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Introduction | How to make breve coffee
Breve Coffee or Caffe Breve as it is sometimes called, can be compared to a Latte but is an entirely different drink in the world of coffee.
Simply put Breve is a latte that has equal half-and-half and espresso (heavy cream) providing a more creamy latte result.
While a latte will be milkier, a breve will generally have less sweetener due to having a higher fat content.
The term is not just for coffee but is also used in other drinks such as “breve chai tea latte”.
What is Breve Coffee?
Pronounced (breh-vay); is a rich and creamy coffee recipe.
Breve means little, or short for the amount of coffee contained in the beverage.
Breve is an easy-to-make espresso coffee with a richer texture and a more indulgent flavor profile. With well-steamed half-and-half, breve coffee results in a silky, almost decadent texture, unlike any other coffee drink.
Anyone can make it at home with an espresso machine. If you do not have an espresso maker don't worry we have some alternatives for you.
Some of the delightful features of the drink are its high-quality creaminess and balanced velvet texture.
So it is important to choose the right coffee beans to perfect the taste of your brew.
How to Make a Breve Coffee at Home?
If you are asking yourself, How do I make a breve? Fear not! The WildTeam has prepared a step-by-step guide for you to make a high-quality breve.
Recipe
2 Shots | Espresso |
4 oz | Half-and-Half (or Preferred Heavy Cream) |
2 Tbsp | Raw Honey |
2 Tsp | Vanilla |
1 Tsp | Cinnamon Powder |
1 Tsp | Cardamom or Pumpkin Powder |
First, Brew Your Espresso
First brew 2 - 4 shots of espresso, this all depends on how strong you like your coffee. 2 shots will be good for most, but if you like your espresso stronger you will want 4 shots for that strong coffee flavor to come through. If you're not looking for a strong drink, brewing only one shot of espresso may be enough.
Second, Add Sweeteners to Your Cream
After your coffee finishes brewing, if you would like to add any sweeteners such as vanilla, honey, or cinnamon powder for additional flavor add those to your half-and-half before you steam it for the best mixture of flavor. Then carefully steam your half-and-half until it reaches about 140-160°F. Once your half-and-half is steamed and frothed to your preference, Pour the espresso into your cup.
Third, Combin Half-and-half with Espresso
Gently pour the steamed half-and-half over the espresso, and hold back the frothed milk foam with a spoon. Once you have poured all the cream and there is only foam you can top your breve with the frothed milk foam to add a rich and creamy toping to your espresso.
Bravo, Breve! Add Honey, chocolate, or whipped cream as you'd like.
What is Starbucks Breve?
At Starbucks, a "breve" refers to any espresso-based drink made with half-and-half instead of milk. You can order a breve latte, breve cappuccino, or any other espresso drink with half-and-half. Starbucks popularized the term Breve where you can add the modification “Breve” to any order and that will essentially replace milk in your drink with half-and-half.
Next time you order your Starbucks try ordering Breve!
Breve Coffee vs Latte
A breve is similar to a latte but instead of using milk, breve uses a heavy cream to give it a more creamy and sweet taste to the beverage. They are both completely different drinks. For starters, a breve is much more creamy due to using heavy cream instead of milk.
Feel free to experience and try different versions of breve and latte recipes. Remember coffee is an experience. You should enjoy the experience.
Poor Man's Latte
Another variation of breve coffee is a budget-friendly option if you are out and about. Poor man’s latte (also called “ghetto latte” or “bootleg latte”) gives you a similar result as breve coffee while not having the barista blend the half-and-half.
Start by ordering your espresso shots, as many as you like. Instead of paying full price for a latte, use the condiments bar and fill the cup with half-and-half to achieve a 1-to-1 ratio of coffee to half-and-half. You can add any sweetener you please to your Poor man’s latte.
There you go! Poor man’s latte.
Poor man’s latte can be a great option for you if you are looking to save on spending or want to achieve just the right portions in your breve like a true coffee lover would.
Espresso Machine Alternatives
If you do not have an espresso machine you can still make high-quality espresso shots at home.
You will want to use a medium-fine grind but not too fine. We don't want any grounds to find their way into your cup in any of these methods. Here are some alternatives to an espresso machine.
French Press
Put 1/4 a cup of coffee ground in the French Press. You can use more or less depending on how strong you want your coffee.
Remember that you will want to use more grounds than in an espresso machine to try to capture more flavor from the grounds.
Heat water to a boil (around 200°F).
Allow the water to cool for 20-30 seconds as boiling water can burn your coffee grounds resulting in a bitter taste in your breve.
Pour over the grounds, saturating them completely.
Let it steep for 2-4 minutes.
Gently press the plunger down at a steady pace, and repeat 5-10 times.
Pour into a cup, now you can prepare the cream.
Moka Pot
Fill the bottom chamber with water just below the safety valve.
Fill the filter basket with grounds and level off. Don't tamp.
Screw the top and bottom chambers snug (but not too tight).
Place over medium heat.
Once you notice all the coffee has transferred from the base to the top of the moka pot remove it from the stove.
Pour carefully into your cup, now you're ready to prepare the cream.
AeroPress
Insert a filter into the cap and wet it. Attach the cap to the chamber.
Add 1-2 scoops of coffee grounds (experiment to find your ideal strength).
Heat water to a boil. Pour over the grounds until it reaches the desired number mark on the chamber.
Stir briefly (10-15 seconds).
Place AeroPress over your cup.
Insert the plunger and press down gently and steadily.
Now prepare the cream.
Steam and Froth
While the texture of your frothed cream won't be identical to what you'd get with an espresso machine, this is a great DIY method to add creamy goodness to your breve coffee.
what you will need:
Half-and-half
Small saucepan
Whisk
Pour the desired amount of half-and-half into the saucepan and place it over medium heat.
Heat while stirring occasionally, until it reaches about 150-160°F. Don't let it boil (we don't want to interrupt your coffee experience).
Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately start whisking briskly in a circular motion.
Continue whisking until you achieve your desired level of foam.
Carefully pour the steamed half-and-half over your home brew breve coffee. Then, spoon dollops of the frothed milk foam on top.
Conclusion
Breve offers a unique and delicious experience for coffee lovers searching for something richer and creamier than a traditional latte.
Whether you order a breve from your favorite coffee shop, make a luxurious one at home with an espresso machine, or try a resourceful "poor man's latte," it's an indulgent treat worth trying.
Now that you know exactly what goes into making this beverage, experiment with different beans and toppings to discover your perfect combination.
Stay wild! - The Wild Team.
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