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Creamy, rich and cozy, a latte breve brings café luxury home with very little effort. Instead of milk, you use steamed half and half for a thicker body and velvety microfoam that pairs beautifully with bold espresso. The result is smooth, sweet and naturally balanced without sugar or syrup. Make it for a quick morning upgrade or a lazy afternoon pick-me-up. Once you learn the simple latte breve technique, this becomes an easy go-to whenever you want a tasty caffeine boost.
Make a café-worthy latte breve at home with a rich double shot of espresso and silky half & half. It’s creamy, balanced and fast, so you can skip the line and sip in minutes.
You might also like pumpkin spice whipped dalgona coffee, a cinnamon dolce latte and this lavender matcha latte (with homemade lavender syrup).
Why You’ll Love It
Gorgeous creamy texture: Half & half foams into a thick, velvety sip.
Custom friendly: Easy to flavor, ice or make decaf, as you prefer.
Simple ingredients: Just espresso and half & half, no complicated syrups.
Fast and reliable: Pull a shot, steam, pour and enjoy – you’ll be sipping in a few minutes.
Caffè Breve Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Espresso: Strong, concentrated coffee that brings a deep, roasty flavor to the drink.
Half and half: A blend that’s half milk and half cream. It steams into a lush body with stable foam. This product isn’t always known outside of the United States and in some regions it’s known as blend cream or 10% cream. If you can’t find it where you live, substitute a 1:1 mixture of heavy cream (or double cream) and whole milk.
How to Make Caffè Breve Latte
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Pull the espresso: Brew a double shot with an espresso machine or coffee maker and pour it into a warm mug.
Steam the half and half: Heat until hot and velvety and use a milk frother (here) to get a fine microfoam.
Combine the drink: Pour the steamed half & half over the espresso while holding back the foam.
Finish with foam: Spoon the remaining foam on top and serve right away.
Substitutions and Variations
Single shot: Use 1 ounce of espresso and reduce half and half to 5 ounces.
Decaf option: Brew with decaf espresso for the same creamy experience minus the jitters.
Iced breve: Stir espresso and half and half over ice, then crown with cold foam.
Flavored breve: Add vanilla, caramel or hazelnut syrup to taste. Sprinkle cocoa powder or even sprinkles on top.
Gluten-free note: Coffee and half & half are naturally gluten free. If adding syrups, choose certified gluten-free brands.
Creamy topping: Top your breve coffee with whipped cream.
Serving Suggestions
With breakfast: Pair your latte breve with a biscuit breakfast sandwich or corned beef hash. It would also be good with potato and chive bites.
With a savory snack: Enjoy your coffee at home with a Starbucks copycat feta spinach wrap.
With a sweet treat: Serve it with pistachio biscotti, cranberry white chocolate scones or a cheese Danish.
How to Store Latte Breve
Store: This drink is best made fresh and served immediately, so only make as much as you are going to use.
Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing this.
Top Tips
Aim for sweetness: Target about 160°F for half and half so it stays creamy and naturally sweet.
Create microfoam: Keep the steam tip just below the surface, then roll the pitcher to polish the texture.
Warm the mug: A preheated cup keeps the foam silky and the drink hot longer.
Fresh beans win: Use recently roasted beans and grind just before brewing for the best flavor.
Listen for the sound: A gentle paper tearing sound while steaming means you’re aerating just right.
Breve Latte FAQs
A breve uses half and half instead of milk, so it’s richer and creamier than a standard cafe latte which uses steamed milk. “Breve latte” is the Italian name of this drink, and it translates into “short (or brief) latte” which refers to the speed and ease of making it.
Yes. Use very strong coffee or instant espresso, heat the half and half in a saucepan on the stove until bubbles appear, and then froth the half & half with a handheld frother or a French press.
It does. The added fat helps create a dense, silky foam that holds up in the cup.
Best Caffè Breve Latte Recipe
Latte Breve
Equipment
- Espresso Machine or Coffee Maker
- Steaming Wand or Steaming Pitcher
- Milk Thermometer Optional
- Espresso Measuring Cup Optional
Ingredients
- 2 Ounces espresso
- 7 Ounces half & half
Instructions
- Brew espresso and pour into a glass or mug.
- Steam half & half to 160°F in a steaming pitcher.
- Pour into the mug, holding back the foam with a spoon.
- Top latte with remaining foam and serve immediately.
Notes
Create microfoam: Keep the steam tip just below the surface, then roll the pitcher to polish the texture.
Warm the mug: A preheated cup keeps the foam silky and the drink hot longer.
Fresh beans win: Use recently roasted beans and grind just before brewing for the best flavor.
Listen for the sound: A gentle paper tearing sound while steaming means you’re aerating just right.
Nutrition
A breve is proof that tiny tweaks make a big difference. Swap milk for half and half, pull a strong shot and you’ll get a cup that feels indulgent without being heavy. The silky texture is lush, the coffee shines and the method is easy to learn. Keep it classic, add a splash of vanilla or pour it over ice. Either way, latte breve turns an everyday moment into an espresso based drink that’s just as special as you’d get at your local coffee shop.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
