Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Recipe – Make the Copycat at Home (Easy & Quick)
Dutch bros golden eagle recipe is a creamy caramel-vanilla espresso drink. Make it at home with espresso, half-and-half, vanilla syrup, and caramel sauce (~480 cal). Ready in 5 mins for under $3!
The Dutch Bros Golden Eagle recipe combines espresso, caramel, and vanilla with creamy half-and-half for a smooth, sweet flavor. It’s easy to make at home in just minutes and costs less than a coffee shop version. This copycat drink delivers the same rich taste and energy boost as the Dutch Bros favorite.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Drink Name | Dutch Bros Golden Eagle |
| Type | Espresso-based breve (caramel & vanilla) |
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Servings | 1 (medium 16 oz) |
| Calories | ~480 kcal |
| Caffeine | ~120 mg |
| Cost to Make | Around $2.50 |
| Best Served | Hot, Iced, or Blended |
| Flavor Profile | Creamy caramel and vanilla with espresso base |
What is a Golden Eagle?
A Dutch Bros Golden Eagle is a creamy espresso-based drink with caramel and vanilla flavors, made with half-and-half (breve-style). It’s one of Dutch Bros’ most popular menu items, known for its rich, dessert-like taste.
Why Make It at Home?
✅ Save money – Cheaper than buying at Dutch Bros
✅ Customizable – Adjust sweetness, dairy-free options
✅ Quick & easy – Ready in 5 minutes
Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Recipe
📝 Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
- 6 oz half-and-half (or whole milk for less richness)
- 1 tbsp vanilla syrup (Torani or homemade)
- 1 tbsp caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzle)
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Ice (if making iced version)
Estimated Cost: ~$2.50 per serving
Calories: ~480 (medium size)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Hot Golden Eagle
1️⃣ Brew espresso (or strong coffee).
2️⃣ Steam half-and-half (heat gently, do not boil).
3️⃣ Mix in vanilla syrup & caramel sauce.
4️⃣ Pour over espresso and stir.
5️⃣ Top with whipped cream & caramel drizzle.
Iced Golden Eagle
1️⃣ Fill a glass with ice.
2️⃣ Pour espresso over ice.
3️⃣ Shake cold half-and-half, vanilla syrup, and caramel in a jar.
4️⃣ Pour milk mixture over espresso.
5️⃣ Top with whipped cream & caramel.
Blended Golden Eagle (Frosti-style)
1️⃣ Blend espresso, half-and-half, vanilla, caramel, and ice until smooth.
2️⃣ Top with whipped cream & extra caramel.
💡 Pro Tips
✔ Dairy-free? Use oat milk + coconut cream.
✔ Lower sugar? Sugar-free syrups work.
✔ Stronger coffee? Add an extra espresso shot.
Check full sugar free menu with prices
📊 Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 60 g |
| Sugar | 55 g |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Caffeine | 120 mg |
Values may vary slightly depending on the milk and syrup brands used.
Flavor & Texture Profile
The Golden Eagle tastes like dessert in a cup. It’s rich, smooth, and layered with caramel sweetness and vanilla undertones. The espresso cuts through the cream for a balanced flavor that’s neither bitter nor overly sugary. The half-and-half gives it that signature breve texture — velvety, full-bodied, and almost custard-like.
Taste Notes
- Sweetness: 7.5/10
- Creaminess: 9/10
- Espresso Strength: 6/10
- Dessert Factor: 10/10
If you enjoy Starbucks’ Caramel Macchiato, this one’s a little creamier with more caramel depth.
Looking for something smooth and creamy? Try the Dutch Bros Kicker Recipe.
How It Compares to the Dutch Bros Original
| Feature | Dutch Bros Version | Homemade Version |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5.75 (medium) | ~$2.50 |
| Calories | ~480 kcal | ~480 kcal |
| Caffeine | 120 mg | 120 mg |
| Texture | Ultra creamy | Creamy (same with half-and-half) |
| Dairy Options | Standard breve | Customizable (oat, almond, etc.) |
| Flavor Accuracy | — | 9.5/10 if using Torani syrups |
You get nearly the same flavor for half the cost, with total control over sugar, milk type, and espresso strength.
Recipe Variations to Try
1. Salted Caramel Golden Eagle
Add a small pinch of sea salt to the caramel drizzle for a sweet–salty balance.
2. Mocha Golden Eagle
Blend 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup with the caramel and vanilla for a richer twist.
3. Protein Golden Eagle
Mix in ½ scoop vanilla protein powder before blending — makes a creamy, filling shake.
4. Cold Brew Golden Eagle
Swap espresso with ½ cup cold brew coffee for smoother flavor and lower acidity.
5. Skinny Golden Eagle
Use sugar-free syrups and nonfat milk to drop the calories below 200 per cup.
Check out the full drink collection at our Recipes page.
FAQs
Closing Note
Skip the drive-thru and craft your Golden Eagle at home — it’s creamy, caramel-rich, and hits the same notes for half the price.
Try it once, and it might just replace your daily Dutch Bros run.
