Dutch Bros Caramelizer Recipe

Dutch Bros Caramelizer (Copycat) blends smooth espresso, creamy chocolate milk, and rich caramel sauce for a homemade treat. Top with whipped cream and an extra caramel drizzle for that classic coffeehouse flavor.

Enjoy this iced or hot caramel mocha at home, perfect for coffee lovers craving Dutch Bros taste, sweetness, and café vibes without the drive-thru.

Whip Up Your Own Dutch Bros Caramelizer at Home

This recipe serves one, but scale it up for a coffee date or lazy Sunday squad. Total time? About 5 minutes. It’s beginner-friendly, too – no fancy equipment required beyond a basic espresso setup (or strong coffee in a pinch).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Grab these from your pantry or a quick grocery run. Pro tip: Go for Torani caramel sauce if you can find it; it’s what the Bros use and gives that authentic glossy drizzle.

• 2 shots espresso (about 2 oz total) – fresh brewed or from your machine
• 8 oz chocolate milk (whole for extra creaminess, or oat for a dairy-free twist)
• 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (divided – 1 for mixing, 1 for topping)
• Whipped cream (the canned kind for ease)
• A handful of ice cubes (if going iced)

That’s it. Simple, right? Keeps the calorie count around 300-350 per serving, depending on your milk choice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s I’ll walk you through both hot and iced, pick your adventure.

For the Iced Caramelizer (My Go-To for Afternoons)

1. Brew your two shots of espresso and let it cool for a sec. Stir in 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce until it’s all melty and mixed. This is your flavor base – don’t skip the stir!
2. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, then pour the espresso-caramel mix over the top.
3. Slowly add the chocolate milk to fill the glass. Give it a gentle swirl so the layers peek through – that’s half the fun.
4. Dollop on a generous swirl of whipped cream and drizzle the remaining caramel sauce right over it. Boom, you’re sipping like a pro.

For the Hot Version (Perfect for Chilly Mornings)

1. Same deal: Brew the espresso and mix in 1 tablespoon caramel sauce.
2. Heat up the chocolate milk in a small saucepan or microwave until steaming (not boiling – we want smooth, not scalded).
3. Pour the hot chocolate milk into your mug over the espresso base. Stir lightly to blend.
4. Top with whipped cream and that caramel drizzle. Inhale the aroma first – it’s basically a hug in a cup.

Servings: 1

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Category: Drink
Cuisine: American, Coffeehouse

Nutrition (approximate): 300-350 calories per serving

Tips & Variations:

• Substitute strong coffee for espresso.
• Use almond/coconut milk for dairy-free.
• Reduce caramel for less sugar.
• Blend with extra ice for a milkshake version.
• Store leftovers up to 1 day in refrigerator.

How-To Tips and Tricks

Want to level up without the hassle? Here’s a quick rundown of what I’ve learned from trial and error. These little hacks make it feel even more like the real deal.

• Espresso Swap: No machine? Use 4 oz strong brewed coffee instead. It’s not exactly the same, but close enough to fool a friend.
• Dairy-Free Hack: Almond or coconut chocolate milk works great. Just add a splash of creamer for that velvety mouthfeel.
• Sweetness Control: If you’re watching sugar, cut the caramel to 1.5 tablespoons. Still indulgent, less guilt.
• Blended Bonus: For a frosty treat, toss everything (minus toppings) in a blender with extra ice. It’s like a milkshake had a baby with a latte.
• Storage Note: Best fresh, but leftovers? Pop in the fridge for up to a day – shake before reheating.

If you loved making this Dutch Bros Kicker at home, why not try out the Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Recipe next for a sweet vanilla-caramel twist?

Why This Beats the Drive-Thru (Sometimes)

Look, Dutch Bros has that unbeatable energy – the chats with baristas, the stickers, the whole vibe. But on a rainy Tuesday when you’re in PJs? This homemade version wins. It’s customizable, wallet-friendly (under $2 a pop), and zero lines.

Plus, I’ve made it for brunch parties, and folks always ask for the “secret.” There is none – just good ingredients and a little love.

If you’re hooked on Dutch Bros hacks, try their Golden Eagle next; it’s like this but with vanilla sunshine. Got tweaks or pics of your version? Drop ’em in the comments – I’d love to see!

If you want more coffee magic, check out the Dutch Bros Kicker Recipe for a refresher on perfecting that creamy vibe!