Copycat Dutch Bros Lavender Drink Recipe

Dutch Bros Lavender Drink is more than just a cup of coffee; it’s a gust of fresh spring air in every sip. It blends the aromatic essence of lavender with the velvety sweetness of white chocolate and harmonizes it all with the robust depth of cold brew and cream.

How to make Dutch Bros Lavender Drink

​The Dutch Bros Lavender Drink is a seasonal beverage featuring a blend of white chocolate and lavender flavors, available at Dutch Bros Coffee locations during the spring.

Ingredients

For the Lavender Simple Syrup:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers (culinary grade)

For the Drink:

• 1 cup cold brew coffee (store-bought or homemade)
• ⅓ cup milk or your choice of milk alternative for a creamy texture
• 2 tablespoons white chocolate sauce (quality matters here for the best taste)
• Ice cubes
• Lavender simple syrup (to taste, but starting with 2 tablespoons is a good benchmark)
• Whipped cream (optional for topping)
• Dried lavender flowers or lavender sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

Making the Lavender Simple Syrup:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves.
2. Add the dried lavender flowers, stirring them into the mixture.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat. Allow it to steep for about 20-30 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the lavender flavor.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bottle or jar, discarding the lavender flowers. Allow the syrup to cool before using it. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Preparing the Dutch Bros Lavender Drink:

1. In a glass, add the ice cubes to your preference.
2. Pour the cold brew coffee over the ice.
3. Add the white chocolate sauce and lavender simple syrup. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
4. Gently pour in the milk to create a beautiful swirl with the coffee mixture.
5. If desired, top with whipped cream and garnish with a sprinkle of dried lavender flowers or a lavender sprig.

Tips

• Cold Brew Concentration: The strength of your cold brew can greatly affect the taste of the final drink. Adjust the amount of coffee or water in your cold brew to match your preference.
• Syrup Strength: Feel free to adjust the amount of lavender simple syrup in the drink. It’s best to start with a small amount and add more to taste, as lavender can be overpowering for some.
• Quality Ingredients: Using a high-quality white chocolate sauce can significantly change the drink’s flavor profile. Look for brands that use real cocoa butter for the most authentic taste.
• Dairy-Free Option: This recipe is easily adaptable for those avoiding dairy. You can substitute your favorite plant-based milk and whipped cream.
• Serving: For an authentic coffee shop experience, serve in a clear glass to appreciate the layers and garnish artfully with the lavender.

What to serve with

When serving the Dutch Bros Lavender Drink, you have a unique opportunity to complement the beverage’s floral and creamy notes with an assortment of snacks and treats that can enhance the overall experience.

Sweet Pairings

Lavender Lemon Cookies:

• Description: Soft, buttery cookies infused with lemon zest and a hint of lavender pair beautifully with the drink’s floral notes.
• Why it works: The citrus lightness of the lemon balances the richness of the white chocolate in the drink.

Vanilla Bean Scones:

Description: Soft, lightly sweetened scones flavored with vanilla bean make for a comforting treat.

Why it works: Vanilla’s mellow flavor complements the lavender without overpowering it, creating a harmonious taste experience.

White Chocolate Raspberry Muffins:

Description: Tender muffins studded with raspberries and white chocolate chips provide a burst of fruitiness and creamy sweetness.

Why it works: The tartness of the raspberries contrasts satisfyingly with the smooth and sweet layers of your lavender drink.

Savory Pairings

Herbed Cheese & Crackers:

Description: A selection of mild, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert served with herb-infused crackers or a fresh baguette.

Why it works: The herbs in the crackers echo the botanical notes in the lavender, while the creaminess of the cheese matches the drink’s texture.

Prosciutto and Melon:

Description: Thin slices of prosciutto draped over chunks of fresh cantaloupe or honeydew.

Why it works: The salty and sweet profile of this pairing beautifully counters the sweet and floral lavender drink.

Spinach Quiche:

Description: A delicate, savory quiche filled with spinach, feta, and a hint of nutmeg.

Why it works: The earthiness of the spinach and the tanginess of the feta highlight the drink’s complex flavor profile.

Ingredients Substitutes

The Dutch Bros Lavender Drink typically features a blend of lavender and other sweet and creamy components. If you’re making this at home or looking for alternatives due to preferences or ingredient availability, here are detailed descriptions of ingredient substitutes that you can use.

Lavender Syrup

Homemade Lavender Simple Syrup:

Substitute: If you don’t have pre-made lavender syrup, you can make your own by steeping dried culinary lavender in a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves). Strain out the lavender before using it.

How to Use: You can use this homemade lavender syrup in place of store-bought lavender syrup. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Herbal Teas:

Substitute: Lavender herbal tea bags can be steeped in hot water and then cooled to use as a flavoring.

How to Use: Use the strong tea in place of lavender syrup. Since it won’t be as sweet, you might need to add a sweetener like honey or agave.

Milk

Non-Dairy Milk:

Substitute: Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk can replace traditional dairy milk for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.

How to Use: Select an unsweetened version to avoid altering the drink’s sweetness, and use it in place of dairy milk.

Lighter Options:

Substitute: If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, consider using skim milk or low-fat milk.

How to Use: Simply substitute the full-fat milk with your choice of lighter milk in the same quantity.

Sweeteners

Alternative Sweeteners:

Substitute: If you prefer natural sweeteners or need a low-glycemic index option, consider using honey, agave nectar, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener.

How to Use: These can be added to adjust the drink’s sweetness to personal taste, but remember that the sweetness potency may differ, so add gradually and taste as you go.

Whipped Cream

Dairy-Free Whipped Cream:

Substitute: Coconut whipped cream or other dairy-free whipped toppings can be used for those who avoid dairy products.

How to Use: Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk, scoop out the solid part, and whisk with a sweetener until it forms peaks. Use in place of regular whipped cream.

White Chocolate

White Chocolate Syrup Alternative:

Substitute: If white chocolate syrup isn’t available, you can melt white chocolate chips with a bit of milk or use a store-bought vanilla syrup as a flavor substitute.

How to Use: Melt white chocolate or vanilla syrup to mimic the sweetness and flavor of white chocolate syrup.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy the process of making this delightful Dutch Bros Lavender Drink at home. It’s not just about the caffeine kick but also about capturing the essence of spring and the joy of crafting your special beverage.

More Dutch Bros Recipes:

• Copycat Dutch Bros Sour Shot Recipe