Can Starbucks Do a Breve? The Guide to Ordering a Richer Latte

December 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to former baristas and online discussion, asking for just "a breve" at Starbucks can sometimes lead to confusion, as the term refers to the half-and-half dairy itself. To avoid any mix-ups and ensure you receive your delicious, extra-creamy espresso beverage, it is essential to know the right way to place your order.

Quick Summary

This guide explains how to successfully order a breve drink at Starbucks by clearly specifying the half-and-half milk substitution for any espresso beverage, both hot and iced.

Key Points

Breve means Half-and-Half at Starbucks: Unlike other coffee shops, 'breve' at Starbucks is a milk option, not a specific drink name.
Order a Breve Latte, not 'a breve': To avoid confusion, specify that you want your latte or other espresso drink made with breve, i.e., half-and-half.
The App is a Foolproof Method: Using the Starbucks app allows you to clearly select "Breve (Half & Half)" under the milk customization options, leaving no room for error.
Breve is Richer than a Regular Latte: Because half-and-half has a higher fat content than milk, a breve is significantly creamier and more caloric than a standard latte.
Customize Any Espresso Drink: You can ask for half-and-half in any hot or iced espresso drink, from lattes and cappuccinos to macchiatos.
Expect an Upcharge: There is an additional cost for substituting breve (half-and-half) for the standard milk in your drink.

What Exactly is a Breve?

In coffeehouse language, a breve, or caffè breve, is an American invention that reimagines the traditional Italian latte. While a standard latte is made with espresso and steamed whole milk, a breve substitutes that milk with half-and-half—a mixture of equal parts whole milk and light cream. This substitution results in a significantly richer, creamier, and more decadent drink with a higher fat content and a naturally sweeter taste. The foam on a breve is also denser and more stable, thanks to the higher fat content.

Breve Terminology at Starbucks

For many coffee shops, a "breve" is a specific drink name. However, at Starbucks, the term "breve" is simply the name for half-and-half on the menu and in their internal system. Because of this nuance, simply ordering "a breve" might result in a confused barista, and you could end up with a cup of steamed half-and-half instead of your intended espresso drink. To successfully order a breve, you must treat it as a dairy customization rather than a standalone beverage name.

How to Order a Breve at Starbucks

Ordering a breve is all about clear communication. You simply need to specify the drink you want and then ask for the milk to be substituted with half-and-half. Here is a step-by-step guide for ordering at the counter and on the app.

How to Order at the Counter

To ensure a smooth transaction, follow this simple formula:

State your drink: Start with the name of the espresso drink you want, such as a "Caffè Latte" or "Caffè Cappuccino." For example, say, "I'd like a Grande Caffè Latte..."
Specify the breve substitution: Immediately follow up by asking to substitute the standard 2% milk. For instance, "...with breve," or, to be extra clear, "...with half-and-half".
Specify hot or iced: Be sure to clarify if you want the drink hot or iced. The default is usually hot, but adding "iced" will save everyone time if that's what you prefer.

How to Order on the Starbucks App

The app is a great way to guarantee accuracy and see exactly what you're ordering. Follow these steps:

Select an espresso drink: Go to the "Hot Coffees" or "Iced Coffees" section and choose a drink like the Caffè Latte.
Navigate to the Milk option: In the customization screen, find the "Milk" section.
Choose Breve (Half & Half): Switch the default milk (typically 2% or whole) to the "Breve (Half & Half)" option.
Complete your order: Add any other desired syrups or toppings before finalizing your order.

Breve vs. Other Popular Starbucks Drinks

Understanding the differences between a breve and other standard espresso drinks helps you appreciate the rich flavor profile of half-and-half. The primary difference is the milk fat content, which drastically changes the taste, texture, and calorie count.


Feature	Breve (Half-and-Half)	Standard Latte (2% Milk)	Standard Cappuccino (Whole Milk)
Dairy Base	Half-and-Half (Milk & Cream)	2% Reduced-Fat Milk	Whole Milk
Fat Content	High (10.5-18%)	Low (2%)	Moderate (3.25%)
Texture	Very rich, creamy, and velvety	Light, silky, and smooth	Light and airy foam
Flavor	Naturally sweeter with caramel notes	Mild, allowing espresso flavor to dominate	Balanced espresso and airy foam
Calories (approx. 12oz)	~420	~142	Varies by size and foam

Popular Breve Customizations at Starbucks

Any espresso-based drink can be customized with half-and-half, but some options are more popular than others. Here are a few to try:

Caramel Breve: Add caramel syrup and a drizzle of caramel topping for a rich, buttery treat. This is a frequent customization praised by customers.
Mocha Breve: Combine the richness of half-and-half with chocolate for an indulgent mocha variation.
Vanilla Breve: Add vanilla syrup for a sweeter, more aromatic version of the classic breve.
Iced Breve: Don't forget that you can also get a breve over ice. Simply order your chosen iced espresso drink with the breve milk option.

It is worth noting that a breve substitution will incur an upcharge. Always double-check your order with the barista if you're concerned about getting the wrong drink, though using the app is the most foolproof method.

Conclusion

In short, Starbucks can absolutely make a breve, but it is not a pre-named menu item. The word "breve" at Starbucks simply designates half-and-half as a milk option. The key to getting your delicious, rich, and creamy espresso drink is to explicitly ask for your latte, cappuccino, or other espresso beverage to be made with half-and-half. By understanding this simple distinction, you can confidently and correctly order a breve at any Starbucks location and enjoy a truly decadent coffee experience. For those looking to try a different kind of coffee, you can also consider making one at home with guides like this one from Wild Calf Coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the dairy used. A standard latte at Starbucks is made with 2% milk, while a breve latte is made by substituting the 2% milk with half-and-half.

Yes, baristas know the term "breve," but in the Starbucks system, it refers to half-and-half. To prevent a miscommunication, you should specify the full drink name, such as a "breve latte".

Yes, you can order an iced version of any espresso drink with breve. Simply ask for your drink iced and specify the half-and-half substitution.

A breve is naturally sweeter and richer due to the higher fat content of half-and-half, which adds a mild caramel-like flavor. It does not necessarily contain more added sugar unless you request syrups.

Yes, substituting breve (half-and-half) for the standard milk in your drink comes with an additional cost or upcharge.

It may lead to confusion. Some baristas, particularly newer ones, may interpret the request as simply wanting half-and-half, potentially leading to an awkward clarification or the wrong drink being made.

Any espresso-based drink can be made breve. Popular choices include lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas, but you can also customize any espresso beverage with half-and-half.

Breve is half-and-half, which is a mix of equal parts whole milk and light cream. Starbucks also offers a separate heavy cream option.