Dutch Bros Caramelizer Recipe (Iced, Hot & Blended Copycat)

This Dutch Bros Caramelizer recipe is the perfect choice for coffee fans and caramel lovers. Made with chocolate and caramel flavors, this delicious drink is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

This Dutch Bros Caramelizer copycat tastes just like the original. Rich chocolate milk, bold espresso, and sweet caramel sauce come together in this easy iced, hot, or blended version you can make at home in minutes.

Since you are here and love a Dutch Bros copycat recipe, check out this Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Recipe, this Dutch Bros Annihilator Recipe, or this Dutch Bros Cocomo Recipe.

What is the Caramelizer from Dutch Bros Coffee Shop?

The Caramelizer is basically a caramel mocha coffee beverage. It's made with their exclusive chocolate milk and caramel sauce. It is available in various ways such as hot, iced, or blended. This popular drink is a staple on the Dutch Bros menu.

Ingredients for this Dutch Bros Caramelizer Recipe

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.

• Shots of Espresso: Use a single shot or a double shot of espresso but honestly however many you like works just as well!
• Chocolate Milk:​ This is the signature ingredient in most Dutch Bros drinks. They use a unique type that is only available to them, but most chocolate milks will work just fine. Use your favorite is my only tip!
• Caramel Sauce: provides the burst of flavor for this delicious beverage.
• Ice (Optional):​ if you want your drink iced or blended.

How to Make this Dutch Bros Caramelizer Recipe (Iced)

1. Start by brewing your bold espresso. Then place it aside to allow it to slightly cool down.
2. Add your chilled chocolate milk and caramel to a tall glass and stir. Make sure to leave room for your ice and espresso.
3. Then add the ice and the espresso shots and stir again.
4. Add whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce to your iced coffee and you're ready to serve!

How to Make this Dutch Bros Caramelizer Recipe (Hot)​

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe guide at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions.

1. Brew your espresso and heat your chocolate milk. You can steam it by using the stem of an espresso machine, warm it in a pot on the stove, or heat it up quickly by using a microwave.
2. Combine your hot espresso, warmed chocolate milk, and a tablespoon of caramel sauce into a cup and give it a stir.
3. Top with whipped cream if you'd like and enjoy!

How to Make this Dutch Bros Caramelizer Recipe (Blended)

1. ​Brew your espresso and give it some time to cool down.
2. In a blender, add the chocolate milk, double the caramel sauce,1 cup of ice, 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum, and the slightly cooled espresso.
3. Blend on high for 15-30 seconds or until everything looks fully mixed and there aren't any big ice chunks.
4. Pour your blended mixture into a tall glass and top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Why You Need to Make this Recipe!

• This easy recipe only requires a few simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
• Customize or change out any ingredients or flavors to make it taste exactly how you want!
• It is a delicious treat that has just the right amount of sweetness and will have you feeling good after the first sip.
• Enjoy it hot or iced so you can have it year-round during the various seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

What Caramel Sauce Does Dutch Bros Use?

Dutch Bros uses a rich, smooth caramel sauce that blends easily into both hot and iced drinks. While the exact brand they use in-store isn’t publicly confirmed, it has a classic buttery caramel flavor, not overly dark or burnt.

To recreate the Dutch Bros Caramelizer at home, use a thick, high-quality caramel sauce (not caramel syrup). Brands like Ghirardelli, Torani caramel sauce, or even a homemade caramel sauce will give you the closest flavor and texture.

If you prefer a sweeter drink, use a regular caramel sauce. For a deeper flavor, try a sea salt caramel sauce.

What Ingredient Substitutions Can I Make?

• Most chocolate milks come with whole milk, but you can use any chocolate flavored plant-based milk as well. Almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk all have chocolate versions available. You could even use chocolate ice cream for an extra creamy beverage (this would go great in the blended version).
• Instead of espresso, you can use cold brew or instant coffee. If you do use cold brew, use a concentrate or a nitro version so that you can use less of it to mimic the same amount of espresso.

Can I Make a Homemade Chocolate Milk?

Of course! Make a homemade chocolate milk by adding a generous amount of chocolate syrup into a glass of whole milk.

​What Other Flavors Can I Try with this Dutch Bros Caramelizer Recipe?

There are a lot of flavors you could combine with this tasty drink. Here are a few that I like the most:

• For even more chocolate flavors, add in a tablespoon of chocolate sauce with your caramel, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or a garnish of chocolate chips. The chocolate chips would really be tasty in the blended style.
• Vanilla Syrup ​is always a great combination with other flavors.
• Natural ingredients and sweeteners like honey or maple syrup​ would taste surprisingly well.

Can I Make a Homemade Caramel Sauce?

Store-bought caramel sauce would certainly be easier but if you're feeling up to it, you can absolutely make a homemade version! To make it, check out this recipe for an Easy Fail Proof Homemade Caramel Sauce.

How to Store a Leftover Caramelizer

• Hot Version:​ Easy as can be. Simply transfer your coffee to an airtight container such as a mason jar and put it in the fridge. It should last for 3-4 days.
• Iced Version:​ You will want to remove the ice from your drink before storing it so that it doesn't melt and water down your flavor. To remove the ice, you can either use a fork and pour the coffee through a sieve into another cup. Again, put into a mason jar and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Blended Version: Unfortunately, it is not recommended to store an icy, blended coffee. If you put it in the fridge, the ice will melt and ruin the flavor. If you put it in the freezer, it will become a solid block of ice. It is best to only make enough of a serving that you know you will be able to finish it one sitting.