Dutch Bros is a well-known coffee chain that is known for delicious and creative drinks. In their large menu, one drink stands out for being rich, creamy, and chocolatey. Hot Chocolate, or Hot Cocoa, is one of Dutch Bros’ popular drinks.
Dutch Bros lovers like to order just the regular Hot Chocolate (sometimes even iced), while others like to try the variety of hot chocolate flavors such as White Chocolate, Vanilla, and other unusual flavors such as Banana Bread, Cake Batter, and Jelly Donut.
If you don’t have a Dutch Bros location near you, don’t fret as you can make a Dutch Bros Hot Chocolate at home and I’ll tell you how to make it!
In this article:
- What is Dutch Bros Hot Chocolate
- Ingredients and Equipment Needed
- Making Your Own Dutch Bros Hot Chocolate
- Customize Your Dutch Bros Hot Chocolate
Related: What States Is Dutch Bros In?
What is Dutch Bros Hot Chocolate
Most, if not all, Dutch Bros lovers rave about the well-known coffee chain’s chocolate milk, and with good reason, too! The Dutch Bros hot chocolate is made by steaming chocolate milk.
And it’s not just any regular chocolate milk. Dutch Bros uses their own exclusive chocolate milk which you can’t find in any stores. This exclusive chocolate milk from Dutch Bros is the base for a lot of chocolate-flavored drinks but if you want just a regular hot chocolate, you can always order one.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
If you don’t have time to run over to your nearest Dutch Bros and get their hot chocolate, you can make one at home using very few ingredients. You can get all of the ingredients at your local supermarket or buy it online.
Chocolate-flavored whole milk
As I mentioned earlier, Dutch Bros uses their own chocolate milk. You can use any chocolate milk you like and I would recommend using chocolate-flavored whole milk for a richer and creamier taste.
If you can’t find chocolate milk, you can always buy chocolate or cocoa powder and mix it with milk to make your own blend. This way, you can buy your preferred milk and chocolate powder separately.
Chocolate sauce
All you really need to make Dutch Bros Hot Chocolate is chocolate milk but you can also add chocolate sauce to make your drink extra chocolatey.
Whipped Cream
Another optional ingredient that you don’t have to include. But, Dutch Bros Hot Chocolate is typically topped with whipped cream, or what Dutch Bros call soft top.
Saucepan or Espresso Machine
Since you will be making hot chocolate, you can use a saucepan to heat the chocolate milk over medium heat. Alternatively, you can also steam the chocolate milk using your espresso machine.
Tall Glass
You can use any glass you like or, for a Dutch Bros feel, you can also use a Dutch Bros cup if you have one lying around.
Making Your Own Dutch Bros Hot Chocolate
If you have all the ingredients you need, it’s time to start making hot chocolate, Dutch Bros style!
- Mix the chocolate powder with the milk to make chocolate milk. If you won’t be using chocolate powder, you can skip this step and go to Step 2.
- Pour one cup of your preferred chocolate milk into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat. If you are using an espresso machine, heat the steam wand, pour the chocolate milk into the milk jug, and steam it for about 5 to 10 seconds.
- Pour the hot chocolate milk into your glass.
- Mix in chocolate sauce (optional).
- Top your drink with whipped cream.
That’s all there is to make hot chocolate from Dutch Bros! Since you won’t be using the exclusive milk of Dutch Bros, it might not taste exactly the same. Chocolate milk is also already sweet, but you can add sweeteners such as sugar or simple syrup if you want your drink to be more sweet.
Related: How to Make Dutch Bros Annihilator at Home In 5 Mins or Less
Customize Your Dutch Bros Hot Chocolate
Dutch Bros is all about customization and you can also do it at home when you make your own hot chocolate. Here are a few ways you can customize your drink:
Add Flavored Syrup
Dutch Bros don’t only have plain hot chocolate. They have a wide selection of hot chocolate drinks and you can personalize your drink according to your desired preference.
Aside from adding chocolate sauce, you can also add a few pumps of flavored syrup such as caramel, vanilla, or hazelnut. You can go crazy with the flavors and mix different flavored syrups to make your own version of the Dutch Bros Hot Chocolate.
Torani has a lot of flavored syrup that you can choose from and it is also the brand that Dutch Bros uses, so you can get the flavors as close to the original drink as possible!
Add Toppings
Why stop with flavored syrups when you can also add toppings? Aside from whipped cream and sauces, you can always add sprinkles, marshmallows, or even crushed peppermint candies. Since you’re making this drink at home, you have the liberty to add different kinds of toppings you want.
Use Different Milk
The beauty of recreating drinks at home is you have the choice to use what kind of milk you want. You can use low-fat milk, soy milk, almond milk, or even half-and-half. There are a variety of chocolate milk in the market and you can choose what you need based on your dietary needs.
Make Your Own Chocolate Milk
If you want rich and creamy chocolate milk, you can try making your own. And no, you won’t be using cocoa or chocolate powder. If you can get your hands on some Mexican chocolate tablets, you can make your chocolate milk based on your taste preference.
To make chocolate milk using Mexican chocolate tablets, you just melt the tablets in milk over medium heat. The downside to this is your drink can get gritty because of the chocolate tablet. But, using chocolate tablets will give you a richer and creamier texture.
Some chocolate tablets, those that I’ve tried, are made from pure roasted, ground cacao beans so they will taste bitter. You might need to add sugar and other sweeteners if you want to make sweet hot chocolate using these kinds of chocolate tablets.
Final Thoughts
With such a simple recipe that requires simple ingredients, you’ll be having Dutch Bros Hot Chocolate all the time! While it may not be the exact recipe since Dutch Bros uses exclusive milk, you can still customize the drink to wherever your heart desires!
