The Best Copycat Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Recipe

I know that going to Dutch Bros coffee shops is a very enjoyable experience because of the ultra-friendly staff and fun conversations, but what happens if you simply can't make it out of the house? The kids are crying, grandma needs you, thunderstorms are outside, or you just don't have enough time in the morning before work.

That is why we got your back and developed this awesome copycat recipe for you to enjoy the same comfort of Dutch Bros coffee without having to leave your home.

Plus this is the best Dutch Bros Golden Eagle recipe out there!

Skip the Red Bull and energy drinks and enjoy the unique flavors of this popular coffee chain before the gym or before you clock in for work. Or savor the flavor on a slow weekend morning. This Dutch Bros Golden Eagle recipe is enjoyable seven days a week!

Once you've mastered this, try some of their other signature drinks such as the Dutch Bros Rebel drink.

Table of Contents

• Why You Need to Make This Recipe
• What Is a Dutch Bros Golden Eagle?
• What Is a Breve Coffee?
• Ingredients for Making This Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Recipe
• How To Make This Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Recipe (Hot)
• How To Make This Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Recipe (Cold or Blended)
• Best Vanilla Syrups for Coffee
• Best Caramel Sauces for Coffee
• How To Make Espresso
• Ingredient Substitutions
• Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

Why You Need to Make This Recipe

• Save Time: This copycat recipe is just a few simple steps and will be done and ready in less time than it would take for you to go and grab it from the store itself!
• Save Money: Making this sweet drink at home will allow you to enjoy all of the same coffee flavors you love for a fraction of the price!
• Fully Customizable: Add or substitute any ingredients you want!

What Is a Dutch Bros Golden Eagle?

Dutch Bro's Golden Eagle is a rich and buttery breve featuring shots of espresso, half-and-half, vanilla syrup, and caramel sauce, then topped with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle. It's available at all times of the year and can be served blended, iced, or hot. This creamy drink's vanilla and caramel flavors blend together perfectly to impress your taste buds!

What Is a Breve Coffee?

Breve coffee, cafe breve, or breve latte is an Americanized version of the Italian Cafe Latte. It is made with equal parts of hot espresso and steamed half-and-half cream and milk. A breve is much creamier than a latte because of the higher fat content. It can be made in the same style as a latte or a cappuccino.

Ingredients for Making This Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need to make the Dutch Bros Golden Eagle. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements!

Half and half: This is used in the classic drink on the Dutch Bros menu. Using half and half instead of milk in your coffee drinks will make your beverage thicker and smoother.

Caramel sauce: The caramel sauce gives this drink its primary flavor and is responsible for the golden hue that is in the name. If using a clear glass or plastic cup, add a caramel sauce drizzle along the walls and edges of the cup to give it an extra visual appeal. 

Vanilla Syrup: Dutch Bros coffee shop uses Torani syrups, but I usually prefer the Monin syrups better! 

Espresso shots: Use a single or double shot of espresso depending on your desired level of caffeine content.

Whipped Cream: Optional topping, but highly recommended.

Ice Cubes: Optional if you want an iced or blended version.

How To Make This Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Recipe (Hot)

This is how you can make a Dutch Bros Golden Eagle. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions! 

1. Start by brewing the espresso or coffee using your preferred method.

2. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe container, heat the half-and-half until it's warm but not boiling. You can do this on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.

3. In your serving cup, add the caramel sauce and vanilla syrup. Start with 2 tablespoons or pumps of caramel sauce and 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup then adjust to taste at the end when the drink is finished.

4. Pour the brewed espresso or coffee over the caramel and vanilla mixture. Stir well to combine and dissolve the sauces into the coffee.

5. Pour the warmed half-and-half into the cup.

6. If you like, top your latte with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. Give the latte a gentle stir to combine all the flavors, and your homemade caramel vanilla latte is ready to enjoy!

How To Make This Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Recipe (Cold or Blended)

1. Start by brewing the espresso or coffee using your preferred method.

2. In your serving cup, add the ice, half-and-half, caramel sauce, and vanilla syrup. Start with 2 tablespoons or pumps of caramel sauce and 1 tablespoon of vanilla syrup then adjust to taste at the end when the drink is finished.

3. Pour the brewed espresso or coffee over the mixture. Stir well to combine and dissolve the sauces into the coffee.

4. (Optional) For a blended coffee, pour the whole drink into a blender and blend for 30-45 seconds. Then pour it back into the cup. You might need to add a little more ice to reach your desired consistency and some more caramel sauce or vanilla syrup to up the sweetness.

5. If you like, top your latte with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. Give the latte a gentle stir to combine all the flavors, and your homemade caramel vanilla latte is ready to enjoy!

Best Vanilla Syrups for Coffee

Store Bought: With so many different brands out there to choose from, it can be hard to know if you're making the right decision. Here is a list we compiled that includes some of our favorites:

• Amoretti Premium French Vanilla Syrup
• Torani Coffee Syrup
• Monin Vanilla Syrup
• Ghirardelli Vanilla Sauce
• Matteo's Barista-Style Coffee Syrup

Homemade: If you're looking to go the extra mile, here is a recipe for making vanilla syrup at home:

1. Start by boiling equal parts of sugar and water in a pot to create a simple syrup.
2. Boil for 5 mins. Then turn off the heat, add in parts of a vanilla bean and a couple of drops of vanilla extract, stir, and let it cool.
3. Strain the syrup to remove the vanilla bean and use it.

Best Caramel Sauces for Coffee

Store Bought: Just like the vanilla syrups, there are loads of varieties for this ingredient. Again, here is a list of types we like the most:

• Torani Caramel Sauce
• DaVi Gourmet Caramel Syrup
• Monin Salted Caramel Syrup
• Amoretti Premium Caramel Syrup

Homemade: If you want to chef up this drink and make everything completely from scratch, here is how you could make caramel sauce at home:

1. The ingredients you will need are sugar, cream of tartar, water, butter, and heavy cream.
2. Add the water, sugar, and cream of tartar to a stovetop pan and turn the burner to medium-high heat.
3. Cook the mixture until the sugar dissolves and has turned into a brownish-amber-golden color.
4. Add in the butter and heavy cream and stir until it is fully combined. If it still has clumps, place it back on the stove lower the heat to medium, and cook it just until it's smooth.
5. Let the caramel cool to thicken and solidify.

If you need more detail on this specific recipe, you can check it out here, Easy Fail Proof Homemade Caramel Sauce.

How To Make Espresso

To make espresso, you will need the proper machinery to process the beans correctly. If you do not have one, you won't be able to get the real thing. The best way to make it, is whatever method works best with your espresso-making equipment.

The easiest way is a with a machine that uses the espresso pods such as Keurig or Nespresso. All you have to do is simply pick the degree of roasted coffee you want and brew the pod.

If you are brewing espresso from a machine that takes coffee grounds such as a Breville, it will take a little more work. You will first have to grind your coffee beans into a very fine powder. If your grounds are too thick and clumpy then the espresso may not brew properly due to incorrect pressure. Then you will put a scoop of ground coffee into the portafilter, insert the little cup of powder into the hole and twist. Place your cup underneath and begin to brew.

Tip: Some espresso machines are different from each other and have different brewing pressures. If it's your first time using your machine, make a couple separate batches first by grinding the beans into different levels of coarseness and test each one out until you have the right consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Instead of Half-and-half: Replace with heavy cream for an even thicker caramel breve. Use whole milk, 2% milk, or nonfat milk to reduce some of the calories. For dairy free options you could try oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk.

Instead of Espresso: You could use cold brew, instant coffee, or regular coffee to mix with the half-and-half. Use decaffeinated coffee for a caffeine-free treat that can be enjoyed any time of day or evening.

For a sugar-free version: use sugar-free caramel sauce and sugar-free vanilla syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

How to Store a Dutch Bros Golden Eagle

Because of the dairy, if you are saving this drink for later then it should be refrigerated preferably in an airtight container. You could use mason jars or hard plastic coffee cups with a sealed lid. 

What Is the Difference Between a Breve and a Latte?

A latte is espresso with milk while a breve is espresso mixed with half-and-half.

What Is a Soft Top and How Do I Make It?

The Dutch Bros soft top is made with a mixture of buttermilk, heavy cream, and vanilla syrup. It yields a creamy and luscious thick topping for your iced beverages. It is very different from other cold foams because it is slightly tangy from the buttermilk used in making it. If you've never tried it before, I highly recommend you give it a try using this homemade Dutch Bros soft top recipe.

The Best Copycat Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Recipe