Copycat Dutch Bros Hazelnut Truffle Mocha

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As the brisk morning air greets me through my slightly ajar bedroom window, my body instinctively yearns for a warm embrace. It’s a craving that often takes the form of a rich, comforting beverage. On one such morning, nestled beneath the comfort of my favorite throw blanket, the thought struck like a beam of sunlight through overcast skies: could I recreate that sumptuously indulgent coffee concoction that once danced on my palate at Dutch Bros? Ah, the Hazelnut Truffle Mocha, a symphony of nutty sweetness mingled with the deep tones of cocoa, all harmonized with the robust essence of perfectly brewed coffee.

Let’s face it, not every day can start with a trip to Dutch Bros, but who says we can’t bring a little piece of that magic into our kitchens? With the right ingredients and a touch of whimsical brewing spirit, we can all sip on the nostalgic notes of a Dutch Bros Hazelnut Truffle Mocha from the comfort of our home.

How to make Dutch Bros Hazelnut Truffle Mocha

The Dutch Bros Hazelnut Truffle Mocha is a famous specialty coffee drink offered by Dutch Bros Coffee, a chain known for its extensive menu of coffee beverages.

Ingredients:

• Espresso: 2 shots (about 60ml or 2 oz.), the bold foundation of our concoction.
• Milk: 8 oz. (about 240ml), steamed. Whole milk is preferred for richness, but any alternative milk will do if you’re looking for a lighter option.
• Hazelnut Syrup: 1 tablespoon (15ml) for that nutty sweetness that defines the character of our mocha.
• Chocolate Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30ml), plus a bit more for drizzling. Choose a high-quality sauce for a deeper chocolate taste.
• Whipped Cream: A generous dollop for garnish.
• Cocoa Powder or Chocolate Shavings: A sprinkle for that beautiful finish.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Espresso: Start your journey by brewing two strong, dark espresso shots. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a stovetop Moka pot or a strong brew from a coffee maker can substitute in a pinch.
2. Steam the Milk: While your espresso breathes life into the room with its rich aroma, steam your milk until it’s hot and bubbly. In the absence of a steamer, a microwave and a vigorous whisk or a dedicated milk frother can accomplish this.
3. Layer the Flavors: In your chosen mug, pour the hazelnut syrup and the chocolate sauce. This layering ensures that each sip carries the full spectrum of flavors.
4. Combine Espresso and Milk: Pour the fresh, hot espresso over your syrup and chocolate base, mixing gently to marry the flavors. Follow with the steamed milk, holding back the foam with a spoon to create a perfect blend.
5. Garnish and Indulge: Once your mocha is assembled, add a dollop of whipped cream on top for a luxurious texture. Drizzle with additional chocolate sauce and sprinkle with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for an artisanal touch.

Tips for the Perfect Hazelnut Truffle Mocha:

• Quality Ingredients: The difference between a good mocha and a great one often lies in the quality of the ingredients. Opt for high-quality espresso and a chocolate sauce rich in cocoa solids.
• Customize Your Sweetness: The sweetness of your mocha can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amounts of hazelnut syrup and chocolate sauce. Start with the recommended measurements and adjust to taste.
• Serving Temperature: To avoid scalding and enhance the flavors, ensure your milk is steamed to a comfortable drinking temperature, around 150-155°F (65-68°C).

What to serve with

Pairing the perfect accompaniment with your Dutch Bros Hazelnut Truffle Mocha can transform a simple coffee break into an extraordinary indulgence.

Here’s a selection of delights that harmonize beautifully with your home-brewed beverage’s nutty, chocolatey flavors.

Sweet Temptations

• Biscotti: Choose a classic almond biscotti for a delightful crunch that complements the smoothness of the mocha. The nuttiness of the almonds will resonate well with the hazelnut and chocolate flavors.
• Chocolate Croissants: For a touch of luxury, serve your mocha with a warm, buttery chocolate croissant. The flaky pastry and melting chocolate chunks create a heavenly match with your creamy mocha.
• Cinnamon Rolls: The sweet and spicy flavors of a soft, gooey cinnamon roll make it an excellent companion to the mocha. The cinnamon adds a warming note that contrasts nicely with the richness of the hazelnut and chocolate.

Savory Selections

• Cheese Scones: If sweet isn’t on your menu, opt for savory cheese scones. Their rich, buttery flavor and crumbly texture provide the perfect savory balance to the sweetness of your hazelnut truffle mocha.
• Breakfast Quiche: With its creamy custard filling and flaky pastry, a slice of quiche pairs wonderfully with the mocha for a more substantial breakfast or brunch option.

Healthier Choices

• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad, perhaps with a hint of mint or a drizzle of honey, can lighten the rich density of the mocha. Opt for berries, which are especially good for providing a slight tartness that complements the beverage beautifully.
• Nut Bars or Energy Balls: For a healthier snack with a bit of a crunch, try nut bars or energy balls made from dates, oats, and nuts. These not only taste great but also provide a sustained release of energy.

Decadent Desserts

• Chocolate Lava Cake: For a truly decadent treat, serve a warm chocolate lava cake with your mocha. The cake’s molten chocolate center and hazelnut coffee create an unforgettable flavor explosion.
• Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies: Bake a batch of hazelnut chocolate chip cookies to double down on the hazelnut flavor. The cookies are crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and absolutely delicious when dipped in the mocha.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating your version of the Dutch Bros Hazelnut Truffle Mocha at home can be quite the adventure, especially when you start experimenting with ingredient substitutions. Whether due to dietary restrictions, personal preferences, or simply the need to use what you have on hand, there are many alternative ingredients that you can use to craft a delightful beverage. Here are detailed substitute options for each key component:

Espresso Substitutes

• Strong Brewed Coffee: If you don’t have an espresso machine, use a strong cup of brewed coffee. A French press or an Aeropress can yield a more concentrated flavor.
• Instant Espresso Powder: Another quick alternative is to add water to instant espresso powder to achieve a similar espresso strength.
• Decaffeinated Espresso or Coffee: For those avoiding caffeine but still looking for that coffee flavor, decaf variants work as a direct substitute.

Milk Substitutes

• Non-Dairy Milk: Almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk can be used for a dairy-free version. Each will bring its own flavor profile to the mocha.
• Lactose-Free Milk: For lactose-intolerant, lactose-free milk is a suitable alternative.
• Half-and-Half or Cream: If you’re looking for a richer, creamier version, substituting milk with half-and-half or even light cream will work. Note that this will increase the fat content.

Hazelnut Syrup Substitutes

• Alternative Nut Syrups: Syrups made from almonds, pecans, or walnuts can offer a different but equally pleasing nutty flavor.
• Homemade Hazelnut Extract: If store-bought syrup is unavailable, you can make a simple syrup at home and add hazelnut extract for flavor.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: These natural sweeteners won’t give a nutty flavor but will add a unique twist to your mocha, with maple syrup giving a warm note and honey offering a floral sweetness.

Chocolate Sauce Substitutes

• Cocoa Powder: A mixture of cocoa powder and a sweetener like sugar or a sugar substitute can replace chocolate sauce. Adjust to taste.
• Homemade Chocolate Sauce: Melt some chocolate chips with a bit of milk or cream to create a quick, homemade chocolate sauce.

Whipped Cream Substitutes

• Non-Dairy Whipped Toppings: A variety of non-dairy whipped creams are made from almond, coconut, or soy.
• Homemade Whipped Coconut Cream: Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk and then whip the solidified cream to create a dairy-free whipped cream alternative.

Cocoa Powder and Chocolate Shavings Substitutes

• Carob Powder or Shavings: If you’re avoiding chocolate, carob is a caffeine-free alternative with a similar flavor profile.
• Nut Toppings: Finely chopped hazelnuts or other nuts can add texture and nutty flavor as a topping.

Final Thoughts

Creating your own Dutch Bros Hazelnut Truffle Mocha at home is not just about enjoying a delicious drink; it’s about the joy of crafting something special with your own hands, infusing your day with a moment of tranquility and delight.

More Dutch Bros Recipes:

• Dutch Bros Rebel Recipe
• Dutch Bros Mangonada
• Campout Cold Brew (Dutch Bros Copycat)
• Sugar Free Syrup at Dutch Bros (Recipe)
• Copycat Dutch Bros Strawberry Horchata Chai Recipe