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How to Make a Caffe Breve

Author: Jee Choe
Breve is an espresso drink made with half & half instead of milk. See how to make it at home.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 4 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Course Drinks
Yield1 serving

INGREDIENTS
 

  • 2 shots espresso (or 2 Nespresso espresso capsules)
  • 4 ounces half & half

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Pull 2 shots of espresso.
    Breve drinks are usually on the smaller size since the half & half is so rich. Use a cup that can hold 6 ounces.
  • Steam half & half.
    Froth 4 ounces of milk, creating some foam. Put the steam wand into the pitcher with half & half just below the surface and turn on the steam. Move the pitcher down so that the steam is just touching the surface for 3 seconds and listen for a paper-tearing sound. Then move the pitcher back up and to the side so that the wand is below the surface and a vortex is created. Any big bubbles should get smaller. Once the half & half has doubled in volume and the pitcher is too hot to touch, turn off the steam wand.
    It's hard to steam milk with less than 4 ounces so you will need to throw out some of the half & half or use it for another drink.
  • Pour half & half into espresso.
    Aim for half steamed half & half and half foam.

NOTES

  • If using an espresso machine, get whole coffee beans and grind them just before making the drink for best results.
  • Breves are best when it's equal parts espresso, steamed half & half, and foam. If you use too much half & half, it'll overpower the taste of espresso.
  • Even though the word "breve" is Italian for "short," it's an American variation on an Italian latte so it's not a drink you'll likely find outside the States.
  • Because half & half is so heavy and creamy, use a dark roast coffee that can stand up to the rich dairy.
  • Steamed half & half is naturally sweet, so taste your drink first before adding any sweetener. You may not need to add any sugar at all.

NUTRITION

Calories: 153 | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 55mg | Potassium: 216mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 401IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 1mg