DIY 911 Recipe:

If you love the 911 from Dutch Bros but don’t always want the drive-thru price or the full caffeine blast, this copycat recipe is for you. It recreates the same bold, creamy flavor at home, with full control over strength, sweetness, and cost.

I started making this at home after realizing the 911 isn’t really an everyday coffee. It’s intense, it’s rich, and sometimes you just want that flavor without committing to six espresso shots before noon. This version gets you surprisingly close, without needing barista skills.

What Is the Dutch Bros 911 Drink?

The Dutch Bros 911 is a high-caffeine coffee made with six shots of espresso, Irish cream syrup, and half-and-half. It’s known for being one of the strongest drinks on the menu, with a smooth, slightly sweet flavor that hides just how powerful it is.

This recipe focuses on copying the taste and texture, while letting you decide how strong you want it.

For current pricing, sizes, and how the drink compares at the stand, check the 911 Dutch Bros menu prices guide before ordering.

What You’ll Need to Make a Dutch Bros 911 at Home

Quick takeaway: simple ingredients, flexible swaps.

Core ingredients

• Espresso or strong brewed coffee
• Irish cream syrup
• Half-and-half or milk
• Optional sweetener (only if needed)

Good substitutes

• No espresso machine? Use very strong coffee from a French press or moka pot
• Any Irish cream syrup works, Torani and Monin are the closest matches
• Whole milk works if you want it lighter than half-and-half

If you want to compare caffeine and calories with other drinks, the Dutch Bros nutrition menu makes it easy to see how the homemade 911 stacks up against menu options.

Dutch Bros 911 Copycat Recipe (Step-by-Step)

Ingredients:

• 6 shots of espresso (or strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine)
• 2 oz of Irish cream syrup
• 1 cup of half & half (or a milk alternative)
• Ice (optional, for iced or blended versions)

Instructions:

1. Brew the Espresso: If you have an espresso machine, brew six shots of espresso. No machine? You can use strong-brewed coffee, but the taste will be slightly different. For an intense brew, consider using a French press or moka pot.
2. Add the Irish Cream Syrup: Pour 2 oz of Irish cream syrup into your coffee or espresso. Stir well to blend the sweetness evenly.
3. Mix in the Half & Half: For that signature creamy texture, stir in 1 cup of half & half. If you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option, substitute with almond, oat, or soy milk.
4. Serve Your Way:
   • Hot: Simply enjoy as is! A comforting option that’s perfect for chilly mornings.
   • Iced: Pour the drink over a glass of ice for a refreshing, cool version.
   • Blended: For a thicker, creamier treat, blend the drink with ice until smooth.

Equipment Options

• Espresso Machine: The most authentic way to capture the bold flavor of the original 911 drink.
• French Press or Moka Pot: Both produce strong coffee that can mimic espresso, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• Blender: Essential if you prefer the blended version of the 911. It creates a frothy, smooth drink perfect for hot days.

Ingredient Substitutions for a Healthier or Dairy-Free Version

• Milk Alternatives: Swap out the half-and-half for almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk if you’re looking for a lighter, dairy-free option.
• Sugar-Free Syrups: To reduce sugar intake, opt for a sugar-free Irish cream syrup that retains the flavor.

How Strong Is the Homemade 911? (Caffeine Control)

This is where homemade wins.

• One espresso shot averages 70–80 mg of caffeine
• The original 911 uses six shots, around 460 mg total

At home, you can:

• Use 4 shots for strong but manageable
• Use 6 shots to match the original
• Use 2–3 shots for the same flavor without the overload

Same taste profile, more control.

Calories & Nutrition (Homemade vs Drive-Thru)

Approximate values for a homemade version with half-and-half:

• Calories: 280–320
• Sugar: 30–40 g (depends on syrup)
• Fat: 10–14 g

Ways people lighten it up:

• Use whole or 2% milk instead of half-and-half
• Use sugar-free Irish cream syrup
• Reduce syrup to 1 tablespoon

Homemade versions usually come in lower than the drive-thru, especially on sugar.

How Close Does This Taste to the Real 911?

Very close.

Most people notice:

• Same creamy texture
• Same Irish cream flavor
• Slightly cleaner finish at home

The biggest difference is freshness, homemade tastes a little less sweet and less heavy unless you push the syrup.

Tips to Make It Taste Even Closer

Quick wins:

• Use freshly brewed espresso, not reheated coffee
• Warm the milk before mixing for better texture
• Start with less syrup, then add more
• Stir, don’t froth, the original isn’t foamy

If you want it sweeter like the stand version, add an extra half tablespoon of syrup.

Is It Cheaper to Make a 911 at Home?

Yes, by a lot.

Average cost per homemade drink:

• $1.25 to $1.75

Drive-thru average:

• Around $6.50 for a medium

If you drink strong coffee often, this adds up fast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using weak coffee, it won’t carry the flavor
• Boiling the milk, it ruins texture
• Over-sweetening too early
• Adding ice before the coffee cools

Small tweaks make a big difference here.

Dutch Bros 911 Recipe FAQs

Can I make this without an espresso machine?
Yes. Use very strong coffee from a French press or moka pot.

What syrup tastes closest to Dutch Bros?
Torani and Monin Irish cream are the closest matches.

How many shots should I use at home?
Four shots is strong. Six matches the original.

Can I make a sugar-free version?
Yes. Use sugar-free Irish cream syrup and unsweetened milk.

Can I make it iced or blended?
Absolutely. Both versions work well with this recipe.