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What's the Dutch Bros Golden Eagle?
The Golden Eagle is a caramel vanilla breve, which means it's espresso, vanilla syrup, caramel sauce, and steamed half-and-half instead of regular milk. Whipped cream and a bit of extra drizzle of caramel on top, and it's a cup of dessert. It's hot, iced, or blended at Dutch Bros — and yes, you can make all three versions at home too.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
To make a homemade Golden Eagle just like the Dutch Bros, gather the following:
- 2 oz. brewed espresso (about 2 shots)
- 6 oz. half-and-half (not milk — this makes it a true breve)
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla syrup (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 Tbsp. caramel sauce (plus extra for topping)
- Whipped cream (optional, but highly recommended)
Tools & Equipment:
You don't have to use a commercial espresso machine to make this drink. The following are some helpful devices and substitutes:
- Espresso machine (or Moka pot, Aeropress, Nespresso, or instant espresso powder)
- Milk frother (hand, electric, or even a French press)
- Saucepan (for warming milk, when necessary)
- Glass or cup of choice
Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. brewed espresso
- 6 oz. half-and-half
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla syrup
- 1 Tbsp. caramel sauce
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
- Brew espresso and pour into a mug.
- Steam and froth half-and-half.
- Stir in vanilla syrup and caramel sauce.
- Pour over espresso and stir gently.
- Top with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2-3 minutes
Servings: 1
Try Out The Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Recipe At Home:
1. Brew the Espresso
Begin by drawing 2 shots (2 oz.) of espresso. If you need a double coffee boost, you can add an extra shot or two. Then pour the espresso into a large mug or glass.
Here’s a tip if you don’t own an espresso machine!
You don't have to have a smooth espresso machine to make a beautiful Golden Eagle. Try one of these instead:
- Instant Espresso Powder: Mix 1–2 tsp with 2 oz. of hot water
- Moka Pot: Produces intense, espresso-style coffee
- French Press:Steep a rich concentrate with a lot of coffee and little water
- Aeropress: Ideal for a quick, intense coffee shot
- Nespresso Machine: Espresso your favorite pod in an instant
2. Steam the Half-and-Half
Heat 6 oz. half-and-half to a simmer. You can heat it with:
- A steam wand (if your espresso machine has it)
- A saucepan on the stove (be careful not to boil it)
- The microwave (heat in short increments so you don't burn it)
3. Froth the Milk
Froth the milk with a handheld frother.
If you don't own one, here’s what to do:
- Put the warm milk in a French press and pump the plunger until frothy.
- Use a mason jar: Top with a lid and shake rapidly for 30 seconds.
4. Add Flavorings
Mix 1 Tbsp. vanilla syrup and 1 Tbsp. caramel sauce with the steamed milk immediately. Mix well while the milk is still hot.
5. Combine and Serve
Pour the milk over the espresso and then gently stir to mix.
Top with whipped cream and a healthy dose of caramel drizzle for that real Dutch Bros taste.
Other Variations of This Recipe to Try Out:
Iced Golden Eagle
Do not steam the half-and-half. Rather, mix cold half-and-half and syrups, then pour over the espresso in a tall glass, and top with a lot of ice (or to your taste). Top with whipped cream and caramel.
Blended Golden Eagle
Make it a coffee milkshake! Mix espresso, cold half-and-half, syrups, and ice in a blender. Blend until frothy and smooth. Now you can enjoy a milkshake version of this delicious drink!
Dairy-Free Option
Use a full-fat plant-based milk like oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or almond milk. Frothability varies by brand, but oat milk will yield the creamiest result. Just swap it out for the regular milk, and voila- you can still enjoy the recipe dairy-free!
Sugar-Free Golden Eagle
On a low-sugar diet? Well, fret not you can still enjoy this recipe by making a low-sugar version of this! Here’s how: Avoid the sugar content with sugar-free vanilla syrup and a low-sugar or no-sugar caramel sauce to minimize the calories and carbs.
What Is a Breve and Makes This Delicious Drink a Breve?
The word “breve” is any espresso drink prepared with half-and-half instead of milk. That is what contributes to the richness and creaminess of the Golden Eagle. A latte, on the other hand, consists of regular milk (2%, skim, or whole) and is less in flavor and calories.
So, the Dutch Bros Golden Eagle is basically a vanilla caramel breve— and that half-and-half is what makes it stand out from other coffee beverages.
Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe:
The Dutch Bros Golden Eagle isn’t just another coffee drink — it’s a full-on flavor experience. Whether you’re a long-time Dutch Bros fan or discovering it for the first time, this copycat recipe brings all the magic of the coffee shop into your home.
First, it’s quick and easy. With a prep time of just 10 minutes, you’ll have your own Golden Eagle ready faster than waiting in the drive-thru line. It’s also versatile — you can enjoy it hot for a cozy treat, iced for a refreshing sip, or blended into a frosty, coffeehouse-style drink.
What we love about it is just how personalizable it is. Want to reduce sugar? Use sugar-free syrups. Need a dairy alternative? Substitute oat milk or almond milk. You still enjoy that creamy, indulgent feel.
Most importantly, it's decadent — sweet, smooth, and full of rich espresso flavor. It's topped with whipped cream and drizzled with caramel for a dessert-worthy touch.
After you've experienced this rich brew, your standard plain latte will seem a bit tame. This is the kind of coffee you'll be ordering over and over again. Or find yourself making this again and again within the comfort of your own home.
