What Is a Breve? How It's Made
If you’re someone who tends to order the same thing every time you go out for coffee, it’s never too late to broaden your horizons. Instead of ordering another latte, try something a little more unique — for instance, what about a breve?
A breve is an espresso drink that’s similar to a classic latte but with more volume. If you’re still not sure about switching coffee orders, read on to find out whether a breve is your perfect match.
What Is a Breve?
A breve is a delicious coffee concoction that combines espresso with heated half-and-half. Because it uses half-and-half instead of milk, it has a rich, velvety texture that makes it stand out from any other drink on the espresso menu.
Breves are creamy and luxurious, and they’re also a touch sweeter than other espresso drinks. The fat in the half-and-half enhances the flavor of the espresso, basically turning your drink into a coffee-flavored dessert. You’ll also notice a silky layer of foam on the top of your breve, which is a side effect of steaming the half-and-half.
Here’s how breves compare to other common espresso drinks:
- Breve vs. Latte: While both are made with espresso, lattes use steamed milk, making them lighter and less rich than a breve.
- Breve vs. Cappuccino: Cappuccinos emphasize airy milk foam, whereas breves focus on a smooth, creamy blend with less emphasis on foam.
- Breve vs. Flat White: Flat whites use whole milk and focus on a creamy but not heavy texture, whereas a breve is thicker and more indulgent.
How Can You Make a Breve at Home?
If you’re craving a breve, you could just head over to your local coffee shop and order one there. Most cafes will have a breve on their menu because it’s a classic espresso drink.
However, if you don’t live near a coffee shop or you’re just too cozy to leave the house, (hey, we get it!), you can try making a breve at home. The good news is that breves are not just delicious — they’re also pretty easy to make! Here’s our fool-proof recipe for the perfect breve.
Ingredients
- Espresso: Brew one to two shots of your favorite espresso blend or brew a concentrated dose of our Mushroom Coffee+.
- Half-and-Half: Use fresh half-and-half for the perfect balance of milk and cream.
- Optional Flavorings: Add syrups like vanilla, caramel, or mocha (if you want to).
Equipment
- Espresso machine (or an alternative like an AeroPress with espresso grounds)
- Milk frother or steam wand
- Mug
Instructions
- Brew the Espresso: Prepare your espresso and then pour it into your favorite mug — you know, the one that you specifically save for drinks like this.
- Steam the Half-and-Half: Use a steam wand or milk frother to heat the half-and-half. Aim for a velvety texture with light foam. Keep the temperature between 140 and 160°F to avoid scorching the milk.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the steamed half-and-half over the espresso in a 1:3 espresso-to-half-and-half ratio. If you’d like to blend the layers, gently stir them together.
Build the Best Breve
A breve is versatile enough to adapt to whatever you need at the moment. Love a sweet drink to enjoy while you window shop? Add caramel or mocha syrup for a decadent twist. Craving something lighter for summer? Try an iced breve — just cool your espresso and pour it over ice with cold half-and-half.
If you’re really looking to have the most unique coffee order, go for a breve latte by increasing the amount of steamed half-and-half and making it extra frothy. You can also make this drink at home to test the limits of your espresso setup.
If it’s nighttime or you’re simply trying to reset your caffeine tolerance, consider opting for a decaf breve. You’ll still get all of the indulgence of a breve but with none of the jitters.
Of course, you don’t have to go full decaf — you could also meet in the middle with a low-caf option. Simply combine a serving of our Mushroom Coffee+ with a splash of hot water to create a concentrate similar to espresso, then make your breve like normal. It’ll taste just like your favorite coffee drink but with a fraction of the caffeine and a whole host of benefits (such as easy focus and a good night’s sleep).
Is Breve Healthier Than a Latte?
When comparing a breve to a latte, the main difference lies in the ingredients. A breve uses half-and-half, while a latte uses steamed milk. This swap might seem small, but it makes a big impact.
Because a breve is made with half-and-half, it packs in a lot of calories compared to a simple latte. It’s higher in fat, which can be both good and bad — good if you need some long-lasting energy, but bad if you need to avoid fatty foods due to a health condition.
You can still make a breve without using dairy milk, but it won't have quite the same texture or flavor. Almond or soy milk can create a decent foam, but the texture will be thinner and less luxurious. Coconut milk mixed with coconut cream is a lot closer to the rich texture of a classic breve, but it’ll change the flavor a lot. Let’s just say you’ll definitely notice the coconut.
The Bottom Line
A breve is a classic espresso drink that uses half-and-half instead of milk to create a rich and creamy texture. It’s just like having dessert for breakfast (or maybe lunch, depending on when you usually drink your coffee).
If you want to make a breve at home, we recommend ditching the espresso entirely for a scoop of Mushroom Coffee+. Our formula features lion’s mane and chaga mushrooms to support focus and immunity, collagen protein to encourage gut health, and L-theanine to support sleep and mental health. Try our mushroom blends for yourself to see the benefits!
Sources:
How to Froth Milk | The Spruce Eats
Homemade Caramel Simple Syrup (for coffee & more!) | Fork in the Kitchen
