rich Caffè Breve at home is very simple. All you need is high quality coffee, half and half, and an espresso machine. A French press, manual espresso machine or Moka pot can be a good alternative if you don’t have access to an espresso machine at home. Heat and froth to half and mix with a single or double shot of espresso to make Breve coffee. Here is the step-by-step process for making it at home.

Step-by-step instructions for making Breve coffee at home:

Snacking on a rich, creamy coffee beverage in the comfort of your own home is only three steps away. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Prepare the espresso

The first step in making Breve coffee is to make a single or double espresso with finely ground coffee.

For Breve, prepare one or two espresso shots with an espresso machine, depending on how strong you want the drink to be.

Step 2: Steam or foam to half

In the next step, you must first steam half of it and then froth it with a steam wand or a milk frother. It is recommended to use a steam wand to obtain a silky smooth texture thanks to the dry steam injected into the cold milk.

Pour 2 ounces of half-and-half into a cup and heat until the temperature reaches about 140℉ to 160℉. Allow to foam and set.

Use a spoon to hold the frothed milk in the frother.

Step 3: Mix espresso and half

The final step is to create your drink by combining strong espresso and rich espresso.

Pour the espresso into the latte or cortado glass and pour half as slowly as possible over the top.

Then spoon over the reserved milk foam. If you want to add even more style, sprinkle cocoa powder or any other topping on top.

Common questions

What distinguishes a latte from Breve coffee?

The main difference between the Caffé Breve and the standard latte is the type of dairy products used in both drinks. Breve combines espresso and half-and-half, while a traditional café latte is made with whole milk and espresso.

What is the ratio of dairy to espresso for Caffé Breve?

When making Breve coffee, always stick to the 1:1 ratio. By doubling the milk content, the powerful taste of the espresso is weakened.

What does Breve coffee taste like?

Breve is a delicious American latte with a rich and creamy taste with milky sweetness. No extra sugar is necessary, but some Breve fans add sweet syrup when they want a decadent treat.

What’s in a Letter at Dutch Bros and Starbucks?

When you order a Breve at Starbucks, you get a half and half steamed cup. At Dutch Bros, a letter refers to a latte made with steamed semi-cream

EQUIPMENT

1. 1 espresso machine

2. 1 milk frother

3. 1 spoon

4. One glass of cortado or Gibraltar to be served

INGREDIENTS

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• 2 oz espresso finely ground

• 2 ounces of half and half

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the espresso. Prepare a single or double espresso with finely ground coffee.

2. Steam or foam half and half. Pour 2 ounces of half-and-half into a cup and heat until the temperature reaches about 140℉ to 160℉. Allow to foam and set.

3. Mix espresso and half-and-half. Using a spoon to hold back the frothed milk in the frother, pour the espresso into the cortado or Gibraltar glass and gently pour the half and half over it.

Then spoon over the reserved milk foam. If you want to add even more style, sprinkle cocoa powder or any other topping on top.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS

Making the perfect breve starts with two essential ingredients: espresso and half-and-half. The espresso has to be top class – we’re talking rich, bold and full of personality. This will be much darker than your typical light roast coffee. Here is another blog post if you want to learn more about the differences between light, medium and dark roast coffee.

Whether you’re a fan of dark roasts with chocolate notes or something with a hint of fruitiness, choose a bean that you really like. Then it’s half-and-half. This velvety hero is what elevates an ordinary espresso to a smooth breve.

Good ingredients don’t just make a good recipe; They make it unforgettable.

THE TASTE

Breve coffee is a mixture of flavors in a cup. The focus is on the boldness of the espresso, rich and impressive. Next comes the half-and-half, which softens the edges of the espresso with its creamy, smooth texture.

This combination gives a luxurious and balanced taste – not too bitter, not too sweet. It provides a deeper, more enjoyable taste experience. For everyone who likes creamy coffee, Breve has the right notes.

HOME BREWING EASY

For those who have never made Breve coffee at home, here are some simple steps to ensure the coffee is delicious even if you don’t have an espresso machine or steamer:

1. Choose quality coffee: Start with high-quality gourmet coffee. If there is no espresso machine, use a strong brew from a drip coffee maker, French press or even an Aeropress as a substitute.

2. Heat the half and half: Heat your half and half on the stove or in the microwave. Too little foam: whisk vigorously or use a hand whisk.

3. Pouring technique: Gently mix the coffee and heat it halfway. Aim for a slow, steady pour to mix them evenly.

4. Adjust the ratio: Experiment with different ratios of coffee to creamer until you find the perfect balance. Don’t be afraid to add a touch of your favorite flavors too.

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