Dutch Bros Coffee has once again stepped up its game with the introduction of a tantalizing new option – the Dutch Bros Sour Shot. Designed to inject a lively burst of sourness into non-coffee-based drinks, the Sour Shot promises to revolutionize how we think about our beverage choices.
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How to make Dutch Bros Sour Shot
The Dutch Bros Sour Shot is a new sour syrup introduced by Dutch Bros Coffee to enhance the flavor of their non-coffee-based drinks. This syrup adds a tangy twist to beverages like Rebel energy drinks, lemonades, teas, and sparkling sodas.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup citric acid (available at most grocery stores or online)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice or lime juice (for additional tang and flavor)
Instructions:
- Simple Syrup Base: Begin by making a simple syrup. Combine the sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Gently heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add Citric Acid: Once the sugar is dissolved, turn off the heat. Carefully add the citric acid to the simple syrup. Stir until the citric acid is fully incorporated and dissolved. This will give the syrup its characteristic sour flavor.
- Flavor with Juice: Add in the lemon or lime juice to enhance the sourness and provide a natural citrusy flavor profile.
- Cool the Syrup: Let the mixture cool to room temperature. As it cools, the flavors will meld together, and the syrup will thicken slightly.
- Strain (if needed): If you want a clear syrup, you may choose to strain the syrup to remove any undissolved particles or pulp from the citrus juice.
- Bottle and Store: Transfer the cooled syrup into a clean glass bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator.
Tips for Using Your Homemade Sour Shot:
- Experiment with Flavors: For different sour profiles, experiment with other acidic juices, such as orange, grapefruit, or pineapple.
- Adjust According to Taste: Depending on how sour you like your drinks, you might want to adjust the amount of citric acid. Start with less and gradually add more until you reach your desired level of sourness.
- Shelf Life: The homemade sour syrup can usually be kept in the refrigerator for up to a month.
- Use Sparingly: Because the sour flavor can be intense, start by adding just a splash of your homemade sour syrup to your drinks, then adjust according to your preference.
- Versatility: You can use this sour syrup in various beverages, from homemade sodas to cocktails, mocktails, and even in tea or lemonade.
What to serve with
Pairing the right snacks or treats with a drink enhanced by a sour shot, such as our homemade version inspired by Dutch Bros’ famed Sour Shot, can truly elevate the refreshment experience.
1. Sour-Infused Cold Brews and Iced Coffees:
For coffee aficionados who enjoy a twist of sour with their caffeine, pairing your sour-infused cold brew or iced coffee with something sweet can offer a delightful contrast. Consider:
- Mini Doughnuts or Doughnut Holes: Their sweetness can balance the tartness of the Dutch Bros Sour Shot.
- Chocolate Croissants: Chocolate and coffee are a match made in heaven, with the richness of the chocolate complementing the zesty coffee.
- Cheese Scones: The saltiness of the cheese inside these scones contrasts nicely with the sour-infused coffee, making for a layered taste experience.
2. Sour-Spiked Lemonades and Non-Coffee Beverages:
Whether it’s a zesty lemonade or a refreshing iced tea amped up with a sour shot, these drinks call for light, summery snacks that won’t overpower the refreshing tartness.
- Fresh Fruit Skewers: To complement the drink’s freshness, opt for a colorful selection of fruits like melon, pineapple, and berries.
- Cucumber Sandwiches: Their subtle flavor and refreshing crunch are perfect against the backdrop of a sour-spiked beverage.
- Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a light yet flavorful Mediterranean touch.
3. Energizing Sour-Shot Smoothies:
If you’ve decided to blend an energizing smoothie with a dash of homemade sour syrup, choose snacks that pack an equally nutritious punch.
- Nut Bars or Energy Balls: These are packed with nutrients and can help sustain energy, perfectly complementing an energizing smoothie.
- Yogurt with Honey and Granola: Smooth, creamy yogurt contrasts nicely with the sour tang of your drink, while granola adds crunch.
- Avocado Toast: Avocado’s rich texture and healthy fats make it an excellent complement to a zesty, refreshing smoothie.
4. Alcoholic Cocktails with a Sour Twist:
For those evenings when you’re mixing a cocktail with a sour syrup dash, think of savory nibbles and elegant snacks that can withstand the strong flavors.
- Charcuterie Board: A selection of meats, cheeses, nuts, and olives offers a variety of flavors and textures that pair beautifully with complex cocktails.
- Shrimp Cocktail: The chilled, savory taste of shrimp dipped in a tangy cocktail sauce mirrors the sour note in your drink.
- Mini Quiches or Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized appetizers are rich and satisfying, great for complementing the sharpness of your sour cocktail.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a homemade version of the Dutch Bros Sour Shot allows for personal customization and adaptation based on availability, dietary restrictions, and personal taste preferences.
1. Citric Acid Substitute:
Citric acid provides the sourness characteristic of the sour shot. If you don’t have citric acid:
- Lemon or Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice can serve as a natural and readily available substitute. It’s not as concentrated as citric acid, so you might need to adjust quantities and reduce additional liquid elsewhere in your recipe.
2. Sugar Substitute:
For those avoiding regular sugar, there are several substitutes you can use:
- Honey or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners can replace sugar. However, they introduce their own flavors and are liquid, which may affect the consistency of your syrup.
- Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a lower-calorie option, these sweeteners can be used in place of sugar. They’re much sweeter than sugar, so use them sparingly and adjust to taste.
3. Water:
Water is usually just the base and doesn’t need substituting. However:
- Flavored Liquids: If you’re adventurous, you could infuse the water with herbs (like mint or basil) before mixing it into the sour shot for an added layer of flavor.
4. Flavorings and Colorings:
If the original recipe suggests artificial flavorings or colorings and you’re looking for more natural options:
- Natural Extracts: Vanilla, almond, lemon, or even rose water can add subtle nuances to your syrup without artificial components.
- Fruit Juices or Purees: For color and flavor, consider adding a bit of beet juice for red/pink hues or spinach juice for green, beyond their contribution to taste.
Final thoughts
Replicating the Dutch Bros Sour Shot at home with these substitutes allows you to adapt the recipe to suit dietary preferences, ingredient availability, or just for the fun of experimentation.
More Drink Recipes:
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup citric acid
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Instructions
- Simple Syrup Base: Begin by making a simple syrup. Combine the sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Gently heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add Citric Acid: Once the sugar is dissolved, turn off the heat. Carefully add the citric acid to the simple syrup. Stir until the citric acid is fully incorporated and dissolved. This will give the syrup its characteristic sour flavor.
- Flavor with Juice: Add in the lemon or lime juice to enhance the sourness and provide a natural citrusy flavor profile.
- Cool the Syrup: Let the mixture cool to room temperature. As it cools, the flavors will meld together, and the syrup will thicken slightly.
- Strain (if needed): If you want a clear syrup, you may choose to strain the syrup to remove any undissolved particles or pulp from the citrus juice.
- Bottle and Store: Transfer the cooled syrup into a clean glass bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator.
