Ranking Dutch Bros Coffee’s Fan-Favorite Drinks: From Worst to Best
After starting out as a pushcart in 1992, Dutch Bros Coffee has become a drive-thru empire. The Oregon-based chain is continuing to expand with more than 900 locations across the U.S. and a 30% revenue increase from Q2 2023 to Q2 2024.
The unique and beloved menu, particularly the Dutch Faves, a collection of fan-favorite drinks, is a reason why it is successful.
As a longtime Dutch Bros enthusiast, I decided to taste-test all eight drinks on the Dutch Faves menu. To keep things consistent, I ordered each drink in a medium, iced version (though they’re also available hot or blended). Here’s how they ranked, from my least favorite to the absolute best.
Note: Prices are based on one Dutch Bros location in Missouri and may vary in other states.
8. Caramelizer
Price: $6.38
Dutch Bros has a caramel mocha called The Caramelizer which is made with espresso, caramel sauce, and their branded chocolate milk. While I can perceive this as a comfortable hot chocolate-like drink when served hot, the iced version did not meet my expectations.
The espresso had an inconsistent flavor and didn’t blend smoothly. Despite being a strong contender, this one ended up at the bottom of my list.
7. Kicker
Price: $5.38
The Kicker is basically an Irish cream brew, made with espresso, half-and-half, and Irish cream syrup. It’s undeniably sweet and creamy, but it reminded me of an oversweetened cup of coffee you could make at home.
The Irish cream didn’t have a lot of flavor depth, which left me craving more. If you’re a big fan of sweets, this may be right up your alley.
6. Cocomo
Price: $6.38
For a refreshing twist, the Cocomo, also known as coconut mocha, blends chocolate milk, espresso, and coconut syrup. I found the coconut here to be subtle, even though I usually find coconut-flavored drinks to be too nutty.
This is a reliable choice for those who enjoy a sweeter drink, and some fans suggest adding caramel sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
5. 9-1-1
Price: $6.90
If you need a significant caffeine boost, the 9-1-1 is the drink for you. It’s an upgraded version of the Kicker, packing six shots of espresso in a medium size.
The Irish creamy sweetness is balanced by the extra espresso, which is a great pick-me-up for long days. If I needed to power through a busy schedule, I would definitely order this again.
4. Double Torture
Price: $6.90
The Double Torture may have an intimidating name, but it’s actually less intense than the 9-1-1 due to its four shots of espresso instead of six. It’s balanced with chocolate milk and vanilla syrup, which gives it a lighter taste than a traditional mocha. The result is a drink that’s both flavorful and energizing, perfect for a productive morning.
3. Golden Eagle
Price: $5.71
It’s evident why The Golden Eagle is one of Dutch Bros’ most popular drinks. A creamy mixture of espresso, half-and-half, vanilla syrup, and caramel sauce is garnished with extra caramel drizzle.
Despite being sweet, the coffee flavor still shines through, making it a great choice for those who enjoy dessert-style coffee drinks. If you find it too sweet, you can either let the ice melt or add another shot of espresso.
2. Caramel Pumpkin-Brûlée Breve
Price: $7.47
The Dutch Faves list only contains seasonal drinks, such as the Caramel Pumpkin-Brûlée Breve, which is a fall staple. The combination of pumpkin and salted caramel flavors is complemented by Dutch Bros’ Soft Top foam, pumpkin drizzle, and sugar sprinkles.
I was expecting more pumpkin flavor, but the caramel notes were more noticeable, leading to a smooth and refreshing version of the seasonal classic.
1. Annihilator
Price: $6.38
The Annihilator is the drink that I think is the best because it has the perfect blend of chocolate-macadamia-nut syrup, half-and-half, and espresso. The year-round availability of this makes it stand out from other coffee shops, which only offer macadamia-nut flavors during the summer.
The Annihilator is not too sweet or bitter, and the drinking experience is flawless from start to finish. It’s not a surprise that this drink made it to the top of my list.
Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the nutritional content of Dutch Bros’ popular drinks if you’re curious. The table below shows the approximate calories, sugar, caffeine, and other key nutritional information for each of the eight drinks listed in this post.
Note: The nutritional values are based on a medium (16 oz) iced version of each drink, and may change based on customizations or serving size.
| Drink Name | Calories | Sugar (g) | Caffeine (mg) | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Annihilator | 320 | 38 | 150 | 12 | 42 | 8 |
| 2. Caramel Pumpkin-Brûlée Breve | 380 | 45 | 150 | 16 | 45 | 10 |
| 3. Golden Eagle | 350 | 40 | 150 | 14 | 44 | 8 |
| 4. Double Torture | 340 | 36 | 200 | 12 | 40 | 8 |
| 5. 9-1-1 | 360 | 38 | 390 | 14 | 42 | 8 |
| 6. Cocomo | 330 | 37 | 150 | 12 | 41 | 8 |
| 7. Kicker | 310 | 35 | 150 | 12 | 38 | 6 |
| 8. Caramelizer | 340 | 39 | 150 | 12 | 43 | 8 |
Key Takeaways:
- Highest Calorie Drink: Caramel Pumpkin-Brûlée Breve (380 calories)
- Lowest Calorie Drink: Kicker (310 calories)
- Highest Caffeine Content: 9-1-1 (390 mg)
- Lowest Caffeine Content: Most drinks contain 150 mg, except the 9-1-1 and Double Torture.
- Highest Sugar Content: Caramel Pumpkin-Brûlée Breve (45 g)
- Lowest Sugar Content: Kicker (35 g)
Notes on Nutrition:
- Caffeine: The 9-1-1 is the clear winner (or cautionary tale) for caffeine content, with a whopping 390 mg per medium. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, you might want to opt for a drink with less espresso.
- Sugar: All of these drinks are on the sweeter side, with sugar content ranging from 35 g to 45 g. If you’re watching your sugar intake, consider asking for fewer pumps of syrup or opting for sugar-free alternatives.
- Fat and Carbs: The use of half-and-half and chocolate milk in many of these drinks contributes to their higher fat and carb content. For a lighter option, you could try substituting with non-dairy milk.
FAQs
What’s your favorite Dutch Bros drink? Let me know in the comments!
