This homemade Dutch Bros Golden Eagle recipe is a fraction of the price and is so easy to make on your own. If you're a fan of the coffee chain, this copycat recipe will not disappoint! Create this irresistible signature drink from the comfort of your home with only five ingredients.
I love making fancy coffee drinks at home, like my Starbucks Irish Cream Cold Brew. There's simply something so satisfying about saving money and customizing your favorite coffee-chain drinks. This Dutch Bros Golden Eagle is sweet, creamy, and decadent. And while you're enjoying it, why not pair it with some of my delicious cinnamon rolls?
What is a Golden Eagle?
The Golden Eagle is an indulgent espresso drink that can be enjoyed hot, iced, or blended. It features a creamy blend of espresso, half-and-half, vanilla syrup, and caramel sauce. It is topped with whipped cream and a caramel sauce drizzle.
What is Dutch Bros Coffee?
Dutch Bros Coffee is a privately-owned coffee company based in Oregon. Similar to Starbucks, it has a fierce following of coffee aficionados that love the infamously sweet caffeinated beverages. The company is known for several signature drinks on its menu, such as the Picture Perfect, Christmas Morning, and Caramalizer.
The chain is known for its high-energy, outgoing, and incredibly friendly employees. Dutch Bros Coffee currently has more than 350 locations in seven states and continues to expand.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Made with five simple ingredients and ready in under ten minutes!
- The perfect drink for an irresistibly delicious pick-me-up.
- An excellent way to save money, by making a signature drink in your home kitchen.
Key ingredients and why we use them
The Golden Eagle is a delicious and simple drink with only five key ingredients.
Espresso: Dutch Bros uses a private reserve coffee from Central and South America. Feel free to use any espresso or strong-brewed coffee in your drink. I even like the little espresso packets when I'm in a pinch.
Half-and-Half: Simply put, half-and-half is equal parts whole milk and heavy whipping cream. You can easily make your own half-and-half by pouring the same amount of whole milk and cream into a jar or measuring cup. You can freeze half-and-half if you have extra leftovers.
Caramel Sauce: Dutch Bros uses the Torani brand for its sauces and syrups. However, you can use any type that you have available.
Vanilla Syrup: Regular or sugar-free vanilla Torani syrup will work well in this recipe. You could also substitute other flavors if you're feeling creative!
Step-by-step instructions
The entire recipe is below and be printed to save for later. But, before you get there, let's walk through it step-by-step so you understand what you're doing beforehand.
Step 1) Make the espresso or strongly brewed coffee and add caramel sauce.
Step 2) Steam the half-and-half and froth it for 30-45 seconds.
Step 3) Add the half-and-half to your glass slowly, holding back the foam.
Step 4) Spoon the froth onto the top of your drink. Add whipped cream and caramel sauce!
Frequently asked questions
While similar, these two drinks are distinct. The Golden Eagle is a vanilla breve—meaning it uses vanilla syrup mixed with half-and-half. Whereas a latte uses milk with any flavorings of choice. A breve is richer and creamier than a latte.
Absolutely! As of February 2023, you can still order the Golden Eagle at all Dutch Bros locations. At this time, the cost is about $3.75 for a small.
This drink is definitely an extravagance. While the large (24 ounces) boasts 560 calories, the medium (16 ounces) is more modest at 480, and the small (12 ounces) is even more so at 340.
If you're making a medium drink with two shots of espresso, your drink will have approximately 130 milligrams of caffeine in it. However, keep in mind that caffeine content can vary greatly depending on your brand of espresso.
Equipment
I recommend using an electric hand frother to mix your half-and-half. If you don't have one on hand, you can vigorously shake the mixture in a mason jar to achieve the same results. Some people have also reported using a small blender to froth the milk. Use whatever you have on hand!
Variations
There are several different ways to switch up this recipe according to your tastes!
If you're not a fan of coffee, try making a Golden Eagle Chai Tea. Simply swap the espresso for chai tea, and enjoy a rich and cream alternative. If you're at the coffee chain, this is a part of the secret menu, so feel free to order it!
Try a version with less sugar by using sugar-free caramel sauce and sugar-free vanilla syrup. If you are on a low-carb diet, remember that the espresso and half-and-half will have some carbs.
You can also make this dairy-free by substituting oat milk or almond milk. Speaking of oat milk, we're also fans of this honey oat milk latte recipe!
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If you're in the mood for more beverage recipes, check out these favorites from My Sweet Precision!
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Recipe
Dutch Bros Golden Eagle
Equipment
- handheld milk frother
- instant-read thermometer optional
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso or ½ cup strongly brewed coffee
- 1 ounce caramel sauce
- 1 ounce vanilla syrup
- 1¼ cups half-and-half
- whipped cream and caramel sauce for garnish
Instructions
- Make your strongly brewed coffee. Add the caramel sauce and vanilla syrup and stir to dissolve. Set the glass aside.
- Next, you will steam your milk. On the stove, add the half-and-half to a medium-sized pot. Heat it slowly over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn't boil. If you have an instant-read thermometer, you want the milk to be between 155 and 165 degrees.
- Now it's time to froth your milk. I like to use a handheld milk frother, but there are three options in the recipe notes below. Transfer the milk to a tall pitcher or glass and place the frother halfway into the milk. Froth the milk for 30 to 45 seconds by slowly pulling the wand up to the surface and down to the middle again.
- Add the milk to your glass. Take it slowly, using a spoon to hold back the foam. Finally, add the foam with your spoon.
- Top with whipped cream and caramel sauce, and enjoy!
Notes and Tips
- How to Froth Milk: There are three great options that I like to use to froth my milk: (1) a kitchen whisk, (2) shaking a mason jar, and (3) a handheld milk frother.
- Espresso Substitute: Yes, you can make your latte without espresso. Simply brew strong coffee in a regular coffee pot. You'll want about a half cup of coffee for this recipe.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?! First, let me say THANK YOU for giving it a try!
Please leave us a rating and feedback in the comments section at the bottom of this post. I always love to hear your thoughts and ideas on what went well — and didn't — with a recipe!
Happy Baking!
Heather
Denise
Dutch Bros is my favorite! Loved the sugar-free substitution suggestions. Thanks for the step-by-step pictures which made this recipe super easy to follow.
Heather
So glad that you enjoyed this, Denise! Enjoy that fancy drink :-)