Canonical: https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/classic-coffee-drinks/caffe-breve/ Language: en Classic Coffee Drinks # What Is a Caffè Breve? Making Espresso with Half-and-Half Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/) Category: [Classic Coffee Drinks](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/classic-coffee-drinks/)Tags: [Recipes](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/recipes/) [Milk](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/milk/) [Espresso](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/tags/espresso/) ## Quick answer A caffè breve is a rich espresso drink made with a milk-and-cream mixture often called half-and-half. It is fuller than **a latte** made with milk alone. Start with **a small serving** and choose the amount of coffee to suit that richness. ## Key takeaways - A caffè breve is a rich espresso drink made with a milk-and-cream mixture often called half-and-half. - The defining choice is the dairy: half-and-half creates a creamy mouthfeel and softens espresso differently from milk. - Pull an espresso shot and steam cold half-and-half using your machine’s instructions. ![Different coffee drinks together on a wooden table.](https://www.coffeejay.com/assets/editorial/different-coffee-drinks.avif) Different coffee drinks together on a wooden table. ## What makes a breve different? The defining choice is the dairy: half-and-half creates **a creamy** mouthfeel and softens espresso differently from milk. The drink may be served as a latte-style beverage with **foam**, though the exact presentation depends on the café. Because it is richer, a smaller cup can feel satisfying. ## How to make caffè breve Pull an **espresso shot** and steam cold half-and-half using your machine’s instructions. It may foam differently from milk, so introduce air gently and stop when **the texture** is smooth. Combine the espresso and steamed dairy in a small cup, then **taste before adding** anything else. ## Choose a milk drink that fits your taste If you like a lighter texture, use milk instead of half-and-half. If you want a richer cup, try a breve but keep the portion comfortable for you. For other espresso-and-milk styles, see our comparison of [**cappuccino**, latte, and **flat white**](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/milk-drinks/cappuccino-vs-latte-vs-flat-white/) and our guide to [making **milk foam**](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/milk-drinks/dairy-milk-for-coffee-foam/). ## How half-and-half changes the cup Half-and-half combines **milk and cream**, giving a breve a richer mouthfeel than many milk-based espresso drinks. It can soften a sharp shot, but it also makes the drink heavier. **The recipe** uses half-and-half rather than separate **milk and cream**; changing that ingredient will change the texture and may alter how it foams. ### Steam gently Cold half-and-half gives you time to texture it before it becomes hot. Introduce air gradually and keep the liquid moving; overheating can make dairy taste cooked and can destabilize **the foam**. Follow **your machine**’s instructions and clean the wand immediately after use. ## Choose breve when you want a richer drink A breve is not the best fit for everyone. If you prefer a lighter cup, use **the latte** or cappuccino style instead. If you have dietary restrictions, check the dairy ingredients and choose a different recipe instead of treating a plant milk as a direct half-and-half substitute. For a comparison of more common milk drinks, see [cappuccino, latte, and **flat white**](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/milk-drinks/cappuccino-vs-latte-vs-flat-white/). Because this drink combines milk and cream, check the ingredient list if you have dietary needs. ### Keep the portion comfortable Half-and-half makes this richer than a drink prepared with regular milk. Start with a smaller **serving** if you are unsure how that texture will feel, and avoid adding extra cream automatically. Aim to enjoy **the espresso** and dairy together, not to make the cup as large or rich as possible. Keep the pitcher clean and use fresh dairy, following safe **storage** guidance on its packaging. **Small portions** are easier to texture consistently and leave less steamed half-and-half unused after the drink is made. ## Further reading For background on [**espresso**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espresso) and [**cream**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cream), see Wikipedia. [Back to Learn library](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/) ## Frequently asked questions What makes a breve different? The defining choice is the dairy: half-and-half creates a creamy mouthfeel and softens espresso differently from milk. The drink may be served as a latte-style beverage with foam, though the exact presentation depends on the café. Because it is richer, a smaller cup can feel satisfying. Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/). [Read our editorial approach](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/editorial-policy/). ## Related guides - [What Is a Dirty Chai Latte? How to Make Chai with Espresso](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/classic-coffee-drinks/dirty-chai-latte/) - [Espresso Macchiato: What It Is and How to Make It at Home](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/classic-coffee-drinks/espresso-macchiato/) - [What Is a Flat Red Coffee? Espresso with Pomegranate and Orange Juice](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/guides/classic-coffee-drinks/flat-red-coffee/)