What is a Breve Coffee? Recipe, Comparison & Taste

A cup of breve is like wrapping yourself in a cashmere sweater on a breezy autumn morning. Its creamy richness takes it beyond the ordinary with espresso and steamed half-and-half. Breve is like the fancier, frothier sibling of regular joe, enhancing the coffee experience with its velvety texture and distinctive flavor.

Welcome to the caffeinated corner of my blog where I share wonderful coffee updates be it how to find the most caffeinated drink at Starbucks or my ideas for making delicious cowboy-style coffee. Since I am also a coffee enthusiast, I completely understand the desire to enjoy classic favorites while uncovering new flavors at the same time. My Breve coffee recipe will let you prepare a yummy caffeinated treat at home.

What Is a Breve Coffee?

Breve coffee, often referred to as a caffè breve, is an American twist on the traditional Italian latte. It is made with a shot or two of espresso and steamed half-and-half instead of milk. This combination results in a rich, creamy beverage with a velvety texture that is more indulgent than a regular latte. The term “breve” means “short” in Italian, but in this context, it refers to the use of half-and-half, which is a blend of equal parts cream (heavy cream) and half whole milk.

The higher fat content in the half-and-half lends a rich, creamy texture and a subtly sweet taste to the coffee. The half-and-half also adds a deeper and more indulgent touch to the drink, while espresso brings that delightful coffee taste and aroma. Its velvety consistency and delicious foam create a smooth, thick beverage, offering a luxurious and indulgent experience that coffee aficionados cherish.

One lesser-known fact about Breve is that it has a naturally sweeter flavor profile minimizing the need for added sugars or syrups. This is due to the higher lactose content in half-and-half compared to regular milk. When steamed, the lactose breaks down into simpler sugars, enhancing the drink’s inherent sweetness and making it a perfect caffeinated drink for those who prefer their coffee on the naturally sweeter side without extra sweeteners.

Customization Tips To Enhance Your Breve

Make the Most of Flavors and Spices

• Vanilla Breve: Add a splash of vanilla syrup to your espresso before combining it with the steamed half-and-half for a sweet, aromatic twist.
• Caramel Breve: Drizzle caramel syrup into the espresso and stir well. Top with a little extra caramel drizzles over the foam for a rich, buttery flavor.
• Hazelnut Breve: Incorporate hazelnut syrup into your espresso to infuse a nutty, toasty flavor that complements the creamy half-and-half beautifully.
• Seasonal Spices: Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice into the half-and-half while steaming to create a warm, seasonal beverage perfect for colder months.

Milk Alternatives:

• Almond Milk Breve: Substitute half-and-half with almond milk to create a nutty, slightly sweet version of the classic breve. Adding plant-based milk might dilute the intensity of coffee and reduce the acidic taste. Keep in mind that it won’t be as creamy as the traditional version.
• Coconut Milk Breve: Use coconut milk for a tropical twist. The natural sweetness and creamy texture make for a delightful variation.

Toppings:

• Whipped Cream: Top your breve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Chocolate Shavings: Grate some dark or milk chocolate over the foam for a decadent finish.
• Crushed Nuts: Sprinkle crushed almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans on top for added texture and flavor.

Prepare Cold Breve:

• Iced Breve: Brew the espresso and let it cool. Pour it over ice, then add the steamed and frothy half-and-half for a refreshing, chilled version.
• Blended Breve: Combine cooled espresso, half-and-half, ice, and a flavored syrup of your choice in a blender. Blend until smooth for a frosty, frappe-like treat.

Comparison with Other Coffee Drinks

The purpose of comparing espresso-based drinks is to help you gain a deeper understanding of the different options available at coffee shops. Each coffee beverage mentioned here uses different types of milk or cream, espresso ratios, coffee beans types and roast, and preparation techniques and offers distinct flavors and mouthfeel.

Breve vs Latte

Latte or caffè latte – a delightful combination of espresso and whole milk or frothed 2% milk is a popular choice among coffee lovers. True lattes contain one or two shots of espresso, steamed milk, and a thin layer of frothed milk with intricate latte art on top. While the coffee flavor is still present, it is heavily masked by the sweet milk, making the latte a top choice for new coffee lovers.

It is important to understand what is breve latte so that next time at a coffee shop you don’t mix your order – as breve taste is much different from traditional lattes. Here are the key differences between a usual latte and a breve latte:

• Milk Choice and Texture: The primary difference between a breve and a latte lies in the milk used. A breve is made with steamed half-and-half, which results in a richer, creamier texture due to the high-fat content. In contrast, a latte uses steamed whole milk or 2% milk, giving it a lighter and smoother consistency.
• Flavor Profile: Because of the half-and-half, a breve has a naturally sweeter and more intense flavor, while a latte has a more refined sweetness and a lighter mouthfeel. Overall, caffè breve and latte differ primarily in their ingredients and taste.

Mocha vs Breve

There are many different interpretations of the mocha across the world, but the basic idea is that espresso is combined with chocolate powder or syrup, followed by milk or cream. Basically, it is a latte variant, consisting of 1/3 espresso and 2/3 steamed milk. One of the widely loved espresso-based drinks that offers the perfect blend of caffeine and cocoa that stimulates your taste buds.

Major differences between cafe breve and mocha are:

• Ingredients: A breve consists of espresso and steamed half-and-half, whereas a mocha includes espresso, steamed milk (usually whole or 2%), and chocolate syrup or cocoa powder. The mocha’s addition of chocolate provides a distinct, sweet, and rich chocolate flavor that a breve does not have.
• Sweetness Level: While a breve is naturally sweet due to the half-and-half, a mocha is typically much sweeter due to the added chocolate. Mochas are often topped with chocolate shavings, whipped cream or sprinkles, making it a dessert-like coffee beverage.

Cappuccino vs Breve

A cappuccino is a popular espresso-based hot coffee drink that is layered with espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk on top. In terms of taste, cappuccinos are creamy, smooth, and balanced. A perfect cappuccino will have a stronger intense coffee flavor as well as a creamier mouthfeel due to more air present in the milk foam.

Here are the key differences you can feel after trying breve coffee vs. a cappuccino:

• Foam Ratio: A cappuccino is traditionally made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, creating a balanced texture with a significant amount of froth. In contrast, a breve has a thicker, creamier texture with less foam, due to the use of half-and-half instead of milk.
• Density and Richness: The use of half-and-half in a breve gives it a much richer and denser consistency compared to the lighter and airier texture of a cappuccino, which uses milk.

Flat White vs Breve

A flat white is a coffee drink made up of micro-foamed milk and espresso. This microfoam is made of steamed milk infused with air, resulting in a smooth, velvety texture and a creamy flavor. The espresso flavor is much stronger in flat whites because there is only half the amount of milk compared to a latte. However, there is still a balanced amount of sweetness that pairs well with strong coffee notes because the milk is steamed.

A flat white differs from a caffe breve in the following ways:

• Milk and Microfoam: A flat white is made with espresso and steamed milk, but what sets it apart is the use of microform – steamed milk with very fine, velvety bubbles. A breve, on the other hand, uses steamed half-and-half, resulting in a thicker, creamier beverage with a more luxurious mouthfeel.
• Flavor Intensity: Due to the use of half-and-half, a breve has a more intense and indulgent flavor compared to the smoother, subtler taste of a flat white, which relies on the natural sweetness of the milk and the fine microfoam for its distinctive texture.

Overall Nutrition and Important Health Considerations

A breve latte or Caffé Breve contains more calories and fat than a classic latte because of the addition of half-and-half in place of whole milk. A standard 12-ounce (350 ml) breve can contain anywhere from 300 to 500 calories, whereas a similar-sized latte made with whole milk typically contains 150 to 250 calories. Compared to a cafe latte made with milk, a breve notably contains higher amounts of fat and cholesterol. A 12-ounce (350ml) breve can contain around 20-30 grams of fat, compared to a latte made with whole milk, which has about 8-12 grams of fat.

The sugar and carbohydrate content in a breve can vary widely based on the addition of sweeteners and flavored syrups. For numerous coffee enthusiasts, the richness of a caffè breve is satisfying on its own, often eliminating the need for additional sweeteners. It is best to not add sweeteners in breve if you are watching your calorie intake.

While a cup of cafe breve offers a delicious and richer taste, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie and fat content. To enjoy the health benefits of coffee without any side effects, consider the following alternatives:

• Use low-fat or non-dairy milk alternatives.
• Opt for natural sweeteners like honey or stevia instead of sugary syrups.
• Enjoy a smaller serving size to keep calorie consumption in check.

By balancing indulgence and mindful eating you can enjoy your breve while maintaining a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Prepare Steamed Half and Half the Same Way I do Steamed Milk?

Yes, you can prepare steamed half-and-half the same way you steam milk, but keep the following in mind. The higher fat content makes half and half prone to scalding, so be careful about the temperature. Aim to steam half-and-half to a slightly lower temperature than you would for milk. Due to its higher fat content, half-and-half will produce a thicker, creamier froth compared to milk. Start by positioning the steam wand just below the surface to introduce air and create a microfoam. Lastly, keep a close eye on the steaming process to avoid overheating.

What Is in a Breve at Dutch Bros and Starbucks?

At Starbucks, a breve refers to any espresso-based drink made with half-and-half instead of milk. You can order a breve version of any coffee drink like latte, cappuccino, or flat white. On the other hand, Dutch Bros offers specific breve drinks on their menu, such as the “Golden Eagle Breve,” which is made with half-and-half, espresso, vanilla syrup, and caramel sauce. These drinks are often pre-designed and named. When you order a Breve at Starbucks, you are typically served a cup filled with steamed half-and-half. While at Dutch Bros, the term “Breve” means: a latte crafted with steamed half cream and half instead of the usual whole milk.

Is Breve Coffee Strong?

Yes, it is considered strong because of its espresso base. A single shot of espresso contains a significant amount of caffeine compared to the same volume of brewed coffee. While the half-and-half used in caffè breve adds creaminess and richness, it doesn’t dilute the strength of the espresso significantly. Instead, it enhances the texture and adds a natural sweetness. The number of espresso shots used to prepare one cup of caffè breve defines the total caffeine content. A standard breve with one or two shots of espresso will have the same caffeine content as a similar latte or cappuccino, which also uses espresso as the base.

Is a Breve Sweeter Than Other Espresso-Based Drinks?

Yes, a breve is generally sweeter than other espresso-based coffee drinks because it uses steamed half-and-half instead of milk. The higher fat content and natural sugars in half-and-half contribute to a richer, creamier texture and a subtly sweet flavor, making the overall drink taste sweeter even without the addition of extra sweeteners.

What Should I Get Breve Latte Or Regular Latte?

Breve and latte are both espresso-based drinks popular among coffee fans. However, one might prefer a breve latte over a hot or iced latte primarily for its richer and creamier texture. The use of half-and-half in a breve latte adds a velvety and rich quality that enhances the espresso’s flavor, creating a more luxurious and satisfying drink. This contrast in texture and flavor makes the breve latte a favored choice for those seeking a strong coffee experience compared to the lighter, more refreshing taste of an iced latte made with whole milk.

What Flavors Taste Good in a Breve?

Classic options like vanilla, caramel, and hazelnut add sweetness and depth without overpowering the coffee’s boldness. For a more indulgent treat, consider chocolate or mocha flavors, which harmonize with the velvety half-and-half for a decadent experience. Additionally, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg usually added in a chai latte can be used to enhance the warmth and flavor of a breve coffee. In conclusion, the best flavors in a breve are those that balance the creaminess of the half-and-half with the robustness of the espresso.

What Is the Difference Between a Latte and a Cortado?

The main difference between a latte and a cortado is in composition and flavor profile. A latte is made with a shot or two of espresso and a significant amount of steamed milk, topped with a layer of foam, creating a creamy, milky beverage with a subtle coffee flavor. In contrast, a cortado combines equal parts espresso and steamed milk without the foam, resulting in a smaller drink with a more pronounced coffee flavor. The cortado’s balanced ratio of espresso to milk provides a robust, rich coffee experience that highlights the espresso’s intensity while maintaining a smooth, velvety texture.

Conclusion

To sum it up, breve latte or café breve is a great choice for those looking for strong yet creamy coffee beverages. It offers an indulgent coffee experience without much effort. You can share it with loved ones or enjoy it alone. The creamy breve offers a comforting escape, whether prepared at home or bought from coffee shops. Remember, while the richness of breve adds to its creamier taste, you need to be mindful of calorie count and extra sugar content.

A detailed comparison between different espresso drink(s) is provided to help you choose the best one according to personal preference. When deciding between a caffè breve, latte, or mocha, do consider the available choices to craft a beverage that perfectly matches your taste preferences and dietary needs.

I have also suggested numerous customization options like alternative milks, flavored syrups and more in this post. The breve latte will appeal to espresso coffee lovers due to its unique combination of bold espresso and creamy half-and-half. I’d love to hear from you! Please leave your comments, questions, or any personal experiences with breve in the section below.