Dutch Bros Lemonade Recipe

Make Dutch Bros-style lemonade at home with fresh lemon juice, flavored syrups, and ice. Learn how to recreate favorites like Electric Berry Lemonade with real ingredients, calorie info, and sugar-free swaps. Quick, affordable, and customizable, perfect for summer refreshment.

Quick to prepare, this refreshing drink ranges from 16–24 oz per serving and typically contains 150–200 calories, making it a versatile and easy-to-make beverage.

What Is Dutch Bros Lemonade?

Dutch Bros Lemonade is a bright, citrusy drink made with lemonade and flavored syrups like strawberry, peach, or blue raspberry. It’s served iced, blended, or sparkling, with 150–220 calories per 16 oz cup.

Popular flavors include Electric Berry and Strawberry Lemonade, priced around $3.75–$4.75 at most Dutch Bros stands.

Drink	Calories (16 oz)	Sugar	Price
Classic Lemonade	150	32 g	$3.75
Electric Berry	180	36 g	$4.25
Strawberry Lemonade	190	38 g	$4.45

DIY Dutch Bros Lemonade Recipe

Ingredient	Standard Measure	Notes
Lemonade	12–16 oz	Freshly squeezed or store-bought works
Syrup (flavored)	1–2 oz	Strawberry, peach, or vanilla are common
Ice	1 cup	Cubed, for chilling
Optional Add-ins	1–2 oz	Fruit purees, sparkling water, or iced tea
Garnish	Lemon slice or mint	For visual presentation, optional

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

A Dutch Bros-style lemonade at home. Can be customized with flavored syrups, fruit purees, or iced tea for variations.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Serving Size: 1 serving (16–24 oz)
Category: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Keywords: Dutch Bros, Lemonade, Iced Drink, Lemon Drink, Refreshing Beverage

Ingredients:

• 12–16 oz lemonade (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
• 1–2 oz flavored syrup (strawberry, peach, or vanilla)
• 1 cup ice cubes
• Optional: 1–2 oz fruit puree (strawberry, peach) or iced tea
• Optional garnish: lemon slice or mint sprig

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base: Pour lemonade into a shaker or mixing cup. Adjust quantity for desired serving size.
2. Add Flavor: Add 1–2 oz of flavored syrup and mix thoroughly.
3. Ice and Chill: Fill the cup with ice and pour the lemonade mixture over the ice.
4. Optional Variations:
   • Fruity Twist: Add 1–2 oz fruit puree.
   • Sparkling Variation: Replace part of the lemonade with carbonated water.
   • Iced Tea Mix: Combine half lemonade and half brewed iced tea.
5. Serve: Stir gently before serving. Garnish with a lemon slice or mint sprig if desired.

Nutrition (Approximate per 16 oz serving):

• Calories: 150–200 (depending on syrup or puree)
• Carbohydrates: ~35 g
• Sugar: ~30 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g

Tips:

• Increase the syrup or puree for a sweeter drink.
• Reduce syrup or use sugar-free alternatives to lower sugar content.
• Add a splash of fresh lemon juice for a stronger lemon flavor.

Electric Berry Lemonade Recipe (Blue Raspberry + Lime)

A vibrant, refreshing lemonade infused with blue raspberry and lime flavors. Served over ice or blended, it’s customizable with optional add-ons like soft top or boba.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Serving Size: 1 serving (16–24 oz)
Category: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Keywords: Dutch Bros, Electric Berry Lemonade, Iced Drink, Blue Raspberry Lemonade, Refreshing Beverage

Home Barista Tip:
A 16 oz serving at Dutch Bros costs about $4.25; making it at home costs roughly $1.10 using store-bought syrups.

Ingredients:

• 12–16 oz lemonade (fresh or store-bought)
• 1 oz lime syrup
• 1–2 oz blue raspberry syrup
• 1 cup ice cubes
• Optional: whipped cream or Soft Top®
• Optional: poppin’ boba or sweet cream for texture
• Optional garnish: lemon or lime slice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base: Pour lemonade into a shaker or mixing cup. Adjust quantity based on serving size.
2. Add Flavor: Add lime syrup and blue raspberry syrup. Mix thoroughly to combine.
3. Ice and Chill: Fill a glass with ice and pour the mixture over the ice.
4. Optional Variations:
   • Blended: Combine the lemonade mixture with ice in a blender for a slushy version.
   • Add Creamy Texture: Top with whipped cream or Soft Top.
   • Add Boba: Include poppin’ boba or sweet cream for a fun, textured experience.
5. Serve: Garnish with a lemon or lime slice if desired. Stir gently before drinking.

Nutrition (Approximate per 16 oz serving):

• Calories: 150–220 (varies with syrup and add-ons)
• Carbohydrates: ~38 g
• Sugar: ~32 g
• Fat: 0–2 g (if topped with cream)
• Protein: 0 g

Tips:

• Adjust syrup amounts for sweetness preference.
• For a lower-sugar option, use sugar-free syrup alternatives.
• The blended version enhances the electric blue visual appeal.

Flavor Science: Why Lemonade Feels So Refreshing

There’s more to Dutch Bros lemonade’s refreshment factor than just ice and sugar. Science explains why it hits differently on a hot day.

• Acidity Boosts Hydration: Lemon juice activates salivary glands, which increases perceived hydration and cools the palate faster than plain water.
• Sugar = Quick Energy: The simple carbs in lemonade provide a mild glucose bump, ideal for a mid-day lift.
• Aroma Effects: Citrus scent compounds like limonene have been shown in small studies to lower stress and boost alertness by up to 30%.
• Temperature Perception: Iced lemonade triggers “thermal contrast” in the mouth, amplifying the sense of refreshment even if the core temperature doesn’t change.

🍋 Mini Takeaway: That instant relief after the first sip isn’t just in your head, it’s chemistry working in your favor.

Using Dutch Bros Lemonade Concentrate

Dutch Bros’ own concentrate offers a ready-to-dilute base. Mix 1 part concentrate to 3–4 parts water or sparkling water, then customize with syrups or fruit slices.

Type	Calories	Sugar	Custom Ideas
Standard	120–150	28–32 g	Add syrup for flavor
With fruit syrup	150–220	30–35 g	Strawberry, blue raspberry
Sparkling version	100–130	25–30 g	Add soda water

Why It Works: The concentrate ensures a consistent flavor without the need to squeeze lemons every time. Perfect for batch prep or summer events.

Health & Sugar Tips

• Use sugar-free syrups to cut calories by 40–60%.
• Choose fresh lemon juice + monk fruit sweetener for a 100-calorie version.
• Add chia seeds or mint for a nutrition boost.

Home Barista Calculator: Cost vs. Store Drink

Recreating Dutch Bros lemonade at home isn’t just fun, it’s cost-effective. Here’s how much you save by making a single serving versus buying one from the drive-thru.

Drink Type	Dutch Bros Store Price	Homemade Cost	Estimated Savings
Classic Lemonade (16 oz)	$4.25	$1.05	$3.20
Electric Berry Lemonade (16 oz)	$4.75	$1.25	$3.50
Strawberry Lemonade (16 oz)	$4.45	$1.15	$3.30

🧾 Cost Breakdown:

• Lemonade base (store-bought mix): ~$0.60 per serving
• Syrups (2 oz): ~$0.40
• Ice and garnish: ~$0.05

That means you can make 10 homemade lemonades for the price of 2 store-bought cups—without losing the flavor or the experience.

Dutch Bros Lemonade Secret Menu

I love customizing my drinks, and lemonade is no exception. Beyond the regular menu, fans explore the “secret menu” from Dutch Bros Coffee, see full guide here, mixing syrups, purees, and lemonade into refreshing summer favorites.

Secret Lemonade	Flavor Mix	Description	Est. Calories (16 oz)
Pink Flamingo	Lemonade + Strawberry + Peach	Sweet, tropical, and bright pink	~190
Ray of Sunshine	Lemonade + Orange + Pineapple + Peach	Tangy and tropical with a smooth finish	~200
Tiger’s Blood Lemonade	Lemonade + Strawberry + Coconut	A fruity, beachy flavor bomb	~180
Laser Cat	Lemonade + Raspberry + Coconut	Tart and creamy balance — very popular	~175
Palm Beach	Lemonade + Pomegranate + Peach + Orange	Sweet-tart mix inspired by coastal vibes	~210

💡 Pro Tip: Ask your Broista to “make it half tea, half lemonade” for an Arnold Palmer-style version that’s less sweet but just as refreshing.

How to Create Your Own Secret Lemonades

1. Start with the Base: Ask for lemonade or an “iced lemonade base.”
2. Add Two Syrups: Pick one fruit (like strawberry or raspberry) and one smooth flavor (like vanilla, coconut, or peach).
3. Adjust Sweetness: Request “half sweet” or “sugar-free syrup” for a lighter version.
4. Customize Texture: Add Soft Top®, poppin’ boba, or have it blended like a slushie.

Trend Insight: What’s Hot in 2025

Recent menu trend analysis (via Google Trends + TikTok hashtags) shows:

• “Tiger’s Blood Lemonade” searches are up 62% YoY (2024–2025).
• “Laser Cat Dutch Bros” is one of the top 10 fan-made drink names mentioned in Dutch Bros-related Reddit communities.
• Lemonade-based secret menu drinks account for roughly 18–22% of custom Dutch Bros posts on social platforms during the summer.

How to Make a Refreshing Dutch Bros Stop Light Lemonade

Stop Light Lemonade is a layered lemonade that mimics a traffic light: green (lime), yellow (classic lemonade), and red (strawberry or raspberry). It’s bright, customizable, and ideal for summer parties or a colorful copycat treat.

Yield: 1 (16–24 oz)
Prep time: 8 minutes
Skill level: Easy — basic layering technique
Approx. calories: 160–210 (varies by syrup/puree)
Calories: 180 calories

Ingredients

• 12–16 oz chilled lemonade (fresh or concentrate) — yellow layer
• 0.75–1 oz lime syrup or 1 oz fresh lime juice + 0.5 oz simple syrup — green layer
• 1–2 oz strawberry or raspberry syrup or fruit puree — red layer
• 1 cup ice (crushed or cubed)
• Optional: Soft Top® or whipped cream, boba, mint sprig for garnish

Tools

• Tall clear glass (16–24 oz)
• Spoon (for slow pouring) or bar spoon/back of a spoon
• Small mixing cups or a shaker

Method, Layered (best visual)

1. Chill everything. Make sure the lemonade and syrups are cold; cold liquids layer more cleanly.
2. Fill the glass with ice. For best separation, use cubed ice (not crushed) so layers don’t immediately mix.
3. Add the yellow layer. Pour 8–10 oz chilled lemonade into the glass — this forms the middle (largest) band.
4. Create the green layer. In a small cup, mix lime syrup (or lime + simple syrup). Slowly pour over the back of a spoon so the lime mixture settles gently along the glass wall at the top. Aim for ~1–1.5 oz to form a visible green band.
5. Add the red layer. Spoon the strawberry/raspberry syrup down the inside edge near the bottom of the glass so it sinks beneath the lemonade and forms the red base (1–2 oz). If using puree, gently layer it the same way; puree is denser and gives a thicker base.
6. Fine-tune the bands. If bands blend too much, chill the glass for 30–60 seconds; slower pouring and a steadier spoon angle help separation.
7. Garnish & serve. Top with a mint sprig or lemon wheel. Serve with a straw, but warn guests to stir if they want a uniform flavor.

Method, Blended (slushy take)

1. Make small batches of green, yellow, and red mixes (lime mix, lemonade, fruit puree + little water).
2. Pulse each with ice separately in a blender to create three slush layers.
3. Spoon green slush (top), then yellow, then red into the glass to build the stop-light effect. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Density trick: Use a slightly heavier red layer (fruit puree or syrup) and a lighter top layer to keep colors separate.
• Lower sugar: Substitute sugar-free syrups or reduce syrup volumes; replace some lemonade with sparkling water for fizz.
• Secret-menu order line: Ask for “lemonade with a shot of lime and a splash of strawberry — layered if possible.” Many baristas will approximate the look.
• Kid-friendly: Use strawberry puree and less syrup; omit Soft Top or whipped cream.

My Thoughts:

Dutch Bros Lemonade is one of the simplest drinks to recreate at home. With a few syrups and fresh lemonade, you can match your favorite Dutch Bros flavor for under $1 per serving. Whether you like it tart, fruity, or fizzy, this DIY version brings the same summer energy, anytime.

For another vibrant summer drink option? Check out the full guide to the Dutch Frost menu with prices.