Copycat 7 Brew Sweet and Salty Drink Recipe

5

While 7 Brew has perfected this indulgent treat, there’s something special about recreating your favorite coffee drinks at home. Not only do you save time and money (hello, budget-friendly caffeine fixes), but you can also tweak the 7 Brew Sweet and Salty recipe to match your personal taste.

How to make 7 Brew Sweet and Salty

7 Brew Sweet and Salty is one of the signature espresso-based drinks from the 7 Brew coffee menu, known for its balanced sweet and savory flavor. Essentially, it’s a salted caramel + white chocolate breve — a creamy, dessert-like coffee with a hint of salt to cut through the sweetness.

Ingredients

• Espresso (or strong coffee): 2 shots of freshly brewed espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong-brewed coffee will work as a substitute.
• Salted Caramel Syrup: 2 tablespoons. Use a good-quality salted caramel syrup for maximum flavor. Store-bought brands like Torani or Monin work perfectly.
• White Chocolate Sauce: 1–2 tablespoons (adjust for sweetness to taste). This gives the drink its creamy, sweet richness.
• Breve Base (Half-and-Half): 1 cup. Breve is a mix of half milk and half cream, which contributes to the extra creamy texture of the drink.
• Ice (optional for iced version)
• Whipped cream
• A drizzle of salted caramel and white chocolate sauce

Tools You’ll Need

• Espresso machine (or coffee maker for strong brew)
• Milk frother (optional for warm drinks)
• A mixing spoon or whisk
• A heatproof glass or cup for hot drinks / a tall glass for iced drinks

Instructions

Let’s break this down step by step to ensure your homemade 7 Brew Sweet and Salty turns out just right:

Step 1: Start by brewing 2 shots of espresso using your espresso machine. If you don’t have an espresso machine, prepare about ½ cup of strong brewed coffee instead. The boldness of the espresso or coffee is key to balancing the sweetness of the drink.

Step 2: In your cup or mixing container, add 2 tablespoons of salted caramel syrup and 1–2 tablespoons of white chocolate sauce (depending on your desired sweetness). Stir them together until combined. The result should be a smooth, rich sauce.

Step 3: Pour the freshly brewed espresso into the caramel and white chocolate mixture. Stir well to allow the heat from the espresso to melt and blend the flavors seamlessly.

Step 4: Heat 1 cup of breve (half-and-half) on the stove or in the microwave until warm but not boiling. If you want the café-style foam, use a milk frother to create a light, velvety texture with the warm breve.

Step 5: For a hot drink, Pour the warm breve into your cup of espresso and stir gently. Top with whipped cream for extra indulgence and drizzle salted caramel and white chocolate sauce on top. For an iced version, Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, then pour the breve over the espresso mixture. Stir well and top with whipped cream and drizzles, if desired.

Tips for the Best 7 Brew Sweet and Salty

• Customize the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet drink, start with smaller amounts of salted caramel syrup and white chocolate sauce, then add more in small increments as needed.
• Don’t Skip the Breve: The breve (half-and-half) is essential for achieving the smooth, creamy consistency of the original 7 Brew Sweet and Salty. Whole milk or a milk alternative can work in a pinch, but it won’t have the same richness.
• Experiment with Toppings: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the whipped cream for an extra layer of salty goodness.
• Make It Part of Your Morning Routine: Once you’ve nailed the recipe, try prepping your flavor base (salted caramel and white chocolate mix) in advance. This will save time when you’re in a rush!
• Try Milk Alternatives: If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute the breve with a plant-based alternative like almond milk or oat milk. For the creamiest results, use a barista blend.

What to serve with

The 7 Brew Sweet and Salty is a decadent, dessert-like drink that pairs wonderfully with a variety of treats.

1. Pastries

Pastries are a classic choice to serve with coffee. Their flakiness and subtle sweetness pair beautifully with the rich, creamy flavors of the 7 Brew Sweet and Salty.

• Croissants: The buttery, flaky texture of a croissant is a perfect contrast to the velvety drink. Opt for plain, almond, or chocolate-filled versions.
• Danishes: Whether fruit-filled or cheese-filled, danishes add a delightful burst of flavor and pair well with the coffee’s sweetness.
• Scones: Try a scone with clotted cream and jam. Blueberry, lemon, or classic plain scones will all complement your drink.

2. Cookies and Biscuits

The crunch and sweetness of cookies or biscuits create a delightful harmony with the smooth, rich coffee.

• Shortbread Cookies: Their buttery taste and delicate texture are a fantastic match for the sweet and salty notes in the drink.
• Biscotti: These twice-baked Italian cookies are perfect for dunking. Almond, chocolate-dipped, or hazelnut varieties would be excellent choices.
• Macarons: These colorful, almond-based treats offer a light, airy texture and come in a variety of flavors that can complement the coffee.

3. Cakes

If you’re in the mood for something richer, a slice of cake can be an excellent pairing with your coffee.

• Coffee Cake: This moist, crumbly cake often has a cinnamon swirl and streusel topping, which harmonizes beautifully with the coffee’s flavors.
• Pound Cake: Its dense, buttery texture pairs well with the creamy coffee. Lemon or vanilla pound cake would work especially well.
• Cheesecake: A slice of creamy cheesecake, whether plain or topped with fruit, can add a luxurious feel to your coffee experience.

4. Chocolates and Truffles

For a truly indulgent treat, chocolates and truffles are perfect companions for the 7 Brew Sweet and Salty.

• Dark Chocolate: The slight bitterness of dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the drink.
• Salted Caramel Truffles: The flavors of these truffles echo the salted caramel notes in the coffee, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Milk Chocolate Bars: Smooth and creamy milk chocolate can enhance the sweetness of the coffee.

5. Fruit

Fresh fruit provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy coffee.

• Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries offer a tartness that balances the sweetness of the coffee.
• Apple Slices with Caramel Dip: The crispness of apples and the sweetness of caramel resonate with the flavors in the drink.
• Grapes: A bowl of chilled grapes can be a light and refreshing side to cut through the richness of the drink.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating the delicious 7 Brew Sweet and Salty at home is exciting, but you might not always have access to certain ingredients—or maybe you’re looking for healthier or dietary-friendly alternatives.

1. Espresso (or Strong Coffee)

Original Ingredient: Espresso is the concentrated coffee base traditionally used in the recipe.

Substitute Options:

• Instant Coffee: Dissolve 2 teaspoons of a high-quality instant coffee in ½ cup of hot water to mimic espresso’s strong flavor.
• Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate: If you prefer a milder taste with less bitterness, opt for cold brew concentrate instead. Use about ⅓–½ cup for a richer flavor.
• French Press Coffee: Brew strong coffee using a French press if espresso isn’t available. Use more coffee grounds and let it steep longer to achieve boldness.

2. Salted Caramel Syrup

Original Ingredient: Salted caramel syrup gives the drink its signature sweet and salty flavor profile.

Substitute Options:

• Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce: Combine sugar, butter, and heavy cream on low heat, then add a pinch of sea salt for the salty edge. Let it cool before using.
• Caramel Extract + Pinch of Salt: If you have caramel extract, mix ½ teaspoon of extract with 2 teaspoons of sugar and a pinch of salt for a quick alternative.
• Honey or Maple Syrup + Pinch of Sea Salt: These natural sweeteners can add depth and sweetness, though the flavor won’t perfectly mimic salted caramel.

3. White Chocolate Sauce

Original Ingredient: White chocolate sauce is responsible for the bold sweetness and creamy flavor.

Substitute Options:

• White Chocolate Chips + Milk/Cream: Melt white chocolate chips with a splash of milk or cream to create a homemade sauce (keep stirring to prevent burning).
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: For a similar rich and sweet flavor, use 1 tablespoon of condensed milk in place of white chocolate sauce.
• Vanilla Syrup or Extract: While this won’t replicate the richness of white chocolate, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract can work as a lighter option to add a sweet, smooth flavor.

4. Breve (Half-and-Half)

Original Ingredient: Breve, a mix of half milk and half cream, gives the drink its creamy, rich texture.

Substitute Options:

• Whole Milk: For a lighter option, whole milk is the closest alternative to breve. It won’t be as rich, but it’s a good swap.
• Heavy Cream + Regular Milk: Combine ¼ cup heavy cream with ¾ cup regular milk to mimic half-and-half.
• Plant-Based Creamers: For a dairy-free version, use almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or a barista-style plant-based creamer. Coconut cream mixed with almond milk can create a rich texture similar to breve.

Final Thoughts

Recreating the 7 Brew Sweet and Salty at home is a treat for your taste buds and a fun way to step up your coffee-making game. The balance of flavors—sweet, salty, and creamy—is nothing short of indulgent.

More 7 Brew Recipes:

• Copycat 7 Brew Pink Mermaid Drink Recipe