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It took me a minute to get used to Dutch Bros wording, because some drink names sound familiar until you realize they mean something specific. Breve was one of those for me.
One of the most popular Dutch Bros drinks is the Breve, so I definitely found myself Googling – What is a breve Dutch Bros?
The short version: a Breve at Dutch Bros is an espresso drink made with half-and-half, and that one swap changes the whole feel. The first one I had tasted richer than I expected, not just sweeter.
Key takeaways
What does Breve mean?
Breve is an espresso-based drink made with “Kick Me Mix,” which is what Dutch Bros calls their half and half, instead of whole milk or skim milk.
Do not confuse it with the Italian word 'breve,' which means short or small. At Dutch Bros, the name points to the ingredients, not the size.
The first sip feels richer than a standard latte, and the half-and-half gives it a heavier, more velvety mouthfeel once the espresso settles down.
In my experience, the foam holds up well enough for drizzles or toppings to sit on top for a while instead of disappearing right away. I’ve had toppings slide around on lighter drinks before, so this stood out.
My favorite thing about the Breve is its versatility – you can have it hot, cold (iced), or frozen.
That heavier texture works year-round for me. I’ll drink one in winter or summer, but it still feels more like an occasional treat than an everyday order, which is why I keep coming back to it.
6 Must-try Breve variations at Dutch Bros
1. Banana Bread Breve
This variation leans into banana bread flavors, which is exactly the kind of combo that sounds odd until you try it. The banana-bread angle is what makes it memorable.
The combination of banana bread flavoring and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top makes this drink sweet and nutty, with a comforting warmth perfect for cool mornings or afternoons.
What I liked most is that the sweetness stays in check, so the espresso still comes through instead of getting buried.
How To Order The Banana Bread Breve
- Ask for 2 shots of white coffee and Breve (a quarter cup of half & half).
- Ask for 2 pumps of banana syrup and 1 pump of cinnamon syrup.
- Optional: Add a Soft Top!
2. Salted Caramel Breve
Salted caramel drinks get a lot of attention online, so I wasn’t surprised to see this one pop up everywhere. I still get why people like it: the Breve base makes the drink feel fuller than a standard latte, and the caramel stays front and center.
The salted caramel gives it a sweet-salty edge, and the foam adds a soft, creamy finish without making the drink feel heavy.
I like to ask for extra caramel drizzle on top of this one for just a touch more decadence!
How To Order The Salted Caramel Breve
- Ask for 1 or 2 shots of espresso (depending on your preferences) and Breve.
- Ask for 3 pumps of salted caramel syrup.
- Optional: Add a Soft Top and caramel drizzle.
3. Golden Eagle Breve
The Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Breve is on the official Dutch Bros menu. When the line is long, this is the kind of order that usually moves quickly because the team already knows the build.
Caramel and vanilla make this sweeter than a plain coffee drink, and the half-and-half keeps it rounded instead of thin. It never tastes flat to me.
It tends to appeal to anyone who wants a sweeter espresso drink without crossing fully into dessert territory.
I like this one iced, but the hot version is also smooth and dreamy, especially with a couple of holiday cookies nearby.
Golden Eagle Breve Nutritional Breakdown (Iced - Without Modification) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Nutrients | Small | Medium | Large |
Calories | 340 | 480 | 560 |
Total Fat | 18G | 30G | 36G |
Total Carbs | 39G | 43G | 46G |
Sugar | 33G | 37G | 39G |
Protein | 6G | 10G | 12G |
Golden Eagle Breve Nutritional Breakdown (Hot - Without Modification) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Nutrients | Small | Medium | Large |
Calories | 480 | 620 | 700 |
Total Fat | 30G | 42G | 49G |
Total Carbs | 43G | 47G | 50G |
Sugar | 37G | 41G | 43G |
Protein | 10G | 14G | 17G |
Golden Eagle Breve Nutritional Breakdown (Blended - Without Modification) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Nutrients | Small | Medium | Large |
Calories | 580 | 780 | 1000 |
Total Fat | 18G | 24G | 31G |
Total Carbs | 92G | 122G | 153G |
Sugar | 84G | 112G | 141G |
Protein | 11G | 17G | 23G |
4. Iced Sugar Cookie Breve
This Iced Sugar Cookie Breve is a seasonal item that usually shows up in late spring. The iced version makes more sense to me than the hot seasonal drinks, since it is easy to sip on the go.
This indulgent beverage is one of my favorites because its unique cookie-like flavor perfectly complements the rich espresso.
The foam on top is the part I notice first, since it gives the drink a finished look before I even take a sip.
How To Order The Iced Sugar Cookie Breve
- Ask for a double shot of espresso with Breve.
- Ask for 1 pump each of almond roca, white chocolate, and vanilla syrups.
- Top with raw sugar sprinkles.
5. Flap Jack Breve
The Flap Jack Breve is a twist on the Flap Jack drink with salted caramel, white chocolate, and vanilla.
I liked it more blended than iced, since the colder, thicker texture made the flavors hit harder and pushed it closer to dessert.
It works well for anyone who likes caramel and vanilla, and half-and-half nudges the texture even farther into dessert territory.
I’m still a little thrown by the name, because “Flap Jack” makes me think of maple, and that flavor never shows up here.
BaristaHQ Tip: I like pairing Flap Jack Breve with Dutch Bros almond milk to add a little nuttiness into the mix.
How To Order The Flap Jack Breve
- Ask for a Flap Jack Mocha with Breve
- Optional: Ask for it blended!
6. Cookies And Cream Breve
This Breve leans into a cookie-like finish, which is probably why it works so well with Dutch Bros white coffee. That cookie note keeps it from feeling like just another vanilla drink.
The texture reminds me of a milkshake with a stronger coffee edge, so it reads as a treat before it reads as coffee.
I like the sweetness on this one, even though it softens the coffee flavor more than some of the other Breves. It goes down easily, so I treat it as an occasional caffeinated drink rather than something I reach for all the time.
Around the holidays I sometimes add a pump of peppermint syrup, and to me it starts to lean toward mint chocolate chip ice cream. The peppermint doesn’t overwhelm it; it just shifts the flavor toward something colder and brighter.
It’s also good with chocolate macadamia nut syrup, if you want a more nutty cookie vibe.
How To Order Cookies And Cream Breve
- Ask for 2 shots of white coffee with Breve and white chocolate syrup mixed in.
- Ask for chocolate drizzle on top.
Dutch Bros Breve vs Latte
Flavor
The Breve has a heavier and creamier texture than a typical latte with whole milk.
The Breve is richer and more velvety, and the espresso comes across a little softer because of the half-and-half. That softer espresso hit is what I notice most after a latte.
Lattes feel lighter to me, especially with plant-based milk. I notice the difference right away when I compare the two.
If I’m having a big breakfast, I’ll stick with a latte.
Appearance & texture
The Breve has a thick foam that looks a lot like a cappuccino.
The foam on top is still nicely defined, and it looks close to latte foam when the drink is made well. A well-made one still holds its shape long enough to show the layers.
Toppings and drizzles usually sit on top well, which helps the drink keep its layered look.
While the two look similar, the latte will feel lighter and less dense upon sipping.
That thicker dairy is what gives the drink its smooth feel and fuller body.
Calories
There are 280 calories in a small Breve at Dutch Bros, which is 12 ounces. A small latte, which comes standard with 2% milk, will have 142 calories.
If I swap a latte to whole milk, the calorie count goes up. Half-and-half pushes it into Breve territory, which is the change I notice most.
Nutritional info
In the version listed here, the carbs and caffeine are similar.
The real difference is the dairy fat.
A small Breve has about 24 grams of fat, while a small latte only has 5.3 grams of fat when created with 2%.
So while the Breve is my usual go-to, I do switch to a latte now and then when I want something lighter.
How to make a Dutch Bros Breve at home
Breves are surprisingly simple to make at home.
You can make a hot or iced coffee Breve in a few steps with an espresso machine. The texture is what matters most, so I pay more attention to steaming than to the clock.
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- 1Begin by making a strong pot of coffee or pulling two espresso shots from your espresso machine.
- 2Pour your brew or hot espresso shots into a mug.
- 3In a separate container, combine your milk and heavy cream in equal parts, or your half and half.
- 4Heat the half and half mixture using a steam wand or heat it in the microwave. Be sure not to overheat.
- 5Once your mixture is heated, pour it into your mug, withholding the foam.
- 6Scoop the foam on top of your mug, creating a thick layer.
- 7Add any syrups or sweeteners you like to your Breve. I usually go far vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut syrups. It’s typically served hot, but for an iced version, just add ice.
- 8Finally, take a deep breath and enjoy the fragrance and taste of your well-made Breve.
FAQs
How many calories are in Dutch Bros Breve?
A medium Breve contains approximately 470 calories. Calories vary by size and flavorings, so check the nutritional information if that matters to you.
How much caffeine is in a Dutch breve?
A medium Dutch Bros Breve, excluding 911 and chocolate flavors, is listed at approximately 93.5 milligrams of caffeine.
What’s a Breve vs latte?
The main difference between a Dutch Bros Breve and a latte is the dairy. A latte is typically made with steamed milk, while a Breve uses half-and-half, and that swap changes the drink much more than people expect.
Can you buy a Breve from another coffee shop?
Most coffee shops and baristas will know what you mean, though I’ve also had to ask for a latte made with half-and-half instead of milk.
Can a Breve be dairy free?
A classic Breve is not dairy free because it uses half-and-half.
Can I get a Breve with chocolate?
Dutch Bros doesn’t have a specific Breve on the menu that uses chocolate milk. You can still customize one by asking for chocolate sauce to be added.
What does ‘breve’ mean at Starbucks?
At Starbucks, breve usually refers to half-and-half rather than a separate espresso drink made with half-and-half.
Conclusion - Try it today & you won't be sorry!
The Breve at Dutch Bros is one of the drinks I keep coming back to.
Like most Dutch Bros drinks, it is easy to customize, so a favorite version may not be listed here. Even small changes in syrup or milk can push it in a different direction.
