Breve coffee, also known as “cafe breve,” is an espresso-based drink similar to a latte. Instead of adding milk to espresso shots, you use steamed half and half, a dairy product containing milk and cream.
You can order it from Starbucks, Dutch Bros., or any other coffee shop. It’s easy to make at home if you have an espresso machine, the right beans, and half and half.
This article discusses the key things you should know about breve coffee.
What is Half and Half?
Pro Tip: Though Breve coffee is a complete drink, you can introduce a syrup like chocolate to make it sweeter.
What does “breve” mean at Starbucks?
If you order breve coffee from Starbucks, they will write the letter “B” on your cup’s milk square. It refers to the fact that the drink contains half and half.
Starbucks sells breve lattes and breve cappuccinos. The two drinks contain half and half.
How to Order a Cafe Breve at Starbucks
Starbucks is a bit different than most coffee shops.
If you say you want breve at Starbucks, you’ll get steamed half and half without any espresso.
Instead of steamed milk, mention “breve cappuccino” or “breve latte.” You’ll receive your preferred coffee drink with half-and-half.
Coffee Breve vs. Latte: What’s the Difference?
Breve and latte are espresso-based drinks. They’re prepared using two different dairy products.
Half and half cream is added to espresso shots to make a coffee brew. Therefore, a breve is creamier and richer than a latte.
Latte, on the other hand, is prepared by adding small amounts of steamed milk and foam milk to an espresso shot.
Breve Coffee vs. Cappuccino
Breve coffee and cappuccino are two unique drinks. Different types of milk are used to prepare the duo.
Breve coffee is made with steamed milk. Cappuccino, on the other hand, is made with steamed milk.
Breve coffee has more fat and sugar than cappuccino because of the cream used. Cappuccino is known for its light nature and low sugar content.
Click below to learn about the 3 main places to buy coffee and the pros & cons of each
What exactly is Breve Dutch Bros?
Dutch Bros offers a variety of hot and cold coffee drinks.
The most popular is the Golden Eagle, which contains vanilla and caramel butter. The drink has bold espresso, half and half, caramel sauce, and vanilla syrup, then it’s topped up with whipped caramel sauce drizzle and whipped cream.
Other Breve drinks at Dutch Bros. are:
- 9-1-1
- Annihilator
- Kicker
- Flap Jack Breve
- Dutch Crunch Breve w/ White Coffee
All their drinks are available in some form or hot, iced, toasted or blended.
Note: The Dutch Bros also sells at a relatively lower cost than Starbucks.
How Many Calories Are in a Breve Coffee at Starbucks?
A 16-ounce double shot contains 550 calories. Starbucks’ breve latte also has around 550 calories.
16 oz. the serving of Dutch Bros. Breve Medium Breve Coffee contains 490 calories.
Is Cafe Breve hot or cold?
Breve coffee is often served hot. But you can order a cold breve. Iced breve is sold in variations like iced breve latte and iced caramel breve.
It’s easy to make iced breve at home.
Fill your glass with ice cubes and pour the hot or cold espresso into your cup, followed by half and half.
Pro Tip: Icing it reduces the calories. The ice will fill up the glass, leaving less space for the half and half, which contains the most calories.
Breve Coffee contains how many espresso shots?
Depending on your preferences, one or two shots of espresso in a breve coffee. But your cup for pulling shots should hold at least 6 ounces because you’ll add half and half and ice (if you love cold coffee).
Pro Tip: Icing it reduces the calories. The ice will fill up the glass, leaving less space for half and half, which contains the most calories.
Is Breve Coffee Good for Lactose-Intolerant People?
Cafe breve is not suitable for lactose-intolerant people.
Milk is present in half and half. If you are lactose intolerant, continue using dairy-free coffee to make your espresso shots for your breve.
How to Make Cafe Breve at Home
Many people enjoy drinking breve at home. You can also make it if you have the right ingredients and process. Below are the ingredients and steps for making breve.
Ingredients:
- Espresso
- Half & Half
Follow these Steps:
- Pull two shots of espresso into your cup
- Steam your half and half at around 150 degrees Fahrenheit
- Whisk the froth. Hand frothers work well.
- Pour your half and half into your container. Evenly coat your coffee with the foam.
How to Pronounce Breve Coffee
Breve is an Italian word meaning short. It’s pronounced in two ways: brev-ay or kah-fay brey-ay.
Listen to the clip below to hear how it is typically said in the US or North America and how Italians pronounce it.
Breve Coffee is Worth a Try
You’re missing out if you love coffee but haven’t tasted any breve variations. You can try to make the drink at home or order it from Starbucks or Dutch Bros. You’ll have your go-to flavors when you crave breve coffee.
Spoiler alert: It will be breve cappuccino or breve latte.
