What Is Breve Coffee? A Creamy Upgrade to Your Daily Brew
If you’ve ever wanted your coffee to hit like a latte, but taste richer, creamier, and a little more indulgent, you’re probably looking for a breve coffee.
While the term may sound fancy, a breve is simply a bold, espresso-based drink made with steamed half-and-half instead of milk. It’s thicker, silkier, and more dessert, like than your typical latte, making it a favorite for those who want a luxurious texture without added sweetness.
At Overclock Coffee Co., we’re all about upgrading your brew experience, so let’s break down what makes a breve different, and how to enjoy it with your favorite Overclock blends.
What Is Breve Coffee?
A breve (pronounced breh-vay) is a drink made from:
- 1 part espresso
- 1 part steamed half-and-half (cream + milk)
- The name comes from the Italian word breve, meaning “short,” but don’t let that fool you, it’s full-bodied and full-flavored. The use of half-and-half instead of whole milk results in a richer, creamier foam and a naturally sweet finish, without the need for syrups or sugar.
According to Coffee Science, the higher fat content in half-and-half alters the way flavor compounds coat the tongue, intensifying perceived sweetness and reducing bitterness (Clarke & Macrae, 2001).
Breve vs. Other Coffee Drinks
| Drink | Base Liquid | Texture | Flavor Profile | Foam Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breve | Steamed half-and-half | Very creamy | Rich, naturally sweet | Medium-thick |
| Latte | Steamed milk | Smooth | Milder, milk-forward | Light-foamed |
| Cappuccino | Milk (equal foam) | Airy | Strong espresso contrast | Thick foam |
| Flat White | Microfoam milk | Velvety | Espresso-dominant | Thin layer |
How to Make a Breve Coffee at Home
You don’t need a café-grade setup to enjoy a breve. Here's a quick home method:
What You’ll Need:
- Espresso or strong brewed coffee (we recommend Zombie Espresso Antidote for punch)
- Half-and-half (or a 1:1 mix of cream and whole milk)
- A milk frother, steam wand, or microwave + whisk
Steps:
- Brew 1–2 shots of espresso.
- Heat and froth about 4–6 oz of half-and-half until warm and slightly foamy.
- Pour espresso into your mug, then top slowly with the steamed half-and-half.
Optional: dust with cinnamon or cocoa for flair.
Pro tip: Avoid overheating the half-and-half. It scalds faster than milk due to its fat content. Keep it below 150°F for best texture and taste.
Best Overclock Blends for a Breve
Since breve coffee emphasizes richness, it pairs beautifully with bold, full-bodied roasts. Here are our top Overclock picks:
-
Dragon’s Breath Roast
Unflavored dark roast with rich chocolate and nutty notes, built for body and depth. -
Zombie Espresso Antidote
High-caffeine, dark roast designed to cut through cream with earthy power. -
Caramel Uprising
Salted caramel flavored coffee that pairs perfectly with breve’s natural sweetness.
A breve is also a great way to explore flavored Overclock blends without added sugar, let the half-and-half do the sweetening.
Final Thoughts: Breve Is Bold Done Right
Breve coffee is the perfect middle ground between a latte and a dessert. It’s indulgent without being over-the-top, and it elevates bold espresso into something velvety and satisfying.
Whether you're building your own coffee ritual or leveling up your espresso experience, a breve is worth exploring, and Overclock Coffee Co. has the bold blends to match it.
🛒 Explore our full lineup and pair your next cup with a breve twist.
References
- Clarke, R. J., & Macrae, R. (2001). Coffee: Physiology, Biochemistry and Processing. Springer. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-94-017-1158-7
- National Coffee Association. (2022). Understanding Milk-Based Espresso Drinks. https://www.ncausa.org