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Breve Coffee: How to Make This Strong, Creamy Drink at Home!

how to make breve coffee

A breve is a creamy Americanized version of the Italian café latte, using half-and-half cream instead of milk. A breve is fluffier than other coffee drinks because half-and-half increases the foam and, of course, the fat content. This rich drink is typically served as a “dessert” beverage, but it can be a decadent treat at any time of day.

Fun fact: In Italian, breve means “short.” If you’re curious about how to pronounce it, “breh veh”  is the correct way.

We’ll show you how to make a breve with minimal tools in about 5 minutes. You’ll just need a way to make espresso and froth milk. Additionally, if you want to make enough to share, just double the recipe!

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How to Make Breve Coffee:

Breve ingredients

What You’ll Need:

Ingredients
  • Finely ground coffee
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half (about 4 ounces)
  • Sweetener (optional)
Equipment
  • Espresso-making apparatus
  • Milk frothing tool or whisk
  • Coffee mug
  • Spoon or measuring cup

Making a breve at home is straightforward. Heat and foam half-and-half, combine it with a shot or two of espresso, and you’ll have a rich, creamy beverage. Keep reading for our guided steps to making the perfect breve.

1. Froth the half-and-half.

For a microwave:

Place half-and-half in a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup. Microwave uncovered on high until hot, with slight bubbles along the edges (approx. one minute).

Remove from the microwave and whisk earnestly. You can do this by placing the whisk between your palms and rolling it back and forth.

half and half frothing

As foam forms, gently scoop it into another cup. Continue whisking until you have about 1/3 cup of foam.

For a milk steamer:

You can steam and froth half-and-half at 145 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Froth and allow it to set while you make the espresso.


2. Prepare the espresso.

Pull your shot using an espresso machine, portable espresso maker, or stovetop Moka pot. Here, we are using a Handpresso.

Handpresso espresso shot

If you don’t have an espresso maker, you can substitute strong coffee brewed using your favorite method.

RELATED READ: How do you brew strong coffee?


3. Combine the half-and-half and espresso.

Add the espresso to your coffee cup. Then, slowly pour in the warmed half-and-half. If you didn’t set the foam to the side, just hold it back with a spoon while you pour the creamer into the espresso. Spoon the saved foam on top. To add extra flair, sprinkle the top with cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or any other topping that you like.

Delicious decadence at your beckoning!

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Variations

For those who may be unable to use a dairy-based creamer, using full-fat coconut milk will give you a comparable foam texture. If you love your coffee a little sweeter, add your desired flavored syrup or other sweeteners to the espresso before pouring it into the mug. As with any recipe, adjust to your liking, whether it’s more or less milk or a different roast of coffee. We’ve just given you a basic guideline, so run with it and make it your own!

how to make breve coffee

Breve Coffee Recipe

Making a breve at home is straightforward. Heat and foam half-and-half, combine it with a shot or two of espresso, and you'll have a rich, creamy beverage. Keep reading for our guided steps to making the perfect breve.
5 star average
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 4 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Italian
Servings 1 drink(s)
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • Espresso maker
  • Milk frothing tool or whisk
  • Coffee mug
  • Spoon or measuring cup

Ingredients
 

Instructions
 

  • Froth the half-and-half. Microwave it for one minute and then whisk until you get a good froth. Or you can use a milk steamer at 145 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Pull your espresso shots using an espresso machine, portable espresso maker, or stovetop Moka pot.
  • Add the espresso to your coffee mug. Then, slowly pour in the warmed half-and-half. Spoon the foam on top.
  • To add extra flair, sprinkle the top with cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or any other topping that you like.

Notes

If you don't have an espresso maker, you can substitute strong coffee brewed using your favorite method.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal
Keyword breve

Other at-home drink guides:

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Kate MacDonnell

Kate is a lifelong coffee enthusiast and homebrewer who enjoys writing for coffee websites and sampling every kind of coffee known to man. She’s tried unusual coffees from all over the world and owns an unhealthy amount of coffee gear.

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