Dutch Bros Kicker: What’s in It, Calories, Price
Want a creamy, energizing drink? The Dutch Bros Kicker blends espresso and Irish cream, perfect for customizing. But with menu changes, price swings, and sugar-free options, ordering or making the ideal Kicker can feel like a shot in the dark.
We breaks it down cost, calories, customization, so you know exactly what you’re getting before that first sip.
- What’s in a standard Dutch Bros Kicker?
- How much does it cost, and is it worth it?
- Can you get a sugar-free Kicker that still tastes good?
- Want the full Dutch Bros Kicker recipe at home?
Spoiler: For a lower-sugar fix, check out the full list of Dutch Bros sugar-free flavors to mix and match without losing flavor.
And if you’re more of a DIY type, you’ll want to bookmark this Dutch Bros Kicker recipe it’s easier and surprisingly affordable compared to daily drive-thru runs.
Dutch Bros Kicker: Ingredients & Flavor Breakdown
Simple ingredients: fresh espresso, Irish cream syrup, and half-and-half. That’s it. No whipped cream, no drizzle, just a smooth, creamy drink that keeps things straightforward.
Here’s what goes into it:
- Espresso – usually 2 shots in a medium
- Irish cream syrup – sweet and slightly nutty
- Half-and-half – gives it that rich, velvety texture
In hot, iced, or blended, depending on your feeling. Hot is cozy and mellow, iced is refreshing and crisp, and the blended version leans more toward a coffee milkshake perfect for warm days or if you’re in the mood for something treat-like.
So what does it taste like?
Think Irish coffee, minus the whiskey. It’s not overly sweet, and the Irish cream flavor has just enough depth to make it interesting without overpowering the espresso. Smooth, balanced, and easy to drink, even for folks who don’t usually go for bold coffee flavors.
For coffee mellow but flavorful, the Kicker fits the bill without any extra fuss.
Nutritional Insights & Caffeine Content
The Kicker lands right in that middle ground, energizing, but not over-the-top.
Caffeine Content
A medium has around 180 mg of caffeine, thanks to its two shots of espresso. That’s about the same as a strong cup of brewed coffee, enough to keep you sharp without pushing you into jittery territory. The cold brew version can vary slightly, but you’re still in the same ballpark.
Calories
Here’s where the drink can sneak up on you. A medium hot or iced Kicker comes in at roughly 400 calories. If you go for the cold brew version, you’re looking at a leaner 170 calories, depending on the milk and syrup choices.
Quick Calorie Snapshot:
| Size | Type | Est. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Hot/Iced | ~320 kcal |
| Medium | Hot/Iced | ~400 kcal |
| Medium | Cold Brew | ~170 kcal |
| Large | Hot/Iced | ~470 kcal |
Looking to lighten it up?
You can ask for:
- Sugar-free Irish cream syrup
- Non-dairy options like almond, oat, or coconut milk
- Cold brew base instead of breve for fewer calories
Price & Sizing
What to expect when it comes to sizes and prices. The cost depends on the size you order and where you’re located, but most Kickers fall between $3.75 and $6.25.
Not the cheapest on the menu, but you’re paying for espresso, dairy, and flavor, not just a splash of coffee.
Standard Sizes & Estimated Prices
| Size | Ounces | Avg. Price | Est. Cost per Oz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 12 oz | $3.75–$4.25 | ~33¢ |
| Medium | 16 oz | $4.50–$5.25 | ~30¢ |
| Large | 20 oz | $5.25–$6.25 | ~31¢ |
- Blended drinks often cost a bit more than hot or iced versions
- Add-ons like extra shots or non-dairy milk may bump the price up by $0.50–$1.00
DIY Kicker at Home: Recipe & Tips
Making it at home is easier with budget-friendly. A creamy, Irish cream flavor but don’t want to hit the drive-thru every time, this simple copycat version gets pretty close to the real thing.
Kicker vs. 911 & Other Popular Drinks
Kicker and the 911 are fan favorites, but they serve very different purposes. If you’re stuck between the two or just curious how they stack up, here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide.
The Kicker is smooth, mellow, and balanced, espresso paired with Irish cream syrup and half-and-half. It’s comforting without being overly strong.
The 911, on the other hand, is built to wake you up fast. It’s made with six shots of espresso and Irish cream syrup, served as a breve. No holding back on the caffeine here.
Quick Comparison Table
| Drink | Espresso Shots | Caffeine (mg) | Calories (Medium) | Flavor Profile | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kicker | 2 | ~180 | ~400 kcal | Creamy, smooth, lightly sweet | $4.75–$5.50 |
| 911 | 6 | ~380–400 | ~540 kcal | Strong, bold, richer creaminess | $5.75–$6.50 |
| Annihilator | 2 | ~180 | ~420 kcal | Chocolate-macadamia, sweet & nutty | $4.75–$5.50 |
| Caramelizer | 2 | ~180 | ~420 kcal | Espresso + caramel, like a latte with a twist | $4.75–$5.50 |
So, which one’s right for you?
- Go Kicker if you want something mellow and creamy with just enough kick to get you through the day.
- Choose the 911 if you need serious caffeine in one cup—early mornings, road trips, or recovery-mode kind of days.
Reviews & Customer Feedback
Some calling it smooth, lightly sweet, and “just right” when you don’t want a sugar bomb. Others, especially on Reddit, aren’t as impressed, describing it as “boring” or “overhyped,” especially if they expected a stronger flavor or more punch for the price.
What people are saying:
👍 Positive feedback:
- “Refreshing, not super sweet—perfect for an iced coffee.”
- “Tastes great blended. Like a grown-up milkshake with a caffeine boost.”
- “Go-to when I don’t want something crazy sweet like a Rebel.”
👎 Negative takes:
- “Felt watered down.”
- “Kind of a letdown. Tastes like sweet milk with coffee in the background.”
- “Not worth $6. I’d rather get a latte and add syrup.”
