Caffè Breve: The Luxurious Coffee Drink That Deserves a Spot on the Menu

Caffè Breve is one of those off-menu coffee drinks that truly stands out. Even though it wasn’t officially on the Starbucks menu, some customers knew about it, ordered it, and absolutely loved it. I always found it interesting—those who knew about it appreciated it so much, especially when we made it perfectly. If I were to open my own coffee shop someday, I’d definitely add Caffè Breve to the menu. It’s rich, creamy, and decadent, offering a unique twist on the traditional coffee drinks we’re all used to.

What is Caffè Breve?

Caffè Breve is essentially an Americanized version of a latte, but instead of regular milk, it’s made with half-and-half (a blend of cream and milk). This gives the drink a richer, creamier texture than a traditional latte, making it perfect for those who enjoy indulgent coffee experiences. The word “breve” means “short” in Italian, and in this case, it refers to the short but luxurious nature of the drink.

Caffè Breve Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of espresso
• 1/2 cup of steamed half-and-half (half milk, half cream)

Instructions:

1. Brew a shot of espresso.
2. Steam the half-and-half to about 150°F (65°C), creating a thick, velvety foam.
3. Pour the steamed half-and-half over the espresso, allowing a rich layer of foam to sit on top.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, indulgent texture.

Why Add Caffè Breve to the Menu

In my experience, some customers truly appreciate the richness of it, and it’s easy to see why. Here’s why I’d add it to my menu if I opened a coffee shop:

1. Rich, Creamy Experience:
   While lattes and cappuccinos are popular, the extra creaminess of Caffè Breve offers a unique experience. The use of half-and-half makes the drink feel luxurious, almost dessert-like. It’s perfect for customers who enjoy a richer, more indulgent coffee.
2. A Unique Twist on a Classic:
   It take the classic latte or cappuccino and elevate it. It’s different enough to stand out from other menu items but familiar enough to appeal to a broad range of customers. It’s a great option for someone who wants to try something new without venturing too far out of their comfort zone.
3. Customer Appreciation:
   As a barista, I noticed that customers who knew about it loved it and appreciated it when we made it for them. It wasn’t something you see often in a menu, so it felt like a little hidden gem. Having it on the menu would make certain customers feel like they’ve discovered something special.

What Makes it Bad

Because it is all about the rich, creamy texture, there are a few things that can go wrong:

• Over-steamed Half-and-Half: If the half-and-half is steamed too much, it can become overly thick and lose its smooth texture, making the drink too heavy.
• Weak Espresso: Since the half-and-half is so rich, you need a strong, well-brewed espresso shot to balance it out. A weak espresso will get lost in the creaminess.

Caffè Breve vs. Latte vs. Cappuccino

While all three drinks are espresso-based and contain steamed milk, it stands out for its use of half-and-half:

• Caffè Breve vs. Latte: A latte is made with steamed milk, giving it a lighter, creamier texture. A Caffè Breve, on the other hand, uses half-and-half, which makes it much richer and thicker.
• Caffè Breve vs. Cappuccino: Cappuccinos have a stronger espresso flavor with less milk and more foam, while a Caffè Breve is creamier with a thicker, more luxurious texture.

Caffeine Content

The caffeine content in it is the same as in a regular latte or cappuccino, typically around 63 milligrams from a single shot of espresso.

Calories and Macros

The higher calorie and fat content comes from the use of half-and-half instead of milk, making it a more indulgent option than your standard latte.

Interesting Facts

• Half-and-Half Makes the Difference: The use of half-and-half instead of milk is what gives Caffè Breve its luxurious, rich texture, making it feel more like a treat than a typical coffee drink.
• Perfect for Dessert Lovers: Because it’s so creamy and indulgent, Caffè Breve is often compared to a dessert in a cup. It’s a great option for those who like their coffee rich and velvety.
• Not as Common on Menus: While it’s not often found on standard café menus, Caffè Breve is a favorite among those who know about it. It’s a hidden gem for customers who enjoy something a little different.

Conclusion

Caffè Breve may not have made it to the official menu at Starbucks, but it’s definitely a drink worth offering. Its rich, creamy texture and unique flavor profile make it stand out from other coffee drinks, and it’s sure to be appreciated by customers who enjoy a more indulgent coffee experience.

If you’re planning to open a coffee shop, adding Caffè Breve to your menu would be a fantastic way to offer something special. It’s the kind of drink that makes people feel like they’ve found a little secret—and once they try it, they’re sure to come back for more.