Easy Breve Latte Recipe You Can Make in Minutes

If you’re a coffee lover looking for a rich, creamy twist on your usual latte, the breve latte might be your new favorite drink. Made with espresso and steamed half-and-half instead of milk, a breve latte delivers a velvety texture and indulgent flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether you’ve seen it on a coffee shop menu or heard it mentioned in a café, this espresso-based drink stands out for its luxurious mouthfeel and slightly sweeter taste. In this post, you’ll learn exactly what a breve latte is, how it differs from a regular latte, and how to make a delicious one at home in just minutes.

What Is a Breve Latte?

A breve latte—also known simply as a café breve—is a creamy, espresso-based coffee drink made with steamed half-and-half instead of traditional milk. The term “breve” comes from the Italian word for “short,” but in the coffee world, it refers to the use of half milk and half cream, giving the drink a much richer texture and fuller flavor than a standard latte.

Breve Latte vs Regular Latte

The main difference between a breve latte and a regular latte lies in the dairy used:

• A latte is typically made with one or two shots of espresso and steamed whole milk, resulting in a lighter, smoother drink.
• A breve latte, on the other hand, uses half-and-half (a blend of milk and cream) instead of milk. This substitution makes the drink significantly creamier, thicker, and naturally sweeter, even without added sugar.

Because of the high fat content in half-and-half, breve lattes tend to have more calories and a velvety mouthfeel, making them a rich treat for coffee lovers who prefer indulgence over low-calorie options.

Common Misconceptions: Breve vs Cappuccino

Breve lattes are often mistaken for cappuccinos, especially because both drinks feature espresso and foamed dairy. However, a cappuccino is typically made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, and it uses low-fat or whole milk rather than half-and-half. A breve latte, by contrast, has a higher ratio of cream to foam, making it heavier and smoother.

A Favorite for Low-Carb & Keto Lifestyles

Interestingly, breve lattes are popular among people following low-carb or keto diets, since half-and-half contains fewer carbs than milk while offering a rich source of fat. When paired with sugar-free flavor syrups or enjoyed plain, a breve latte can be a satisfying option for those looking to limit their sugar intake without giving up their daily coffee ritual.

Whether you’re trying to cut carbs, looking to elevate your morning coffee, or just want to enjoy something a little more decadent, a breve latte is a flavorful upgrade worth trying.

Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need

Making a breve latte at home is easier than you might think, and you don’t need a full barista setup to do it. Here’s everything you’ll need to create a delicious, creamy breve in just a few minutes.

Ingredients

To achieve that signature rich and velvety texture, the key is using high-quality ingredients—especially your espresso and dairy. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Breve Latte Ingredients Table

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Fresh espresso	1–2 shots	Use your favorite coffee beans for best flavor
Half-and-half	¾ cup	A 50/50 blend of whole milk and heavy cream
Optional sweetener	To taste	Sugar, honey, agave, or sugar-free alternatives
Flavor syrups	Optional	Vanilla, hazelnut, caramel, or seasonal flavors

Ingredient Notes:

• Espresso: Use a dark roast for bold flavor, or a medium roast if you prefer a milder profile.
• Half-and-half: This is the defining ingredient of a breve latte. It gives the drink its rich texture and slightly sweet flavor.
• Sweeteners & syrups: Completely optional, but great for customizing your drink. Sugar-free syrups can help keep it keto-friendly.

Equipment List

While a professional espresso machine is ideal, there are several affordable alternatives for making a breve latte at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Espresso machine, Nespresso, Aeropress, or Moka pot:
  Any of these tools can be used to brew a strong base of espresso. If you’re using an Aeropress or Moka pot, aim for a concentrated coffee to match the strength of traditional espresso.
• Milk frother or steam wand:
  Used to heat and froth the half-and-half. Many home espresso machines come with a built-in steam wand, but handheld electric frothers or even immersion blenders work well too.
• Coffee mug or latte glass:
  Choose a heat-resistant mug that’s large enough to hold your espresso and steamed half-and-half.
• Small metal pitcher or saucepan:
  Needed for steaming or heating the half-and-half on the stovetop. A stainless steel frothing pitcher is ideal for pouring and creating microfoam.

How to Make a Breve Latte at Home (Step-by-Step)

One of the best things about the breve latte is how easy it is to make at home with just a few ingredients and tools. Whether you’re using a high-end espresso machine or a simple stovetop Moka pot, you can enjoy a café-quality breve latte in minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process:

Step 1: Brew the Espresso

Start by brewing 1–2 shots of espresso, depending on how strong you like your coffee. You can use:

• An espresso machine for the most authentic flavor
• A Nespresso machine with espresso pods
• An Aeropress or Moka pot for a strong, espresso-style coffee

If you’re using an alternative method, aim for a concentrated, rich brew to balance the creaminess of the half-and-half.

Step 2: Steam or Froth the Half-and-Half

In a small stainless steel pitcher or saucepan, heat about ¾ cup of half-and-half until it’s hot but not boiling (around 150–160°F or 65–70°C). Overheating can cause it to scorch or curdle.

• If you have a steam wand, use it to heat and froth the half-and-half until it becomes velvety and slightly foamy.
• If you don’t have a steam wand, you can:
  • Use a handheld milk frother
  • Whisk vigorously on the stovetop
  • Shake it in a sealed jar (after heating) until foamy
  • Use an immersion blender for a smooth texture

The high fat content in half-and-half makes it easier to create a thick, luxurious foam.

Step 3: Combine Espresso and Steamed Half-and-Half

Pour your brewed espresso into your favorite latte mug or heatproof glass. Slowly pour the steamed half-and-half over the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon to add last if you want a layered effect.

This method helps preserve the crema from the espresso and gives your breve latte a smooth, balanced texture.

Step 4: Add Sweeteners or Flavorings (Optional)

You can customize your breve latte with a variety of flavor syrups or sweeteners, depending on your taste:

• Vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut syrups
• A drizzle of honey or agave
• Sugar-free sweeteners for a low-carb/keto version

Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

Step 5: Top and Serve

Spoon any remaining milk foam on top of your drink. If you’re feeling creative, try your hand at latte art using the microfoam.

For a finishing touch, consider:

• A sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder
• A drizzle of syrup
• A dusting of nutmeg (especially good during the holidays)

Serve immediately and enjoy your rich, creamy homemade breve latte.

Tip: No Frother? No Problem.

If you don’t own a milk frother or steam wand, you can still get great results. Here are three simple frothing alternatives:

• Jar method: Heat the half-and-half, pour it into a jar, seal it, and shake vigorously until foamy.
• Whisk method: Heat the half-and-half on the stove and whisk briskly until it becomes frothy.
• Blender method: Heat the half-and-half and pulse it in a blender for 20–30 seconds until smooth and foamy.

Breve Latte FAQs & Variations

The breve latte is a versatile drink that you can customize in many delicious ways. Whether you’re cutting sugar, craving something iced, or looking to mix it up with new flavors, there’s a version of this creamy espresso drink for everyone. Plus, we’ll answer some of the most common questions people have about breve lattes.

Popular Breve Latte Variations

Looking to switch up your breve latte? Try one of these tasty twists:

1. Vanilla Breve Latte

Add a splash of vanilla syrup or a few drops of vanilla extract to your breve for a subtly sweet, comforting flavor. This is one of the most popular versions at cafés and coffee shops.

2. Iced Breve Latte

Prefer your coffee cold? Brew your espresso, pour it over ice, and add chilled half-and-half. It’s a refreshing, creamy drink that’s perfect for warmer days or an afternoon pick-me-up.

3. Mocha Breve

Combine chocolate syrup or cocoa powder with your espresso before adding steamed half-and-half. This variation blends the richness of a mocha with the smooth creaminess of a breve—like dessert in a cup.

4. Sugar-Free or Keto Breve Latte

Since half-and-half is lower in carbs than milk, a breve latte can be a good fit for keto or low-carb diets. Use a sugar-free sweetener or syrup to keep it keto-friendly while still enjoying a flavorful coffee drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a breve latte keto-friendly?

Yes, it can be. Because half-and-half is lower in carbohydrates than milk, many people following a keto or low-carb lifestyle choose breve lattes as a creamy coffee option. To keep it keto, avoid sugar or flavored syrups that contain added sugars—opt for sugar-free alternatives instead.

Can I use regular milk instead of half-and-half?

Technically, yes—but then it becomes a regular latte, not a breve. The unique creaminess of a breve latte comes specifically from the half-and-half. If you’re looking to reduce fat or calories, you can use whole or skim milk, but the texture and flavor will be noticeably lighter.

How many calories are in a breve latte?

A breve latte is higher in calories than a regular latte due to the fat content in half-and-half. On average:

• A 12 oz (tall) breve latte with 2 shots of espresso and ¾ cup of half-and-half contains around 200–300 calories.
• The calorie count increases with added syrups, whipped cream, or larger sizes.

If you’re watching your calorie intake, consider making a smaller serving or using light half-and-half.

Can I make a breve latte without an espresso machine?

Absolutely. While a traditional espresso machine gives the most authentic results, you can still make a great breve latte using:

• A Moka pot (stovetop espresso maker)
• An Aeropress with a fine grind
• A strong coffee concentrate made with a French press or pour-over

Just make sure the coffee is rich and concentrated to hold up against the creaminess of the half-and-half.

Conclusion

A breve latte is a decadent and creamy twist on the classic espresso-based drink, offering coffee lovers a richer, smoother alternative to the traditional latte. Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, sweetened or sugar-free, this indulgent beverage is highly customizable and perfect for those who appreciate a little extra creaminess in their coffee.

With simple ingredients like fresh espresso and steamed half-and-half, you can easily recreate a café-quality breve latte in the comfort of your own home. And with popular variations like the vanilla breve, mocha breve, and even keto-friendly options, there’s a version for every taste preference.

So, next time you’re craving a coffee that’s both creamy and comforting, skip the coffee shop and try making a breve latte at home. It’s quick, easy, and a delicious way to elevate your coffee routine.