Breves have made a comeback on the coffee scene in recent years. While similar to lattes, the key difference lies in the milk. Breves use half-and-half (a mix of milk and cream), whereas a regular latte is made with whole or 2% milk.
Of course, the breve vs. latte debate runs much deeper than that. As a coffee enthusiast, which side are you on? Let's dive into their differences to find out which espresso-based drink is best.
What is a breve?
Somewhere between an affogato and a cortado lies the breve, an Italian term for "brief" or "short." Why is it called that? The exact origin is unclear, but those who’ve tasted one agree that its lifespan is indeed breve due to its irresistibly delicious nature.
This creamy, sumptuous drink is unique due to its ingredients and preparation:
● Two shots of espresso form the foundation
● Steamed half-and-half is layered on top
● An equal parts ratio of espresso and half-and-half is used
Interestingly, in modern barista lingo, any coffee drink can be "made breve" by substituting milk with half-and-half. This slight addition puts a richly indulgent twist on your coffee of choice.
What is a latte?
Known and beloved worldwide, the traditional latte is a classic coffee drink that consists of espresso and steamed milk, often topped with a delicate layer of milk foam. The defining steps of a cafe latte recipe include:
● Espresso base, typically one or two shots
● Steamed milk, which forms the bulk of the drink
● Foam topping adds a finishing touch
Lattes are generally served in larger cups than other espresso-based drinks. Their balanced profile also makes them a popular base for customization, such as adding syrups or flavorings.
The key ingredients
While the differences between a breve and vs latte may seem minor, these subtleties unlock new layers of depth and nuance. Whether you're making your own at home or customizing your order at a cafe, understanding the key ingredients is essential:
● Breve – Half-and-half (an even mix of cream and milk) delivers a higher fat content in this espresso drink. True breve uses a half-and-half with at least 10% fat content to achieve its signature richness.
● Latte – A regular latte is typically made with whole milk, though it can easily be swapped for low-fat or non-dairy alternatives.
Of course, there’s no wrong way to make coffee. But understanding the impact of each ingredient can help you craft the perfect breve or cafe latte.
Texture and creaminess
The difference in ingredients between a breve latte and a traditional latte has distinct impacts on the texture and mouthfeel of each drink.
● Breve – Known for its creaminess and richness, the half-and-half creates a luxurious and velvety texture. Properly steamed, this results in a glossy microfoam that drapes the coffee like a silky blanket. The equal ratio of espresso to half-and-half melds the cream's natural mouthfeel with the espresso's boldness, making each sip a decadent delight.
● Latte – Steamed regular milk provides a creamy consistency but is not as rich as a breve. The milk-heavy ratio softens the sharper notes of the espresso flavor, complementing it without overwhelming it. Coupled with a layer of bubbly foam, lattes offer a subtly textured and easy-to-drink experience for any coffee lover.
Notably, both types of espresso drinks are great for making latte art. Their biggest differentiator, as we will next cover, is taste.
Flavor profiles
Despite similar appearances, the unique ingredients and ratios in a breve vs latte result in very different experiences at the first sip.
Here’s a breakdown of their unique espresso flavor profiles:
● Breve – The cream’s natural sweetness adds hints of caramel to the robust espresso, blending harmoniously for a depth of flavor that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
● Latte – Provides a balanced (although milk-heavier) flavor profile, with a sweet smoothness that mellows the espresso without washing it away.
Both coffee beverages are also influenced by coffee bean choice. Darker roast coffee beans offer a smoky, weighty mouthfeel—light roasts, a nutty and punchy experience.
Which coffee drink is better?
So, breve vs. latte—which espresso drink wins out? The answer depends on your mood and occasion:
● Breve – Perfect when you want something different from your usual pick-me-up, crave a sweet treat, or feel like splurging on a dessert-like coffee delight.
● Latte – Ideal for a routine, everyday coffee beverage, experimenting with different milks or flavors, or when you want a lighter, easy-to-drink coffee.
The best way to decide? Try both espresso drinks. And what better way to do that than by making them yourself from the comfort of your home cafe?
Latte or breve, try both the Breville way
Whichever you choose in the great breve vs. latte debate, Breville offers everything you need to start making cafe-quality coffee from the comfort of home. Put yourself in full control of every part of your coffee experience, from bean to cup, with one of Breville’s easy and efficient at-home espresso machines.
Visit Breville today to get started making the latte or breve of your dreams.
Sources:
1. A Couple Cooks. Breve Coffee. https://www.acouplecooks.com/breve-coffee/
2. Honest Coffee Guide. What is a breve. https://honestcoffeeguide.com/dictionary/breve/
3. Culinary Depot. What Is A Breve? Learn How To Make It, And More! https://www.culinarydepotinc.com/blog/what-is-a-breve/
