What is a Breve Coffee?
A breve coffee is an espresso-based drink made with equal parts of espresso and a mix of 50% steamed whole milk and 50% light cream, offering a richer, creamier taste.
A breve coffee, also known simply as a “breve,” is a type of espresso-based drink that originated in the United States. The term “breve” comes from the Italian word for “short,” and it refers to the short, concentrated nature of the espresso shot used in the drink. A traditional breve is made with equal parts of espresso, half-and-half (a mixture of milk and cream), and foam. This Americanized version of the Italian latte is richer, creamier, and sweeter, often served as a dessert-like drink.
What is a Breve Coffee made of?
Here’s a basic breakdown of the components:
- Espresso: This is a concentrated form of coffee that’s made by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely ground coffee beans. It forms the base of the breve.
- Half-and-half: This is a blend of equal parts whole milk and light cream, and it’s what gives the breve its rich, creamy texture. In a breve, the half-and-half is steamed until it’s hot and slightly frothy.
- Foam: This is the light, airy layer that sits on top of the drink. It’s made by frothing the half-and-half until it forms a thick, creamy foam.
The result is a rich, creamy coffee drink that’s stronger than a latte (which is made with milk instead of half-and-half) but less intense than a straight shot of espresso. It’s a popular choice for those who enjoy the flavor of espresso but prefer a smoother, creamier texture.
How to make a Breve at home?
Making a breve coffee at home is a simple process that requires only a few ingredients and steps. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide (plus you can also watch the tutorial from Breville):
Ingredients:
- 2 oz of espresso
- 2 oz of half-and-half (a mixture of equal parts whole milk and cream)
Steps:
- Prepare the Half-and-Half: Start by preparing combine equal parts of whole milk and light cream. For example, if you need one cup of half-and-half, mix 1/2 cup of whole milk with 1/2 cup of light cream.
- Prepare the Espresso: Choose a high-quality espresso roast bean for the best flavor. Then Pull a double shot espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you might try using a Moka pot, or even a French press. You might able to get similar result.
- Steam the Half-and-Half: Next, steam or froth the half-and-half. This can be done using an espresso machine’s steam wand, a hand-held frother, or even a whisk. The goal is to heat the half-and-half to the right temperature and create a creamy froth.
- Combine the Espresso and Half-and-Half: Pour the steamed and frothed half-and-half over your double espresso. If you prepared more half-and-half then the espresso, remember to stop pouring once the drink reached 50% of half-and-half and 50% of espresso. The final drink should have a balance of bold espresso and rich, creamy half-and-half.
- Add Flavors (Optional): If you prefer, you can add flavored syrups such as vanilla, chocolate, or caramel, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. For a more decadent treat, top your breve with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Now that you know how to make a breve coffee, why not give it a try at home? It’s a simple process that can bring a touch of café luxury to your everyday routine. So, go ahead, brew that espresso, froth that half-and-half, and enjoy your homemade breve coffee!
Remember, the secret to a great breve is the use of half-and-half, which gives the drink its unique, creamy texture and rich flavor. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and find your perfect cup.
Origin of the Breve Coffee
The exact origin of Breve Coffee is not clear, it’s believed to have emerged in the United States, where the traditional steamed milk in a latte was replaced with half-and-half, a mixture of equal parts whole milk and cream.
The use of half-and-half in the American culinary scene became widespread in the late 1960s and early 1970s, which is likely when it started being used in coffee drinks like the breve. Despite its Italian name, which means “short”, the breve coffee is largely an American phenomenon and is not commonly found in Italy.
Variations of the Breve Coffee
Breve coffee has several variations that incorporate different flavors and serving styles. Here are some of the popular variations:
Iced Breve
This variation is perfect for those who prefer their coffee cold. It involves brewing a shot of espresso over ice and adding the half-and-half and other flavors as usual.
Nutty Breve
For a nutty flavor, hazelnut syrup or peanut butter powder is added to the breve coffee. This variation is ideal for those who enjoy the taste of Nutella.
Mocha Breve
This variation combines the taste of chocolate with the creamy texture of a breve. It involves adding cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the breve coffee.
Irish Creme Breve
This variation adds Irish cream syrup or Bailey’s to the coffee, resulting in a deliciously creamy drink.
Caramel Breve
For a sweet and creamy breve, caramel syrup or flavored caramel is added. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a hint of caramel in their coffee.
Each of these variations offers a unique twist on the traditional breve coffee, allowing for a range of flavors and experiences.