What Is A Breve Coffee？
Breve
Breve (short for “caffè breve” in Italian, also known as Breve Latte or Café Breve in some regions) is a rich American espresso-based drink that replaces regular milk with steamed half-and-half (a 1:1 blend of whole milk and heavy cream). The result is an exceptionally creamy, velvety texture with a luxurious mouthfeel and slightly sweeter profile compared to a standard latte.
4 mins
Easy
Hot
4.9 stars
Ingredients
- 1–2 shots of espresso (30–60 ml)
- 180–220 ml half-and-half (half whole milk + half heavy cream)
Directions
1. Pull one or two shots of fresh espresso into a preheated 240–300 ml cup.
2. Pour the half-and-half into a steaming pitcher and steam to 60–70 °C (140–158 °F). Create a smooth, glossy microfoam — the higher fat content produces an especially silky texture with minimal large bubbles.
3. Begin pouring the steamed half-and-half from a moderate height to mix with the espresso, then lower the pitcher close to the surface to create a thin, creamy foam cap.
4. Optional: finish with very light latte art if desired; the natural richness often needs no additional sweetening.
5. Serve immediately.
Tip
Because half-and-half contains 10–18 % fat (versus 3.5 % in whole milk), a breve highlights the espresso’s caramel and nutty notes while softening acidity dramatically. For an even more decadent treat, many cafés offer a “double breve” using only heavy cream — perfect for those rare mornings when you want coffee that feels like dessert in a cup.
