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.
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.