How to Make Breve Coffee like a Barista at Home!

Have you ever wondered about a creamier version of a latte? Breve coffee surely makes you smile. Breve coffee is simply espresso intertwined with steamed half-and-half milk to make a deliciously creamy and sweet cup of joe. The combination produces a light yet creamy Latte-like drink with a velvety texture and luxurious feel. 

What is a Breve Coffee Drink

Breve coffee is an espresso-based drink that uses a steamed half-and-half swirl in espresso shots, much more like a café latte. It has many identity names like caffè breve, breve latte, or simply breve. First, it originated in America (the Pacific Northwest, known for its coffee culture) and has roots in Italy as it is slightly different from the Italian Latte. We can say that the breve latte is the American version of the classic Italian caffè latte. The Breve latte has a creamy, fluffy, velvety texture from microfoam packed with many heavenly flavors.

Inside Dope

Inside Dope OF breve latte

Coffee is science. If you expect to brew coffee consistently, you must do it accurately. Especially when you brew using a manual method, every drop of water is measured by a scale. These scales were created with incredible accuracy, not without reason. Precision weight and time make the coffee you enjoy taste more delicious. Oh yes, accuracy gives results that are close to perfect.

Breve vs. Latte

breve vs latte

Unlike traditional latte made with whole milk, breve coffee’s combination of half-and-half and espresso gives it a thicker consistency and creamier taste. It has fewer calories than traditional lattes, making it a healthier option for those looking for a healthier alternative to a regular latte. 

A cup of caffè breve has a creamy and thick taste from the half-and-half used to prepare this drink. The decadence is balanced well with the intense, bold flavors of espresso shots. You can foam, steam the milk, or add a single or double shot of espresso. There is no fuss about that. On the other hand, Latte is espresso-based like a breve, but it uses a large amount of steamed or frothed milk instead of fancier steamed half-and-half.

The milk used for latte can be low-fat or full-fat or comes from any origin: cow’s milk, oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or other. Unlike a breve that is made with animal-based milk, you can create a dairy-free latte without affecting its flavor.

A latte has three key ingredients: steamed milk, the thin foam layer, and espresso. Both are espresso-based, and that’s where the similarity ends. In short, A caffè breve uses half-and-half milk instead of whole milk to make a fluffier drink.

In terms of taste, a latte tends to be lighter and smoother, while a breve is thicker and creamier.

What is Half-and-half Milk?

If you ever wonder what half-and-half is, the name itself is the answer! Half-and-half is a blend of whole milk and cream in an equal ratio (1:1). It is the main ingredient in whipping up a creamy, rich, delicious concoction that tastes indulgent and luxurious. 

Can I make Half-and-half at Home?

Since half-and-half is just a mixture of milk and cream, you can make it yourself! You must mix equal parts of whole milk and cream, put the mixture in a jar with a lid, and shake it a bit. That’s it! It might end up separating slightly when you add it to your coffee because it didn’t go through the homogenizing process, but it is barely noticeable _ don’t worry about that! If you don’t have heavy cream at home, add a tablespoon of butter (of course, melted!) to a cup of milk to achieve the same consistency as half-and-half and milk-fat content. 

Two Ways to make Breve Coffee

Two Ways to make Breve Coffee

There are many ways to make a breve coffee, but hot and cold breve are the most popular. Hot breve is made with steamed half-and-half and espresso shots, while cold breve is made with cold half-and-half and ice. 

Reasons to Adore it!

  • Latte in rich form _ Espresso combined with half-and-half is thicker and creamier than traditional latte. Espresso with velvety half-and-half adds high notes of flavors in breve. 
  • Unmatched consistency _ Half-and-half is thicker, and its velvety texture is much more buttery than that of whole and skim milk. 
  • Paradise for Coffee lovers _ Breve’s added creaminess is for coffee drinkers who want the indulgent and bold flavor of a regular latte. 
  • Make luxury coffee at home _ If you are not willing to drink restaurant coffee anymore, you can make a calm, silky, smooth, and luxurious coffee that glides over your taste buds!

Equipment

  • Espresso machine 
  • Milk pitcher 
  • 6-ounce latte serving cup (or cappuccino Cup, Gibraltar, flat white cup, or Cortado glass)

Diamond Ingredients to Take

Diamond Ingredients to Take
  1. Espresso shot: A single or double shot works fine in Breve, so there is no restriction on espresso. I pull out a single shot of espresso, but it depends on whether you like it bold or mild. I am using dark roast ground arabica coffee beans to make the espresso. 
  2. Half-and-half: The star of this breve latte is half-and-half. Two ounces of half-and-half for making a happy Joe. 

Step by Step Guide to make Breve Coffee

Making of breve coffee is categorized into three parts

Step by Step Guide to make Breve Coffee

The first step is to use an espresso machine to make a single or double shot of espresso with dark roast, finely ground arabica beans. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can make the espresso shots with an AeroPress, Moka pot, French press, or Wacaco Picopresso.

Steam the half-and-half until it is light and foamy. The steamed half-and-half should reach 150 degrees Fahrenheit. You can froth with a Handheld frother, French press, Pump frother, or balloon whisk over the stovetop (without boiling). The best method is to steam the milk with a wand, as the steam injected into the half-and-half creates a silky, smooth microfoam on top.

The most exciting final step is to couple the espresso and half-and-half. Pour the steamed half-and-half over the espresso while holding the microfoam with a spoon. Add the microfoam on top, and enjoy!

A Refreshing Twist

Sometimes, people need the refreshing taste of hot beverages. If you want to try breve coffee as a cool treat, make iced breve. Brew your espresso and let it cool. Fill a glass with ice and pour espresso and steamed chilled half-and-half. Stir, sweeten, and sip the cold breve. 

How it Taste?

Breve latte tastes like a sip of creamy, velvety drink, adored with the bold espresso flavor. It is thicker and creamier than a latte in taste. The half-and-half gives you a luxurious flavor, and the espresso flavor balances the overall high-profile flavor. 

Classic Variations

  • Honey can be drizzled over the breve to hit the natural sweet notes.
  • Vanilla in coffee feels like a delicious aroma, so give it a try!
  • A swish of Cinnamon powder is so good to smell and gives the breve a precious sweet flavor.
  • Melted or Chocolate garnish in coffee is perfect for chocolate coffee lovers. 
  • Caramel can be drizzled on top to make the delight extra special!

Exceptional Variations

  • Pumpkin spice can be mixed while preparing the breve for a warm autumn mood.
  • Maple syrup makes your coffee sweet with a unique flavor profile. 
  • Lavender syrup can be added to your breve, giving an aesthetic and distinctive aroma.

Foods to Couple With!

  • Bread _ You can pair the rich, creamy breve latte with Croissant, waffles, Bagels, Coffee cake, or Donuts. Cinnamon rolls are so delicious with coffee.
  • Berries _ The tart flavor of berries complements velvety coffee well. 
  • Savory dishes_ smoked salmon and scrambled eggs are best to pair with a coffee cup.

Expert Tips to Consider

  • The choice of espresso coffee beans is all yours. I am using dark roast arabica beans that are finely ground to give my coffee a strong flavor. Medium roast beans go well in making the espresso for lighter notes. You can also use strong-brewed coffee in place of espresso. 
  • If you aren’t a fan of caffeinated coffee, you can use decaffeinated espresso to make the brew. Decaf or decaffeinated coffee has most of the caffeine removed.
  • Espresso extraction time may differ depending on the choice of beans. In most cases, it takes 25-30 seconds, but you can experiment with different extracting times to achieve your desired level. 
  • The temperature while steaming half-and-half is most important. The best temperature to steam your half-and-half is around 150-160 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are steaming the half-and-half on the stovetop using a whisk, then you should avoid it reaching the boiling temperature as it curdles when it reaches that point. Steam or froth it warm.
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Breve Coffee

How to make Breve Coffee


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  • Author: Emily Jane
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 3-ounce drink 1x

Description

Have you ever wondered about a creamier version of a latte? Breve coffee surely makes you smile. Breve coffee is simply espresso intertwined with steamed half-and-half milk to make a deliciously creamy and sweet cup of joe. The combination produces a light yet creamy Latte-like drink with a velvety texture and luxurious feel.

What is Breve Coffee?

Breve coffee is an espresso-based drink that uses a steamed half-and-half swirl in espresso shots, much more like a café latte. It has many identity names like caffè breve, breve latte, or simply breve. First, it originated in America (the Pacific Northwest, known for its coffee culture) and has roots in Italy as it is slightly different from the Italian Latte. We can say that the breve latte is the American version of the classic Italian caffè latte. The Breve latte has a creamy, fluffy, velvety texture from microfoam packed with many heavenly flavors.


Ingredients

Scale
  • Single shot espresso
  • 2 ounces half-and-half

Instructions

Making of breve coffee is categorized into three parts:

  1. Pull Out Espresso: The first step is to use an espresso machine to make a single or double shot of espresso with dark roast, finely ground arabica beans. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can make the espresso shots with an AeroPress, Moka pot, French press, or Wacaco Picopresso. 

  2. Steam or Froth Half-and-half: Steam the half-and-half until it is light and foamy. The steamed half-and-half should reach 150 degrees Fahrenheit. You can froth with a Handheld frother, French press, Pump frother, or balloon whisk over the stovetop (without boiling). The best method is to steam the milk with a wand, as the steam injected into the half-and-half creates a silky, smooth microfoam on top.

  3. Couple the Espresso and Half-and-Half: The most exciting final step is to couple the espresso and half-and-half. Pour the steamed half-and-half over the espresso while holding the microfoam with a spoon. Add the microfoam on top, and enjoy!

Notes

  • The choice of espresso coffee beans is all yours. I am using dark roast arabica beans that are finely ground to give my coffee a strong flavor. Medium roast beans go well in making the espresso for lighter notes. You can also use strong-brewed coffee in place of espresso.
  • If you aren’t a fan of caffeinated coffee, you can use decaffeinated espresso to make the brew. Decaf or decaffeinated coffee has most of the caffeine removed.
  • Espresso extraction time may differ depending on the choice of beans. In most cases, it takes 25-30 seconds, but you can experiment with different extracting times to achieve your desired level.
  • The temperature while steaming half-and-half is most important. The best temperature to steam your half-and-half is around 150-160 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are steaming the half-and-half on the stovetop using a whisk, then you should avoid it reaching the boiling temperature as it curdles when it reaches that point. Steam or froth it warm.
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Category: Drinks
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3-ounce drink
  • Calories: 79
  • Sugar: 0.1g
  • Sodium: 25mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.3g
  • Carbohydrates: 2.6g
  • Protein: 1.8g
  • Cholesterol: 22mg

Calories in Breve Coffee

FAQ’s for This Breve Coffee

My breve does not appear creamy enough; what can I do?

Use fresh steamed half-and-half using the steam wand. Whisk the half-and-half if you are using a stovetop without boiling it. Make sure that bubbles are small instead of large, and bulky bubbles form in half-and-half. 

What is the meaning of breve coffee?

Breve means “Short” in Latin. It is called breve coffee because it is taken in small quantities due to its heavy, creamy texture and fat content. 

What is the difference between breve and latte?

Unlike traditional latte, which is made with whole milk, the combination of half-and-half and espresso in breve coffee gives it a thicker consistency and creamier taste.

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