✔ Updated · non-alcoholic syrup version + iced breve
An Irish cream breve is my favorite rich espresso drink made with steamed half-and-half instead of milk and sweetened with Irish cream flavor, a mellow mix of vanilla, cocoa and a hint of almond.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Steam the half-and-half only until it's hot, about 150°F. It has more fat than milk, so it scorches and loses its sweetness quickly if it boils.
At coffee shops it's usually made with non-alcoholic Irish cream syrup, which is how this recipe makes it too, so anyone can enjoy it. It takes about 5 minutes, hot or iced, and there's an easy homemade syrup below. For an adults-only after-dinner coffee, swap the syrup for Irish cream liqueur (21+ only).
Why You'll Love This Irish Cream Breve
- Extra creamy: half-and-half makes it richer and more velvety than a latte.
- Alcohol-free by default, with an adults-only liqueur option for after dinner.
- Hot or iced, ready in 5 minutes with or without an espresso machine.
What Is an Irish Cream Breve?
A breve is an espresso drink made with steamed half-and-half rather than milk. The name comes from the Italian word for short, and the drink is known for being extra rich and creamy. An Irish cream breve adds Irish cream flavor: a sweet, mellow blend of vanilla, cocoa and a hint of almond.
In coffee shops and drive-thrus, the Irish cream comes from a non-alcoholic flavored syrup, so the drink is fine for anyone who drinks coffee. Irish cream liqueur, on the other hand, is an alcoholic drink, so a breve made with it is strictly an adults-only treat.
Breve vs. Latte vs. Cappuccino
All three start with espresso; the difference is the dairy and the foam. I order a breve when I want a treat. For more on the classics, see our guide to cappuccino vs. latte.
| Drink | Dairy | Texture | Taste |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breve | Steamed half-and-half | Thick, velvety, light foam | Richest and creamiest |
| Latte | Steamed milk | Smooth, thin layer of foam | Mild and milky |
| Cappuccino | Steamed milk, more foam | Light and airy | Stronger coffee flavor |
Hot, Iced or Adults-Only: Three Ways to Make It
- Hot (the recipe card): espresso, 2 tablespoons Irish cream syrup and 3/4 cup steamed half-and-half, finished with whipped cream and cocoa.
- Iced: stir the syrup into hot espresso, pour it over ice and top with 3/4 cup cold half-and-half. Froth a little extra half-and-half with a handheld frother for a cold-foam topping.
- Adults-only (21+): leave out the syrup and stir 1 1/2 ounces of Irish cream liqueur into the finished hot breve. Liqueur is less sweet than syrup, so taste and add a little sugar if needed. Once opened, store the liqueur as the label directs; see does Irish cream go bad.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Don't overheat the half-and-half. Aim for about 150°F, hot to the touch but not boiling. I use a thermometer until I can judge it by the steam. Overheated dairy tastes flat and can scorch on the stove.
- Dissolve the syrup in the espresso first. Stirring it into the hot coffee before adding the dairy spreads the flavor evenly through the drink.
- Warm the mug. Rinse it with hot water before brewing. Half-and-half cools quickly in a cold mug.
- Adjust the sweetness. Start with 2 tablespoons of syrup for a coffee-shop-sweet drink, or 1 tablespoon if you prefer it less sweet.
- Keep the liqueur version for adults. Irish cream liqueur contains alcohol. Serve that version only to adults 21 and over, never to anyone driving, and label it clearly if you're serving both.
Irish Cream Breve
1
12-ounce drink5
minutes0
minutes5
minutesA rich, coffee-shop-style Irish cream breve: two shots of espresso with steamed half-and-half and Irish cream syrup, topped with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa. Made with non-alcoholic Irish cream syrup it’s family-friendly; the Irish cream liqueur version is for adults 21 and over only.
Ingredients
- For the Breve
2 shots espresso (or 1/2 cup very strong brewed coffee)
3/4 cup half-and-half
2 tablespoons Irish cream syrup, non-alcoholic (store-bought or homemade, below)
- Adults-Only Option (21+)
1 1/2 ounces Irish cream liqueur, in place of the syrup
- To Top (Optional)
whipped cream
1 pinch unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- Homemade Irish Cream Syrup (Makes About 3/4 Cup)
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Directions
- Make the Breve
- Brew 2 shots of espresso into a warmed 12-ounce mug. No espresso machine? Use 1/2 cup of very strong brewed coffee, moka pot coffee or a concentrated pod.
- Stir the Irish cream syrup into the hot espresso so it dissolves evenly. (For the adults-only version, stir in the Irish cream liqueur instead, after the half-and-half.)
- Steam the half-and-half with an espresso machine’s steam wand until it’s hot, glossy and lightly foamy, about 150°F; don’t let it boil. Or heat it in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming, then froth it with a handheld frother or by whisking hard.
- Pour the steamed half-and-half into the mug, holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon the foam on top.
- Top with whipped cream and a light dusting of cocoa powder if you like, and serve right away.
- Homemade Irish Cream Syrup
- Simmer the water, sugar and cocoa in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Take it off the heat, stir in the vanilla and almond extracts and let it cool. Refrigerate in a clean, sealed jar for up to 2 weeks.
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More Coffee Drinks to Make at Home
If you like this creamy coffee, try our Starbucks-style vanilla latte made with homemade vanilla syrup, whipped-up dalgona coffee, or top any drink with homemade vanilla whipped cream. Wondering about the difference between espresso drinks? Read macchiato vs. latte.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Irish cream breve?
An Irish cream breve is espresso made with steamed half-and-half instead of milk and flavored with Irish cream, a sweet vanilla, cocoa and almond flavor. Coffee shops usually make it with non-alcoholic Irish cream syrup, served hot or iced, and often finish it with whipped cream.
Does an Irish cream breve have alcohol?
Not when it's made with Irish cream syrup, which is a non-alcoholic coffee flavoring. It only contains alcohol if you use Irish cream liqueur instead. That version is for adults 21 and over only.
What is the difference between a breve and a latte?
Both are espresso with steamed dairy. A latte uses steamed milk, while a breve uses steamed half-and-half, which is half milk and half cream. That makes a breve richer, creamier and slightly sweeter-tasting, with a thicker, more velvety foam.
How do I make an iced Irish cream breve?
Stir 2 tablespoons of Irish cream syrup into 2 hot shots of espresso, pour it over a tall glass of ice and top with 3/4 cup of cold half-and-half. Stir and add a little whipped cream or cold foam if you like.
Can I make a breve without an espresso machine?
Yes. Use 1/2 cup of very strong brewed coffee, moka pot coffee or concentrated pod coffee instead of espresso. Heat the half-and-half on the stove until steaming and froth it with a handheld frother, a French press or by whisking vigorously.
Can I use a different milk?
Using whole milk makes it a latte rather than a breve, and it will be lighter. For a dairy-free version, try a barista-style oat milk, which steams and foams well, though the drink will be less rich.
