Breve Coffee Drink: A Must Try Indulgence

Longing for a creamy yet robust coffee? The breve coffee drink hits the perfect balance. It scrumptiously combines the strength of espresso and the velvety creaminess of half-and-half to give birth to a unique coffee genre called breve. This combination of bold espresso and creamy half-and-half is a must-try for any coffeeholic. It is something beyond the traditional lattes and cappuccinos; a dessert in a cup which is both fulfilling and energizing.

Breve coffee is made using one or two espresso shots and steamed half-and-half, offering a richer texture and a bit sweeter taste with a heavier body. Despite its luxurious taste and velvety feel, the breve coffee drink remains relatively underrated. But by the time you finish reading this guide, you’ll know what it is and how to make one at home. So, sip on!

What is a Breve Coffee Drink?

Also known by the name of café breve, it is a double or single shot of espresso combined with steamed half-and-half. And in case you don’t know what half-and-half is, it’s cream and milk in equal parts, and hence it gives a heavier body to your cup as compared to using milk alone as is done in other coffees generally.

In fact, a breve is the American take on the Italian latte but with half-and-half instead of milk. The half-and-half converts this coffee into an irresistible drink-cum-dessert for those who love a rich, velvety cup of coffee which is not just energizing but also fulfilling. Here’s a breakdown of what goes into a breve coffee drink and in what ratios:

• Espresso – one, two, or even three shots (the way you’d prefer)

• Steamed Half-and-Half – A 1:1 or 1:2 ratio of espresso to half-and-half

A breve coffee drink is typically enjoyed hot. But if you need a midday refresher along with a strong caffeine pump for the day ahead, the iced version of breve coffee is something out of the box.  One or two espresso shots chilled by pouring over ice with a cold but creamy half and half is nothing less than a scrumptious treat for your tastebuds.

Why Is It Called Breve?

Breve in Italian is used for something that is brief or small. The popular theory about this name is that it represents a comparatively small serving size of this beverage. Or perhaps it is because of the short time needed to prepare breve coffee that gives it this name.

However, although it takes its name from the Italian language, the beverage is believed to have originated in America. Italians do not use half-and-half in any of their coffees and they instead use steamed milk.

Is Breve Coffee Strong?

Yes, breve coffee is strong. However, the strength varies depending on how you’d like your cup to be made. For instance,  espresso-to-liquid ratio, the number of espresso shots you use (some even go for triple shots), the roasting level of beans, and the richness of half-and-half are some of the decisive factors. If you want a smoother, less bitter taste, our barista recommends roasting the beans gently. But if you are a classic coffee lover, we recommend a darker roast for a bit of bitter undertones.

Breve is often made with a single or double shot; the former is not very strong as compared to the latter. A double shot of espresso makes your cup as strong as a traditional double shot espresso, but with less bitterness due to half-and-half.

Breve Coffee Drink Nutrition

A breve coffee drink is equal parts of espresso and steamed half-and-half. The latter adds to both the calories and fat. Similarly, caffeine count is decided by whether you’d like a single or a double shot. Let’s see how the numbers vary with the shots:

Caffeine Impact

• Single-shot 8-oz breve contains 63 mg caffeine
• Double shot 12 oz breve contains 126 mg caffeine
• Triple shot 16 oz breve contains 189 mg caffeine

Macronutrient Breakdown

Here’s a macronutrient breakdown of a traditional 8-oz (240 ml) breve coffee drink with a single shot of espresso.

If you go for two shots of espresso, caffeine, fat, and calories will increase by 50 to 60%. A breve coffee drink takes its dairy content in equal parts from whole milk and heavy cream

• It is best for high-fat diets and keto.
• It is a bit high in calories, delivering around 25-30 kcal per ounce.
• Contains more fat than protein because of its 3:1 fat-to-protein ratio.

In short, although a breve coffee drink can be enjoyed for occasional indulgence when you’re craving a richer, more robust cup. However, it isn’t a healthy choice if you are on a hunt for low-calorie or low-caffeine options.

What is the Difference Between a Breve and a Latte?

The main difference between the two genres stems from the difference of milk used. A breve is made using half-and-half, while a latte is made with steamed milk, and that is why the latter has a lighter body. Below is an in-depth account of how they differ, whether it is the taste, nutrition, ingredients, or the feel.

How to Make Breve Coffee at Home?

Don’t feel like heading to a café but craving a rich and robust cup of coffee? The best thing about a breve coffee drink is that it is easy to make at home and requires just a few ingredients. Below is a step-by-step guide for an easy homemade recipe for a breve coffee drink.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 shots of espresso, based on how strong you want your coffee
• ½ cup half-and-half, equal proportions of milk and cream
• Syrup is optional based on your preference: vanilla, caramel, or any other of your choice.

For equipment, you’ll need an espresso machine or manual espresso, or you can also use a moka pot instead. If you’re using whole beans, you’ll need a coffee grinder, a milk frother, or a steam wand.

Step-by-Step Guide

• Brewing

Using an espresso machine or a moka pot, brew your espresso. You can go for a single or double shot. (or even a triple shot for an extra caffeine boost)

• Steam and Frothing

Steam the half-and-half and, if needed, use a frother for more foam. You can either heat it in a steamer to 150-160°F, froth it, and let it set.

Or, you can heat it on the stove and whisk it using a frother.

• Mixing:

Add espresso to a cup and gradually pour half-and-half while mixing gently. Keep some foam to be used later for topping.

Optionally, add a syrup of your choice, or you can also add honey or sugar for some added sweetness.

Hunting for more out of the box scrumptious blends? Try our simple, homemade iced dirty chai latte that combines chai with latte, served over iced for a perfect refresher.