If you’ve ever sipped on a Dutch Bros Cold Brew, you know it’s a game-changer in chilled caffeine delights. As a connoisseur of all things coffee, I’ve spent countless mornings craving the wonderfully rich and less acidic profile of Dutch Bros signature cold brew.
Table of Contents
How to make Dutch Bros Cold Brew
Dutch Bros Cold Brew is a popular coffee drink offered by Dutch Bros Coffee, a well-known chain of drive-thru coffee shops.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee (opt for quality, medium roast for authentic flavor)
- 4 cups of cold, filtered water (adjust for desired strength)
- Optional: Milk, sugar, or flavor syrups for serving
Equipment:
- A large jar or pitcher
- A long spoon for stirring
- A fine mesh strainer or a cheesecloth
- A coffee filter or a nut milk bag
Instructions:
- Prepare the Coffee Mixture: In your large jar or pitcher, combine 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee with 4 cups of cold, filtered water. The coarse grind is crucial for a smooth and clear brew.
- Stir and Soak: Stir the mixture gently to ensure all the coffee grounds are soaked with water. Cover the jar with a lid or cheesecloth and let it sit at room temperature. For a bolder flavor, you can let it soak in the fridge. The soak time should be anywhere from 12 to 24 hours, depending on your preference for strength.
- Strain the Brew: After the soaking period, strain the coffee using a fine mesh strainer lined with a coffee filter or a cheesecloth. If you’re using a nut milk bag, pour the mixture directly into the bag over a large bowl, then gently squeeze the liquid out, leaving the grounds behind. This may require a bit of patience to ensure your cold brew is clear and free of sediments.
- Serve Your Cold Brew: Transfer your Dutch Bros style cold brew concentrate to a clean jar or bottle for storage. To serve, dilute the concentrate with cold water to taste. A good starting ratio is 1:1, but you can adjust depending on how strong you like your coffee. Add ice, milk, and any preferred sweeteners or flavors. Enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Dutch Bros Cold Brew:
- Quality Matters: The taste of your cold brew will significantly depend on the quality of coffee you use. Opt for freshly roasted beans from a reputable source and grind them coarsely just before brewing.
- Water Temperature: Though using cold water is standard, using room-temperature water can slightly accelerate the extraction process if you’re short on time.
- Extraction Time: The extraction time can change the flavor profile of your cold brew. A shorter time (12 hours) will give you a lighter, more delicate flavor, while a longer soak (up to 24 hours) will develop deeper, richer notes.
- Serving Suggestions: For a personalized twist, experiment with different mixins like vanilla syrup, caramel, or even a dash of cinnamon. For a creamier texture, try adding a splash of half-and-half or your favorite milk alternative.
What to serve with
Your homemade Dutch Bros Cold Brew is a masterpiece, but imagine elevating your coffee experience with the perfect accompaniment.
Sweet Delights
- Coffee Cake: A classic pairing, the slight sweetness and crumbly texture of coffee cake complement the rich, smooth flavors of your cold brew. Look for recipes with cinnamon or nut toppings for an added flavor dimension.
- Biscotti: These Italian twice-baked cookies are made for coffee dipping. The crunchy texture and variety of flavors, from almond to chocolate-dipped, offer a delightful contrast to your chilled brew.
- Donuts: An all-American favorite, donuts and coffee are a match made in heaven. From a classic glazed to a decadent chocolate, the sweetness of donuts pairs wonderfully with the nuanced flavors of cold brew.
Savory Bites
- Avocado Toast: For a more nutritious pairing, serve your Dutch Bros Cold Brew with avocado toast. The creaminess of the avocado and the crunch of the toast makes for a satisfying combination. Add a sprinkle of sea salt and red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Bagels with Cream Cheese: The dense, chewy texture of a bagel contrasted with smooth, creamy cheese offers a simple yet satisfying complement to your coffee. Add smoked salmon for an indulgent twist.
- Breakfast Burritos: Filled with eggs, cheese, and your choice of breakfast meats or veggies, breakfast burritos are a hearty option that pairs splendidly with the refreshing taste of cold brew.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a Dutch Bros Cold Brew at home can be an exciting endeavor, and sometimes you may have to substitute ingredients to match what you have on hand or to cater to dietary restrictions.
Coffee Beans
Original Ingredient: Dutch Bros may use a unique blend for their cold brew. Medium to dark roast beans are usually favored for cold brew to achieve a smooth, robust flavor.
Substitutes: If you cannot access the same blend, you can use any high-quality medium to dark-roast coffee. Single-origin beans with chocolatey or nutty profiles can work well, too. A medium roast with fruity notes could be a good substitute for brighter acidity.
Water
Original Ingredient: Filtered water is ideal for cold brew, as it ensures that no chlorine or minerals affect the taste of your coffee.
Substitutes: If you don’t have filtered water, bottled spring water can be a good substitute. Try to avoid tap water with an identifiable flavor or scent, as it could affect the final taste of your coffee.
Sweeteners
Original Ingredient: Cold brews are sometimes enjoyed with added sweeteners like simple syrup or flavored syrups.
Substitutes: If you don’t have simple syrup, you can dissolve regular granulated sugar in hot water to create a quick version. For a lower-calorie option, stevia or monk fruit sweeteners can be used. To replicate flavored syrups, consider using natural extracts like vanilla or almond extract with sweetener to taste.
Milk or Cream
Original Ingredient: Whole milk or heavy cream is often used to add richness to cold brew.
Substitutes: You can use skim milk or 2% milk instead of whole milk or cream for a lower-fat option. For those who are dairy-free or vegan, almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk are great alternatives, each adding its unique flavor and consistency.
Final Thoughts
Enjoying Dutch Bros Cold Brew at home allows you to explore a world of flavor pairings right from your kitchen.
More Dutch Bros Recipes:
Ingredients
- 1 cup of coarsely ground coffeeÂ
- 4 cups of cold, filtered waterÂ
- Optional: Milk, sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Coffee Mixture: In your large jar or pitcher, combine 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee with 4 cups of cold, filtered water. The coarse grind is crucial for a smooth and clear brew.
- Stir and Soak: Stir the mixture gently to ensure all the coffee grounds are soaked with water. Cover the jar with a lid or cheesecloth and let it sit at room temperature. For a bolder flavor, you can let it soak in the fridge. The soak time should be anywhere from 12 to 24 hours, depending on your preference for strength.
- Strain the Brew: After the soaking period, strain the coffee using a fine mesh strainer lined with a coffee filter or a cheesecloth. If you're using a nut milk bag, pour the mixture directly into the bag over a large bowl, then gently squeeze the liquid out, leaving the grounds behind. This may require a bit of patience to ensure your cold brew is clear and free of sediments.
- Serve Your Cold Brew: Transfer your Dutch Bros style cold brew concentrate to a clean jar or bottle for storage. To serve, dilute the concentrate with cold water to taste. A good starting ratio is 1:1, but you can adjust depending on how strong you like your coffee. Add ice, milk, and any preferred sweeteners or flavors. Enjoy!
