The Breve Explained: Breve Ingredients at OneGreatCoffee.com

Have you ever wondered what differentiates a breve from other types of coffee? Exactly what is a breve, and how can you tell the difference between an iced coffee, a breve, or a latte? In this guide, we will explain what a breve is, how to make a breve at home, and the difference between breves and other types of coffee. 

Get amazing breve espresso right here, roasted fresh and shipped directly to craft homemade breves! 

What is a breve?

A breve (or a cafe breve) is a type of coffee drink that has been specifically crafted with half-and-half (or sometimes even heavy whipping cream) and espresso. This creates a rich, creamy coffee with a balanced bitterness from the espresso. Breves give long-lasting energy due to their high fat content and the caffeine from the espresso they contain. 

What is half and half?

Half and half is a 50/50 (or 1:1 ratio) mix of milk and heavy whipping cream. 

What is the taste and texture of a breve?

Since breves contain rich, creamy half and half, they tend to be thicker and creamier with a naturally sweet taste compared to a regular milk latte. Breve coffees also tend to have a thicker, more velvety mouth feel with more foam than a traditional latte. 

How are breves made?

Breve coffee drinks are prepared by steaming half and half and then combining it with espresso. However, iced breve drinks are made with hot espresso poured directly over cold ice and then topped with an ample amount of half and half. 

Are there different kinds of breves?

Yes, breve-style drinks come in many different variations. Breve options include hot breve lattes, iced brèves, and customized breve flavors like vanilla, caramel, chocolate, white chocolate, and more. 

Can you make half and half at home?

Yes, if you don't have half and half on hand, you can make it yourself by mixing heavy whipping cream with milk at a 50/50 ratio. You can use whole milk, skim milk, 2% milk, or any other type of milk mixed with heavy whipping cream to make half and half. The fat percentage of the milk you use will determine how thick your half-and-half turns out. 

Where to get a breve?

You can easily craft a breve at home yourself with premium espresso like this and half and half. Or, you can purchase a breve from a drive-thru coffee chain. Coffee chains such as 7 Brew and Dutch Bros, for instance,  are known for their breve specialty beverages. Some consumers are surprised to find that these coffee drinks are generally crafted with half-and-half instead of 2% milk or whole milk, like other coffee chains. 

How many calories are in a breve?

Since breve coffee beverages are crafted with half-and-half instead of 2% milk or whole milk, they tend to contain significantly more calories. The number of calories in a breve will depend on the size of the breve and the ingredients used. 

Without any sweeteners, whipped topping, or simple syrup, a 12-oz breve contains approximately 350 calories, a 16-oz breve contains approximately 460 calories, and a 20-oz breve contains approximately 600 calories. 

Breve Calories Approximated 

• Plain 12-oz breve calories: 350
• Plain 24-oz breve calories: 460
• Plain 20 oz breve calories: 600 
• Plain 24-oz breve calories: 710

How to make a breve at home? 

Homemade breves are fairly simple to craft. You can prepare them hot or iced, depending on your preferences. To craft a hot breve latte, you will need half and half (or a 50/50 mix of milk and heavy whipping cream), espresso, and whatever flavorings, extracts, or toppings you prefer. 

How to Make a Hot Breve at Home

For a hot breve latte, steam the milk with either a milk steaming wand or by heating it in the microwave or on the stove. For a 12-oz breve latte, you will need two to three shots of espresso and approximately 8 oz of half and half. 

How to Make an Iced Breve at Home

To make an iced breve, you will use a similar ratio of 2 to 3 shots of espresso for every 8 oz of half and half. The difference is that you will be adding enough ice to cool the espresso. As such, you do not need to steam or heat the half and half in any way. Mix the hot espresso and flavoring ingredients together, and pour the mixture over a cup filled to the top with ice. Then, add the half and half and finish with any toppings you desire. 

Is a breve more calories than a latte?

Generally, yes, ounce for ounce, a breve contains significantly more calories than a latte. This is because breve coffee drinks are crafted with half-and-half instead of 2% milk or whole milk. So, if you are regularly visiting Dutch Bros or 7 Brew and drinking a breve coffee from there each day, you may be consuming more calories than you initially intended.