How to Make Dutch Bros Golden Eagle at Home

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’s why I created this copycat recipe, so all my coffee aficionados can enjoy that signature Golden Eagle flavor at home, any day of the week.

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 the other copycats of their signature drinks, such as the Dutch Bros Rebel drink.

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 year-round 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 this Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need to make a copycat Golden Eagle. 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. Instant espresso powder can work as well.

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 hot Golden Eagle in the comfort of your own home. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions!

1. Start by brewing the espresso or coffee using your espresso machine.
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 a Homemade 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!

Tips & Tricks for the Best Results

• Layer flavors thoughtfully: Add syrup first, then espresso, then cream—this helps the flavors integrate evenly.
• Don’t scorch the half-and-half: Heat gently and stir often to prevent burning.
• Adjust sweetness after combining: Once mixed, taste and tweak with extra syrup if needed.
• Chill glasses for the iced version: Helps keep the drink cold longer.
• Milk frothing tricks: Use a handheld frother, French press, or mason jar shaking method if you don’t have a steam wand.
• Visual appeal matters: Drizzle caramel inside the glass before pouring to make your drink look cafe-worthy.

Why This Copycat Recipe Works

• 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: Increase caffeine, use less sugar, or add any ingredients you want!

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

What Variations and Substitutions can I try?

• 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.
• Stronger version: Add an extra espresso shot.
• Less sweet version: Reduce syrups or use half the amount.
• Make your own syrups:
  • Vanilla syrup: Boil equal parts water and sugar, stir in vanilla bean or extract, cool, then strain.
  • Caramel sauce: Cook sugar and water until amber, add butter and cream, then stir until smooth and cool.

How do I store leftover 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.

Why doesn’t my half-and-half froth like milk?

Because it has a higher fat content, froth is subtler. Heat it gently and use a frother or French press method for a light foam.

The Best Copycat Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Recipe

Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Latte Recipe

This delicious Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Latte recipe is a creamy and sweet beverage that has a nice kick of caffeine from the espresso and a delicious sweetness from the caramel and vanilla syrup.

5 from 9 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 1 serving

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 shots of espresso Use 1 for a less strong drink.
• 3/4 cup half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
• 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup adjust to taste
• Whipped cream optional
• Caramel drizzle optional

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

 

• Brew your espresso or coffee using your preferred method. I used an espresso machine but feel free to go with 1/4 cup hot water and 1 tablespoon instant coffee if you don't have an espresso machine.
  2 shots of espresso
• 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.
  3/4 cup half-and-half
• In your serving cup, add the caramel sauce and vanilla syrup. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste.
  2 tablespoons caramel sauce, 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup
• Pour the brewed espresso or coffee over the caramel and vanilla mixture. Stir well to combine and dissolve the sauces into the coffee.
• Pour the warmed half-and-half into the cup. Add whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel and enjoy!
  Caramel drizzle, Whipped cream

Keyword Dutch bros Golden Eagle, Dutch Bros Golden Eagle recipe, Golden Eagle drink

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