One of the most well-known espresso drinks in the world, lattes are surely familiar to coffee lovers. A caffè breve is a less frequent beverage to appear on a menu. Breve latte and caffè breve are the two names for it.

What, therefore, distinguishes a breve from an espresso latte? Continue reading to learn what makes them unique.

What Sets the Latte Apart from the Caffè Breve?

In a similar vein, a breve is a steaming half-and-half espresso coffee variety. In contrast to latte, breve coffee does not use whole milk.

The Americanized version of the Italian-invented latte, breve coffee, has a little richer and far more delectable recipe.

Contrary to popular belief, breve is considered a lower calorie coffee than latte. This is so that half-and-half, rather than whole milk, is used in its preparation.

Half-and-half has a very low fat content of 3.3%, while whole milk has a fat content that ranges from 10% to 18%.

Main Differences Between Latte and Breve 

• Foam Composition

Due to the addition of half-and-half, which improves the foam quality, Breve displays more creamy as well as more voluminous froth than its latte counterpart.

• Richness and Sweetness

Breve is inherently sweeter since the barista adds cream in place of the decreased milk, unlike many lattes that are made sweeter by the addition of brown sugar to the mixture.

Breve will be your obvious pick if you have a sweeter palate and aren’t afraid of a dessert-style beverage with a creamy finish.  

Calories and Fat Content 

For individuals watching their calorie and fat consumption, a breve has nearly twice as many calories as a latte. A breve also has up to five times more fat than a latte. 

• Acidity

In contrast to a latte, the breve’s creaminess diminishes the drink’s acidic flavour.

• Beans & Roast for Coffee 

Medium-dark or dark-roasted coffee beans are ideal for both latte and breve drinks. The flavour of medium-dark and dark-roasted beans is stronger and more distinct, elevating the coffee’s flavour above that of steamed milk or cream.    

Latte

• Frothed normal milk and espresso.
• It has a thin layer of whipped cream or milk foam on top.
• Usually served between 11 and 15 ounces.
• It might have syrups with flavours.

Breve

• Half-and-half and espresso.
• There is a lot of milk foam on top.
• Commonly served as 5 to 5.5 ounces.
• Creamier and richer.
• They are frequently covered in chocolate powder.

How to make Caffee Breve at Home

Step 1. Get your espresso and half-and-half ready

The half-and-half that you’ll be using for frothing or steaming should be set aside. Prepare to make espresso shots as you typically would at home as well.

We’ll want to time the pulling action of the shot with the end of our heating/steaming/frothing of the half-and-half so as to avoid letting our shoots “die.”

Step 2. Froth or Steam the Half and Half

You must aerate for a longer period if steaming. You should aerate for 6 to 9 seconds for a Breve. But your machine is entirely responsible for this. Try different things and see what appeals to you the most.

Step 3. Combine your shots after pulling them out.

It’s now time for you to fire your shot(s). Since a good coffee shot is a good espresso shot, there is no distinction between the two beverages in this instance.

After the espresso is drawn, the half-and-half is heated and combined with the coffee in the same manner as a latte. There won’t be much of a possibility for you to create latte art with the added aeration.

You want a specific feel and taste from this drink, therefore it’s okay.

How to Prepare Coffee at Home

Let’s talk about making lattes! Similar to a caffè breve, making a latte calls for the use of a conventional espresso machine equipped with a steam wand. You might try a moka pot and french press if you don’t have an espresso maker.

A milk frother will also produce a result that is quite similar. Frothers are typically more affordable and considerably simpler to maintain for the typical home barista.

1. Get your espresso & milk ready

Set aside the milk that you will use either steaming or frothing (I suggest whole milk). Prepare to make espresso shots as you typically would at home as well.

We’ll want to timing the pulling out the shot with the conclusion of our heating, steaming, or foaming of the milk so that we don’t let our shots “die.”

2. Froth or Steam Your Milk

On most machines, you would aerate a latte for 2 to 4 seconds. Use full milk to make the greatest lattes. Use skim or 1% cow’s milk for one with fewer calories.

Conclusion

Except for the a half-and in a breve cafe, there aren’t many variations between a latte and a breve cafe. Both feature foam tops, but breve doesn’t contain milk. The American equivalent of a latte is called a breve coffee, and it has a significantly richer and tastier recipe.

A single shot of espresso is often served with around 6-7 oz of milk for a small latte (about 8 oz), and a double shot with about 9–10 oz of milk for a medium or large latte (about 12–16 oz).