As coffee lovers, we’re always interested in trying new caffeine concoctions. Our latest discovery? Cafe breve. There’s nothing quite like its rich and creamy taste to start your day off right. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
If you’ve been around, you probably know that we’ve given a lot of attention to several types of coffee, while highlighting that nowadays there’s a huge variety of caffeinated beverages.
For instance, we’ve talked about how to make the perfect espresso, cappuccino, macchiato, and more.
However, these are merely the most popular types of coffee you can find. If you dig deeper, you might find some lesser-known but equally delicious alternatives, like cafe breve.
Table of Contents
- What is cafe breve?
- What’s in it?
- How to make cafe breve (regular)
- How to make cafe breve (keto)
- Recipes
- FAQ
- Conclusion
What is Cafe Breve?
Cafe breve is a type of coffee made with half espresso and half steamed milk. It’s also known as Caffe Breve, Breve Coffee, Caffe Breve Latte, or just breve.
Regardless, one thing is clear: breve is full of flavor, thanks to the perfect balance of milk and espresso. It might not be for everyone, though.
Origins
The coffee originated in the US in the 1950s, probably in California, Colorado, or Washington State (the exact whereabouts are unknown), where it became popular as a hipster drink of the counterculture.
It was primarily preferred by artists, writers, and filmmakers, who valued its rich texture and caffeine content.
Currently, it’s popular in North America and Europe. Although it’s often associated with the hipster culture of coffee shops, anyone can enjoy cafe breve.
More so, its geographical range has widened, so you can find it all across the entire US, as well as in Europe and other countries.
What’s in Cafe Breve?
The key ingredient in cafe breve is half-and-half milk. But there are many types of milk, with varying levels of fat.
For instance, in the US, half-and-half milk refers to a mixture of fresh cream (10.5%) and whole milk (around 3.25%). This mix gives breve a rich texture, similar to that of cappuccino.
Furthermore, half-and-half has a higher fat content than regular milk, making breve richer, smoother, and creamier than other types of coffee.
Additionally, cafe breve contains espresso shots, water, sugar, and flavorings like vanilla or chocolate. However, the flavorings and sweeteners are entirely optional; many people enjoy the taste without them.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee beans, tea leaves, and cocoa beans. It’s the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world, and it’s what gives coffee its characteristic energizing effect.
Caffeine works by blocking the neurotransmitter adenosine, which normally makes you feel sleepy. This effect is why caffeine is often used as a pick-me-up, especially in the morning.
While all types of coffee contain caffeine, cafe breve has a higher concentration since it contains espresso shots, which are highly concentrated doses of coffee.
The caffeine’s effect kicks in quicker in breve, but the high-fat content of half-and-half milk slows down its absorption. So, while breve contains more caffeine than other coffees, its effect is weaker.
The sugar and flavoring in cafe breve can also affect how quickly the caffeine takes effect.
If you’re looking for a quick caffeine fix, it’s best to stick with a plain breve.
Nutritional Information
Half-and-half milk is full of fat and calories, making cafe breve a relatively high-calorie drink, especially when adding sugar and flavorings.
But there are tips for keeping your calorie intake down. For example, you can skip the sugar and flavoring or take your breve with a light meal. You can also use skim milk instead of half-and-half, although it won’t make it a breve anymore.
Some people say that the high-fat content of cafe breve makes it a bad drink from a nutritional standpoint. However, if you’re looking for a serious caffeine fix and crave richer flavors, breve might be just what you need.
Note that despite its higher content in fats, cafe breve is not keto. Still, you can turn it into a keto-friendly beverage if you’re following this diet and lifestyle.
How to Make Cafe Breve (Regular)
If you’d like to start making breve at home, here’s what you need,
Ingredients:
- Half-and-half milk (anywhere from 10.5%-18%)
- Espresso shots
- Sugar (optional)
- Flavoring (vanilla, chocolate, caramel, etc.)
- Coffeemaker or espresso machine
- Mug
- Spoon
Instructions:
- Heat up the half-and-half milk in a saucepan over medium heat. You don’t want to boil the milk, but you should see steam rising from it.
- Once the milk is heated, pour it into your mug, leaving some room at the top.
- Add 1-2 espresso shots to the mug and stir gently.
- If you want, you can add sugar and flavoring at this point. However, as we mentioned before, breve is also delicious without any added sweetness.
- Once everything is mixed together, enjoy your fresh cup of cafe breve.
If you’re using a coffeemaker (drip filter, pour-over, Moka pot), add the milk to the mug before pouring the coffee. Then, stir in any sugar or flavorings until they dissolve completely.
The regular coffee version is fine, too, if you’re curious about cafe breve and don’t have an espresso machine. However, we must say that the real deal does taste better.
How to Make Cafe Breve (Keto)
Much like the Bulletproof Coffee, this keto-friendly cafe breve will give you an energy and concentration boost that will last all day long.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml.) of brewed coffee
- 1/2 cup (120 ml.) of unsweetened almond milk or other keto-friendly milk alternative
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml.) of coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml.) of MCT oil
Instructions:
- Add the brewed coffee, almond milk, and coconut oil to a blender.
- Start blending on low speed until everything is evenly mixed together.
- Then, turn up the speed to high for 10 seconds.
- After that, add the MCT oil and blend again for 15 seconds or until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Pour into a mug and enjoy your delicious and nutritious keto cafe breve.
Caffe Breve Recipes
Now that you know how to make breve, it’s time to explore some recipes. These will help you add a little variety to your cup of coffee and experiment with different flavors.
Note that while you can go wild with additions such as spices, sweeteners, and creamers, it’s best to stick to simple recipes when first starting out. That way, you’ll be able to taste the coffee better and figure out which flavors you like best.
Classic Cafe Breve Recipe
This is a simple recipe for those who want to enjoy the classic taste of cafe breve.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml.) of half-and-half milk
- 2 espresso shots
- Optional: sugar or flavoring to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steam starts rising from it.
- Pour into a mug, add the espresso shots, and stir gently.
- Add sugar or flavoring to taste and enjoy.
Homemade Cafe Breve Recipe
If you want to make cafe breve at home without buying any fancy equipment, this recipe is for you.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml.) of full-fat milk (any type)
- 1 espresso shot
- Optional: sugar or flavoring to taste
Instructions:
- Add the milk to a mug and microwave for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
- Stir in the espresso shot and add sugar or flavoring to taste.
- Enjoy your homemade cafe breve.
Cafe Breve Latte Recipe
This latte recipe is perfect for those who want a richer, creamier cafe breve.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml.) of half-and-half milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml.) of brewed coffee
- Optional: 1-2 tsp. of sugar or flavored syrup to taste
Instructions:
- Combine the milk and coffee in a saucepan and warm over medium heat until steam starts to rise from it.
- Pour into a mug and add sugar or flavoring, if desired.
- Enjoy your cafe breve latte.
FAQ
Discover more helpful information about cafe breve:
What is a cafe latte breve?
A cafe latte breve is a cafe breve with foam on top to give the drink a richer, creamier texture.
What is the difference between a latte and breve?
It’s in the milk. A latte is made with whole milk, while a breve is made with half-and-half. This gives the breve a richer flavor and higher calorie content.
What does Starbucks breve mean?
At Starbucks, a breve is a drink made with espresso and steamed half-and-half milk. This can be served plain or as a latte variation, depending on your preferences.
How many shots are in a breve?
It depends on the drink size. However, most cafe breves only use one or two shots of espresso. This gives the drink a smooth and creamy texture without being too intense or bitter.
What color is breve?
Breve is usually light brown, similar to that of latte. However, the exact color will depend on the type of milk used and the number of espresso shots.
Is a breve sweet?
Some cafe breves are sweetened with sugar or flavoring. But this depends on the used recipe and personal preferences.
What does a breve taste like?
It depends on the ingredients used. Most cafe breves have a rich, creamy taste with hints of sweetness. Some may also be slightly bitter or nutty, depending on the espresso.
How many calories are in a breve?
In general, a cafe breve has around 200-300 calories, which is much higher than regular coffee drinks.
Are there any nutritional benefits to drinking cafe breve?
Yes! In addition to being rich in caffeine, cafe breve contains beneficial fats from half-and-half milk. These fats can help to improve your overall health and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Is cafe breve bad for you?
Cafe breve can be high in calories and fat, so it’s important to enjoy it in moderation. However, there are no major health risks associated with it. So feel free to enjoy this delicious drink as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, cafe breve is a rich, creamy coffee drink that is perfect for anyone who loves caffeinated beverages with a twist.
While it does contain a lot of calories and fat due to the use of half-and-half milk, there are many health benefits associated with this tasty beverage.
So if you’re looking for a delicious way to get your caffeine fix that also supports your health, cafe breve is definitely worth a try.
Make sure you don’t overindulge, considering that a cup of breve can have 200-300 calories!
“Cafe breve is a type of coffee made with half espresso and half steamed milk. It’s also known as Caffe Breve, Breve Coffee, Caffe Breve Latte, or just breve.”
Perhaps you meant to say half steamed half n half, since what you wrote is the definition of a latte.