Sep 16, 2024

Café Breve Recipe

Ingredients:

1 shot of espresso (or 2 shots for a stronger drink)
4 oz of steamed half-and-half (a blend of equal parts whole milk and heavy cream)
Sweetener to taste (optional)

Equipment:

Espresso machine, AeroPress, or moka pot
Milk frother or steam wand
Small cup or mug (traditionally 6-8 oz)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Brew the Espresso:

Espresso Machine: Brew 1 shot of espresso (about 1 oz) using an espresso machine. If you prefer a stronger drink, you can brew 2 shots (a double espresso or "doppio").
AeroPress or Moka Pot: If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can brew a concentrated coffee using a moka pot or AeroPress. Aim for a rich, concentrated flavor similar to espresso.

2. Steam the Half-and-Half:

Using a Steam Wand or Frother: Pour 4 oz of half-and-half into a steaming pitcher. Steam the half-and-half until it reaches around 140-160°F (60-70°C), creating a creamy, thick texture with a small layer of microfoam.
- The key difference with a café breve is the use of half-and-half, which gives the drink a much richer and creamier texture compared to milk-based drinks like the latte or cappuccino.
Alternative Method: If you don’t have a steam wand or frother, you can heat the half-and-half on the stove and whisk it vigorously until you achieve a frothy, creamy consistency.

3. Combine the Espresso and Steamed Half-and-Half:

In a small cup or mug, pour the freshly brewed espresso.
Slowly add the steamed half-and-half, allowing the microfoam to settle on top. You should end up with a creamy and velvety drink, with the half-and-half blending smoothly with the espresso.

4. Sweeten (Optional):

Café breve is often enjoyed without any added sweeteners, but you can add sugar, honey, or flavored syrups (like vanilla or hazelnut) if you prefer a sweeter drink.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve immediately. Café breve is typically enjoyed as a warm, indulgent coffee beverage, perfect for those who prefer a rich, creamy texture without the heaviness of a latte or cappuccino.

History of the Café Breve:

Café Breve is a North American variation of the traditional Italian caffè latte, but with one significant twist: it uses half-and-half (a mixture of whole milk and cream) instead of milk. This small change makes a big difference, giving the café breve a richer, creamier, and slightly sweeter flavor compared to a standard latte. While the drink is not as widely known internationally as the latte or cappuccino, it has become a popular choice in the U.S. and Canada, particularly among those who enjoy a more indulgent coffee experience.

Origin of the Term "Breve":

The word breve means "short" in Italian, but in the context of coffee, it refers to the use of half-and-half instead of milk, which makes the drink thicker and creamier than a typical milk-based coffee drink. While caffè breve has its roots in Italian coffee culture, its rich and indulgent nature has made it a favorite among coffee lovers in North America who enjoy the luxurious mouthfeel that cream provides.

Comparison with Other Drinks:

Café Breve vs. Latte: A standard latte is made with espresso and steamed milk, while a café breve uses steamed half-and-half. The use of half-and-half makes the breve significantly richer and creamier than a latte.
Café Breve vs. Cappuccino: Like a cappuccino, a café breve has a layer of foam on top, but the creaminess of the half-and-half gives the breve a much smoother and fuller body.
Café Breve vs. Flat White: Both drinks are made with steamed milk (or half-and-half in the case of the breve), but a flat white typically has a much thinner layer of microfoam and uses whole milk, resulting in a lighter texture than the thicker, richer breve.

Café Breve in Modern Coffee Culture:

Café breve has gained popularity as part of the "third wave" coffee movement in North America, where coffee is treated as an artisanal product with a focus on high-quality ingredients and preparation methods. It’s often featured on café menus alongside lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites, offering a creamier alternative for those who want a more indulgent coffee experience.

Because of its richness, café breve is often served without added sweeteners, as the natural sweetness of the half-and-half is enough to balance the boldness of the espresso. However, it can be customized with flavored syrups or sugar for those who prefer a sweeter drink.