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.

Quick Facts

• What Is Breve Coffee? Half‑and‑half + espresso
• Ratio: 1 oz espresso to 6 oz steamed half‑and‑half
• Taste Profile: Ultra‑smooth, milky sweetness with espresso bite
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Calories: ~200 per 8-oz serving

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.

Breve vs. Other Espresso Drinks

Right about now, you may be thinking, “Wait — isn’t that just a latte?” And we get it. There are only so many ways you can combine espresso and milk before it all starts to sound the same. However, each drink brings its own shot of personality. 

Here’s a handy table to help you visualize the differences between popular espresso drinks.

History and Flavor

The word breve comes straight out of Italian barista culture, where caffè breve literally means “short coffee.” In Italy, most coffee drinkers throw back shots of espresso throughout the day instead of slowly sipping one drink. But unlike a quick shot of espresso, the breve is all about indulgence. 

Instead of milk, a breve uses half-and-half. This milk product is made by mixing equal parts plain whole milk and light cream, resulting in a milkfat percentage of 10 to 18%. Half-and-half was once considered a little “extra” in the café world, but coffee drinkers quickly realized the extra fat brings a creamy richness that’s hard to find otherwise. 

The higher fat content gives it that luscious, dessert-like body, while its slightly sweet finish makes it taste almost like you added a dash or two of sugar. In American coffee culture, the breve gained a loyal following in the 1980s and 1990s, which is right around when milk alternatives hit the market. Today, it’s the drink for coffee lovers who want a latte’s coziness dialed up to the nth degree.

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 foolproof recipe for the perfect breve.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Espresso : Brew one to two shots of your favorite espresso blend or brew a concentrated dose of our Mushroom Coffee+.
• 6 oz 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 : Pull 1 oz (30 ml) of espresso into your favorite cup.
• Steam the Half-and-Half : Steam 6 oz (180 ml) of half‑and‑half to 150 °F, creating microfoam.
• Combine : Pour the steamed half‑and‑half over the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon.
• Top With Foam: Spoon the foam on top to form a creamy crown.
• Garnish (Optional): A sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder.

Variations and Customizations

What’s the point of coffee if you can’t customize it, right? We’ll get into individual customizations in just a little bit, but first, we’d like to share some of our favorite variations on the classic breve. You know — for when you get a little tired of the same old, same old. 

Vanilla Maple Breve Coffee

Ingredients

• 1 shot freshly brewed espresso
• 6 oz half-and-half
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ tsp maple syrup

Instructions

Brew a strong shot of espresso and set it aside. Steam the half-and-half until it reaches about 150 to 160 °F, creating a smooth, velvety texture. Stir in vanilla extract and maple syrup while still warm so the flavors blend seamlessly. Pour the sweetened half-and-half over the espresso in your favorite mug, giving it a gentle swirl to combine. 

Spiced Breve Coffee

Ingredients

• 1 shot espresso
• 6 oz half-and-half
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise

Instructions

Start by brewing a fresh shot of espresso and setting it aside. While that’s happening, warm half-and-half with the cinnamon stick and star anise, steaming until it reaches around 150 to 160 °F. This gentle infusion extracts the cozy spice notes without overpowering the creaminess. 

Remove the spices before pouring the infused half-and-half over your espresso. Stir lightly to balance flavors. 

Iced Breve Coffee

Ingredients

• 1 shot chilled espresso
• 6 oz cold half-and-half
• 4 to 5 ice cubes

Instructions

Brew espresso ahead of time and chill it in the fridge. Once cold, add espresso, half-and-half, and ice cubes to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until the drink turns frothy and well-blended. Strain into a tall glass and add an extra cube or two for staying power. 

Orange Dreamsicle Breve Coffee

Ingredients

• 1 shot espresso
• 6 oz half-and-half
• ½ tsp orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla syrup

Instructions

Brew espresso and set aside. Steam half-and-half gently with orange zest until it hits 150 to 160 °F, allowing the citrus oils to infuse. Strain to remove zest, then stir in vanilla syrup to add creamy sweetness. Pour the infused mixture over your espresso and swirl to combine.

Hazelnut Cacao Breve Coffee

Ingredients

• 1 shot espresso
• 6 oz half-and-half
• 1 tsp hazelnut syrup
• ½ tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• pinch of cocoa for garnish

Instructions

Brew your espresso and set aside. Steam half-and-half until smooth and velvety (you know the drill — about 150 to 160 °F). Stir in hazelnut syrup and cocoa powder, whisking until dissolved and slightly frothy. Pour the flavored half-and-half over your espresso and swirl gently to combine. Sprinkle with a pinch of cocoa on top for a final touch.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting

How many calories are in a breve coffee?

An 8-oz breve clocks in around 200 calories, depending on the brand of half-and-half. It’s not exactly “skinny,” but it’s worth every sip.

Can I use heavy cream?

Absolutely — just swap half-and-half 1:1 for heavy cream. You’ll get an even thicker, more decadent breve, but be mindful of the increased calorie count. Where half-and-half has about 38 calories per oz, heavy whipping cream has about 98.

Why did my breve separate?

Your half-and-half probably got too hot. Keep it under 160°F when steaming to avoid curdling (and subsequent sadness).

Is a breve stronger than a latte?

Yes. Since it uses less milk, the espresso flavor shines brighter, making a breve feel richer and bolder than a latte. 

Does a breve have more caffeine than a latte?

Nope — the caffeine content depends on the espresso shot (about 63mg per shot), not the milk. A breve feels bolder only because the half-and-half is richer, so the espresso flavor isn’t as diluted as it is in a latte.

Why is my breve so heavy?

That’s the nature of the beast. If it feels like too much, try a half-breve, half-latte mix (half steamed milk, half half-and-half) for a lighter sip without losing the creaminess.

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:

Facts about fat | NHS

How to Froth Milk | The Spruce Eats

Homemade Caramel Simple Syrup (for coffee & more!) | Fork in the Kitchen

How to Make Espresso | A Couple Cooks

Heavy Whipping Cream | USDA

How To Order And Drink Espresso Like An Italian, According To Experts At Eataly | GBH

Going nuts about milk? Here’s what you need to know about plant-based milk alternatives | Nutrition.org

Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more | Mayo Clinic